My Trail Running Journey
My trail running journey started out of a need for something different. I was primarily a road runner for years, logging mile after mile on pavement. . I decided to give it a try one day and haven’t looked back. The feeling of being completely immersed in nature, with the sounds of birds and the rustle of leaves replacing the drone of cars, was exactly what I was looking for.
Connecting with the Trail Running Club
I found my trail running club almost by accident. I was out on a local trail and saw a small group of runners coming towards me, all wearing matching t-shirts. They looked like they were having a blast, laughing and encouraging each other. I was curious, so when I got back to my car, I looked up their logo and found their social media page. It was clear from their posts that they were a welcoming and inclusive group. I decided to attend one of their weekly group runs. Everyone introduced themselves, and a few people took the time to run with me and show me the ropes. It was a really easy way to find community in a new sport.
A Favorite Memory with the Club
My favorite memory with the club happened on a particularly rainy Saturday morning. We were running a long, muddy route, and conditions were pretty tough. At one point, we came to a particularly slick, steep downhill section. One of our new members, who was a little nervous about it, slipped and fell right into a huge mud puddle. Instead of it being a moment of embarrassment, the whole group burst out laughing. We all stopped, and one of the more experienced runners helped them up, covered in mud. We all ended up taking a big “muddy” photo at the bottom of the hill. It just captured the essence of the group—we don’t take ourselves too seriously, we help each other out, and we find joy in the messy parts of the journey.
Favorite Place to Experience the Trails
My favorite place to experience the trails is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The diversity of the trails is incredible. One moment you’re running alongside a cascading stream, and the next you’re climbing a ridge with a panoramic view of the misty mountains. The air is always fresh, and the trails are challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Current Plans for Races or Adventures
I am interested in training for the Leadville Trail Marathon. It’s a classic, high-altitude race that’s known for its beautiful but demanding course. It will definitely be my biggest challenge yet, but I am excited about the training process and the opportunity to test my limits.
Bucket List Trail or Race
My ultimate bucket list trail is the Zion Traverse in Zion National Park. It’s a 48-mile route that winds through some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, from desert trails to high-elevation forests. I’ve always been drawn to the unique beauty of the American Southwest, and the idea of spending a few days running through that incredible scenery is a dream of mine.