6 years ago, I decided to do something outside of my comfort zone, took some chances, and hoped for the best.
There were nerves of how things would be received, anxiety over not doing enough, and the constant fear of failure…not only for me personally, but for the purpose and mission I hoped would reshape the current state of the trail running and hiking communities.
Through this experience my mantra became “take a bet on yourself.” I realized that if I didn’t believe in myself and abilities, how could I ever create change or inspire others to believe in their capabilities to make change.
I hope TS community members will embrace the mantra of “take a bet on yourself,” as it’s the most powerful belief one can have in her pursuit of life.
Growing up in the Midwest, running in the mountains was far from anything I ever thought about doing. But my running progressed throughout my adult life and I entered the world of ultramarathons in my 30s.
The truth is that whether you are leading the pack or running in dead last, your body is worthy of your love and care. The truth is that food is not a reward, period; that your body is more than a race car to fuel; that it will change over time; that you’re at your best when your body is nourished.
This summer I realized I was no longer running away from home. It was an odd sensation to recognize that I was running for me, running because I could, and running for the joy of running.
Growing up in the Midwest, running in the mountains was far from anything I ever thought about doing. But my running progressed throughout my adult life and I entered the world of ultramarathons in my 30s.
The truth is that whether you are leading the pack or running in dead last, your body is worthy of your love and care. The truth is that food is not a reward, period; that your body is more than a race car to fuel; that it will change over time; that you’re at your best when your body is nourished.
This summer I realized I was no longer running away from home. It was an odd sensation to recognize that I was running for me, running because I could, and running for the joy of running.
Diagnosed with Lupus almost 13 years ago, I was certain that my active life was over. During this time, I was more of a “let’s do a 5k” kind of girl, my family was very active. Hiking and exploring consumed almost every school break. The outdoors just seemed to rejuvenate me. Until… moving became difficult.
“Today is hard”. That was the text I sent my husband on Stage Two of the TransRockies Run. We had just climbed and descended Hope Pass. It was a short mileage day with only thirteen miles to cover, but with about five miles left, I was feeling discouraged.
If you’re looking for a short, late season thru-hike, look no farther than the Bartram Trail. The BT is an ~115-mile-long trail that roughly retraces 18th century American naturalist, William Bartram’s exploratory route through the Southeastern United States. The entirety of the trail is within Georgia and North Carolina…
If you’re not from Pittsburgh, thinking of the city might invoke scenes of smokestacks, steel mills, or black and gold sports gear, not trail runs along steep, technical trails. You might wonder: Are there even mountains in Pittsburgh?
If you’re thinking about it, you’re ready. Listen. You’ve looked at the pictures and read the posts about hiking to these incredible places you can only get to by foot. You’ve decided to try it. You are about to backpack for your first time!
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