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.
Talking about mental health is hard. Running is hard. Putting the two together can be empowering. They become friends, running buddies of sorts…
The start of my forties has proven to be my best years of running. Why? I have continued to push through hurdles, barriers, and stayed committed not only during the good times but also through tough times. Adjusting, pivoting my training to flow with the season of life, but never giving up the goals I have set forth to accomplish.
Any and all women are invited to join Team Trail Sisters! Special access to team kits and apparel, Speaker Series webinars, partner discounts, team newsie and communities group, and special meet-up events! Join the team today!
The Trail Sisters Community provides a way to connect with other Trail Sisters, Join Local Groups, learn from educational courses & more!
Providing tools for success on the trails is important. Find a coach through our coaching directory, get inspired with a film or learn how to apply for an Adventure, Childcare, or Coaching Grant.
Check out a Run With Her Retreat, the Women's Trail Half Marathon or come run a Marathon or 50 Mile with us in wine country!
Talking about mental health is hard. Running is hard. Putting the two together can be empowering. They become friends, running buddies of sorts…
The start of my forties has proven to be my best years of running. Why? I have continued to push through hurdles, barriers, and stayed committed not only during the good times but also through tough times. Adjusting, pivoting my training to flow with the season of life, but never giving up the goals I have set forth to accomplish.
Over the past two years I have slowly been transitioning into a trail ultra runner. As a professional musician I have been amazed at how many skills I learned as a musician translated into trail running. Growing up, it was implied that the arts and sports are diametrically opposed to each other. This is not true!
At 11:50pm on October 6th, 2022 Kyle, José and I left Refugio Cotopaxi to begin our summit attempt at the Cotopaxi Volcano at 19,347 feet. We were among a team of 20 individuals, ten of whom were amputees – including Kyle – who were attempting to summit Cotopaxi that morning.
To me, recovery had always been my own journey and something that I preferred to keep private. But I think our stories, like runs, are meant to be shared…
Kari Hays is a 2022 Trail Sisters and The North Face Adventure Grant recipient.
Three strangers met in-person in early October in southern Oregon. The reason for coming together was complex, and simple, at the same time. They each sought connection, in a time of continued uncertainty, loss, and mental and physical exhaustion.
My research and writing matter to me, and as difficult as the dissertation is, I’m excited to put it out into the world. But my excitement doesn’t change the fact that the actual writing of it is a big task, a true endurance sport. And so I turn back to the other endurance sport I love –– running races…
The early years of my running journey consisted entirely of road running, and with that came a number-focused mindset. I became much too consumed with my GPS watch and running metrics, and finally stopped to ask myself: Do I truly care about what these numbers represent and is it beneficial to my overall enjoyment of running?
Trail Sisters® is a registered trademark of Trail Sisters LLC | © 2022 Trail Sisters LLC
