A Runner, Perhaps

I’m not a runner. At least, I’ve never considered myself one. 

When I was in my twenties, I began running around Golden Gate Park. I lived on 7th Avenue, right next to the park. So, it was easy to lace up my sneakers and go for a jog. I enjoyed the occasional three-to-four-mile jog, but I never went much further and I was never consistent. 

Running was never my sport of choice. I grew up playing soccer, hiking, and snowboarding. In college, I minored in dance. I’ve always been active and drawn to team sports. But, running was never something I considered to be a team sport. At least, not until I joined the Trail Sisters. 

When I was living in San Francisco after college, I joined an Australian Rules Football club on a whim. An Aussie friend who was a trainer at my gym suggested I come out to practice one day and I thought, “Why not”? I honestly thought that by “footy,” she meant soccer. I had no idea it was a tackle sport. Think rugby, but more chaotic. That first practice changed my life. I fell in love with the sport and the community and I ended up playing for nine years. I loved the competition, the rush I got from playing, and being part of a team. But, it was a sport that took a toll on my body in ways that I don’t miss today. Throughout the years, I experienced a pulled hamstring, pulled meniscus, broken fingers, and many bruises. Eventually, I made the tough decision to stop playing because my body needed a rest. 

Shortly before I decided to stop playing, I was on a bike ride with my friend and teammate Caitlin. We were riding up Mt. Tamalpais and chatting about what she’d been up to recently when she brought up Trail Sisters. Like me, she was also contemplating retiring from footy for a sport that wouldn’t leave her bruised every weekend. She’d recently become more dedicated to running and had joined Trail Sisters for the community. When she suggested I join her for a run with the Trail Sisters, my response was, “I am so not a runner. I wouldn’t be able to keep up with you all!” But, when she explained that the group runs at a mellow pace and waits for one another at the trail junctions, I decided to give it a try.

I showed up to the Tennessee Valley parking lot for my first run and to say I was intimidated is an understatement. Thoughts were swirling in my brain like, “You’re not in good enough shape for this” and “They’re going to hate that you’re slowing them down.” I remember that run being hard. I remember feeling out of shape. But, I also remember feeling welcomed and ecstatic that I’d just completed a near six-mile run. I felt strong. 

I started going every week. Every Thursday, I would drive down to Tennessee Valley and hit the headlands with my new friends. I was always in the back of the group and that hasn’t changed nearly three years later. But, my perspective has. I used to be embarrassed about getting to the top of the hill last while everyone else was waiting for me. I used to curse myself for not being faster. Sometimes those toxic thoughts creep into my head from time to time. But, my confidence has grown. I’m proud of myself for challenging my body and for taking a chance by joining a running group. Now when I reach the top of the hill, I smile because I got there. 

Joining the Trail Sisters community made the decision to give up footy a little easier because I was joining a new “team.” I’ve found a new appreciation for running and a community who shares my love for the outdoors. Three of these incredible ladies even climbed the Grand Teton in Wyoming with me last year after I messaged our Slack group asking if anyone was interested in joining. 

The Trail Sisters have been such a wonderful addition to my life. I’ve formed strong friendships and become a healthier version of myself both mentally and physically. 

A few months ago, I became one of the group leaders. The Marin chapter has grown so much and we needed new leaders to help out with the runs and events we were hosting. So, I volunteered. I started doing it as a way to help out the other leaders of the group. But, now I use my new role as a way to introduce more beginners to the community. When one of the other group leaders suggested we host more short runs, I jumped at the chance to lead them. The last run I led was a two-mile loop. One of the women who came told me she’d been following Trail Sisters Marin on Instagram for a while. She’d wanted to join a run, but didn’t think she was in good enough shape to join the Thursday night runs that are typically five to seven miles. When she saw that we were offering a short run, she was thrilled. 

I’m never going to be a competitive runner and I probably won’t ever run a marathon. A half… maybe. The longest distance I’ve run is nine miles and I was sore for a full 48 hours after. But, I want more women to know that that’s okay. You don’t have to be the stereotypical runner to be part of the Trail Sisters community. If you’re new to trail running or are curious about getting started, you’ll always be welcomed by the Trail Sisters.