Trail running is the best. Part I
A whole bunch of trail runners tell you why they love it
What does trail running mean to you? Why do you trail run?
These are questions that trail runners have all thought about and been asked before. I asked you all these questions and the responses were awesome! They were so awesome that I’ve decided to split the post in two. I split the post in two because the word count was getting a bit out of hand and I thought this will spread the fun out. The second part of the fun will be released in one week.
What did recent 100-mile world record setter Camille Herron answer to the question:
I am so grateful to all of you that submitted responses. It means a lot to me that you took the time to do it, and I hope you enjoy what I’ve put together with all your words. All of your stories and reasons brought me joy and I hope this brings you all as much joy! I’ve used your stories and quotes and attempted to string it all together in some kind of entertaining fashion.
If you didn’t get the chance to participate, I hope you can comment and let us all know why you trail run! We all have our different reasons for it, and I love hearing the variety out there.
Training Days
Event day is several months away at this point. Some call it race day, some call it event day. It all depends on your state of mind (and where you’ll be in the pack). Anyway, that day is far enough away that you think about it, but you’re not worried about it yet. It’s just there. There is so much work to do before then.
I grab all the gear I need (my pack, food, poles, water, toilet paper, etc…), close the car up, and head out.
It’s a group run today. A small group of us are headed out on the HBC Heritage trail for some early season kilometres. I’ve not run with this group before and I start along quietly, with a group of 4 ahead of me, chatting like they’re old friends. I quickly pick up their names. Erick Thompson (Summerland, BC) is telling the group about how special this trail is to him because it’s where he ran his first 50 miler and had the opportunity to create his movie “Fifty”. Beside him is Mandy Pochobradsky (Minneapolis, MN), and trailing behind those 2, but ahead of me, are Jeff Winchester (Leland, NC) and Niki Kearl (Chilliwack, BC). Niki shares a story as we pass over a bridge about a time she slipped off one and landed on her head. She’s laughing as she tells it because she was fine, but obviously, the memory is vivid for her!
We gaze up at some big trees and our feet continue to dance across the dirt.
“The simple beauty of the forest comes at unexpected moments when I run. The light spilling through trees, sounds of water, the feeling of being centred and grounded. Being thankful for my health and vitality. When I run I am often struck with immense gratitude for my life.”
Niki’s thoughts hit me and I’m struck by how familiar those thoughts can be.
The conversation flows as smoothly as we descend the singletrack and this time Mandy adds her thoughts.
“Trail running is where I feel the most “me”. I feel connected to the place and nature and love the peace that comes with it. I love the struggle and pain. It helps me to really know myself and my thoughts. There’s no way to describe the feeling of being out on a trail and discovering a new day with just your own feet.”
I can completely relate to these thoughts of appreciating nature and having your own ass handed to you by the trail. It seems Erick likes the challenge as well.
“I like having a goal that is outside my comfort zone. Signing up for tough races gives me a reason to train. I don't have romantic notions about being in the wilderness. It's something I've always done. Trail running just makes it more fun.”
We’ve headed up another climb before we know it and Mandy mentions how much she loved the discomfort of running at altitude in Pattee Canyon in Missoula and Jeff shares a story about running the JFK 50 miler and letting runners pass so he could enjoy the ridgeline views of the Appalachian Trail. We continue over the technical terrain and Jeff speaks again.
“For me, trail running is all about being disconnected and unplugged from the artificial digital world that we are pulled into through most of our day. Being on the trail allows you to disconnect from all of that by simply allowing you to connect to the natural world around you. You are able to connect to who you are, how you were created to be, to live, to breathe and to exist. It isn't an escape, so much as it provides freedom to be.”
I nod in agreement and as Jeff finishes up, I tell the group to keep moving, I’m going to rest up a bit and have a snack, and wait for the next group coming. They carry on and I crush some banana bread, barely finishing half of my piece before I see the next group.
Play time in the woods
Something about the next group is different though. I can’t figure out what it is.
Until I do.
We’re in a different place.
I’m not sure now if this is real or a dream. But that’s nothing new being on the trail. I’m picking up my steps to run with the group, looking around, trying to figure it out. We run past a sign that reads “Waterworks Valley National Park”. One of the runners sees me reading the sign.
“This is a great park, it’s got a bit of everything. Thanks for running with us, I’m Clare Cornick (Jersey Channel Islands), and these are Jesse Robertson (Vancouver, BC), Megan Joycey (North Vancouver, BC) and Kelvin Turner (Wales).”
I nod and smile at everyone as Clare continues.
“I’ve only been trail running since September ‘21 and I was hooked right away! My favourite moment was definitely “standing on a cliff top on a Sunday morning with no one else around in the light rain and holding my face up to the sky and just feeling so alive!”
We head up, down, over, and through. The air feels particularly fresh as we make our way along the trail. Jesse starts to speak, seemingly adding to Clare’s thoughts from earlier about being hooked after his first race, the 18km Survival of the Fittest in Squamish, BC. He loved how encouraging his fellow runners were. Meghan is nodding in agreement as she says she loves all of the events and just can’t get enough of that atmosphere. Kelvin lets us know he hasn’t run an event in 20 years and is training for a trail marathon in a few months. He also casually drops in the fact that he’s finished Leadville.
This group to similar to the last. Everyone is seemingly happy to just be out there and moving along a trail. Meghan must be in my head because she tells us how much joy trail running brings her and all after starting in such a simple way.
“I started hiking and jogging on the flat parts. I've always loved trails and being out there in a peaceful place on my own, but now I've discovered great company on the trails. I love it all.”
Kelvin nods and adds simply, “I find it challenging and relaxing.”
Jesse picks up on that thought train, telling us about a solo run he did through the Hanes Valley in BC. He couldn’t believe the number of emotions he went through and how happy he was to get through the day. It seems that running is helping him grow as a human as well.
“I see it as a great way to further develop as a person, by challenging myself to run distances I previously thought impossible.”
I love how open everyone has been today, it’s been a great day on the trails. I spot a place on the side of the trail to have a quick break and another snack as I say goodbye to this group. They continue down the trail easily, laughing and floating away as I chew my cream cheese bagel.
In the distance, I can hear someone running toward me and I notice them as they break around the corner all by themselves. We nod and he stops at the side of the trail with me to have a snack. As he grabs a bar from his pack I notice we’ve changed locations once again. I’m at the highest point around, and we’re looking out over the water. The man introduces himself as John C. Alsedek (Los Angeles, CA). He tells me here in the San Elijo Hills near Lake San Marcos is one of his favorite places to run and today he is halfway through a 15-mile loop. He loves being out here by himself and he started running as a way to stay fit and has fallen in love with it.
“The things I love about it...the peacefulness of the trail, coming across wildlife every now and then (like a black bear once hahaha), and the ability to set and reach short-term goals like the top of a mountain.”
Just as he finishes his thought, he pops the last of his snack in his mouth and takes off.
“See you later, I got this!”
The sign reads “parking lot 800m ———>” and I follow in the direction of the trail. I’ve caught up with one last group and we’re essentially walking back to the parking lot, cooling down. Everyone in the group seems content, but a little quiet. It’s evident everyone has had a decent day of training on the trails. I introduce myself and learn that I’m with Simon, Imaculate Mosha (Washington, USA), Leonard Symeonides (Athens, Greece) and Sarah Harrison (British Columbia, Canada).
“Quick”, I say, “tell me your favourite part of trail running.”
“Early frosty morning as the sun rises.” Simon quips.
“Play time in the woods.” Imaculate adds.
“Getting childish joy from playing in the mud and woods!” Leonard chimes in.
We’re looking at Sarah as she thinks about it a second longer.
“I got into trail running when I had a huge change in my life that I didn't know how to cope with. Being out in nature, breathing heavy, often with friends was very healing. I also love the goals of the races and climbs.”
We’re only a few minutes from the parking lot now as everyone takes a few last drinks from their bottles or finds another snack in the bottom of a pocket. Simon mentions that he only runs trails so Sarah mentions the Frosty mountain race as one her favorites to check out. Imaculate adds another PNW race to the list as she mentions the Deception Pass race. Both mention the scenery and Imaculate also makes mention of homemade pizza at the finish line. Everyone loves the mention of food and Leonard shares that his favourite race has soup at the finish, muddy slopes to run and a section of stream to cross. He lets us know it’s called Huncote Hash.
We’re back at the parking lot and getting back to real life now. We say our goodbyes and wish each other well in our training. I’m one long run closer to event day. On the drive, my mind drifts as I remember the conversation with Leonard about a favourite moment of his.
Happy (birthday) days
I’m zipping up my jacket. I’ve got my Spotify playlist rocking my favourite pump-up jams and I sip the last bit of coffee from the bottom of my thermal mug.
It’s gonna be a good day. I’m off for more training on the trails of Forksville, PA. Scott Snell (New Jersey, USA) invited me out. I was to meet him at 7 am and there will be others. We should all be ready for challenging and technical terrain and also beautiful scenery as we’ll follow streams, visit waterfalls, and climb to beautiful vista overlooks.
I introduce myself to the others, Lauren Jane Young (North East England), Tom Mulleder (North Vancouver, BC) and Chris Ward. Scott thanks us for joining him and we’re off. He starts telling us a story about his most recent race, the last person standing Backyard Squatch Ultra. He ran more than 146 miles and surprised even himself by being the last person standing! His family was there and he was so happy to share the moment with them. It’s a great story and we’re all smiling listening intently. I look over to Lauren and I ask her why she trail runs?
“It’s freedom, as an adult, to do whatever and go wherever. It’s confidence, to take yourself on your own steam. It’s stress release, friendship building. It’s calming, encouraging, wild and wonderful. Trail running is a door into your deepest mindset.”
We are flying along the trail with ease and Chris picks up the thought.
“I trail run to get out into nature, to explore new parts of the world, and to go places I've never been to before. Both physically and mentally. I also run to find a deeper connection to the world. There's something about moving your body over rocks and roots down the trail through the woods that strips you to the core and makes you feel human.”
Tom doesn’t skip a beat.
“I trail run to keep fit. Most notably, to help me try to maintain a healthy mind. Whether its a solo 10k, a run with my lovely wife, or out with friends, time in the forest is very relaxing for me. I always come back feeling better than when I left. A period of time to just enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.”
I’ve got a fast-food breakfast sandwich in my pack that is calling my name. I work on that as Tom tells us about his first time seeing “The Lions” up close in North Vancouver and how awestruck he was. Lauren shares how she feels pure elation when she is mid-run by herself “out there”, and Chris reminisces about being completely present on the Appalachian trail as he ran like a primate downhill. Finally, Scott tells us about how he uses trail running to improve himself and finds it therapeutic.
It feels so nice to run and connect with people like this and as the group takes off ahead of me, I wave goodbye and reach into my pack for a mid-run sugar fix. As I wolf down a 3rd twinkie, I’m fairly certain I’ll regret eating three of these, but I sip down some water to wash down the last of it and take off. I can faintly hear singing in the distance.
It’s “Happy Birthday”.
“Back in August 2020, we were on the 83km Karhunkierros trail with a friend of mine. It was my birthday. We had a break at about 25km, beautiful spot by a lake, in the middle of nowhere. There was a group of ladies going to the opposite direction, my friend organized them to sing Happy Birthday to me. He even had small pieces of cake in his backpack!!! Priceless.” Harry (Helsinki, Finland)
I applaud as the group of ladies heads off on the rest of the run and watch Harry enjoy a quick snack of cake. I can’t help but smile ear to ear watching it all unfold and I quickly introduce myself to the group of three other runners. I find out they are Michelle, Greg Faber (West Vancouver, BC), and Laura Nance (North Carolina, USA). We all reciprocate the fact it’s nice to meet each other and we’re off.
I can hear the ocean.
I can smell the sea.
Michelle tells us what we have in store as she explains an awesome ultra race in the area, The Fundy Circuit 50k.
I’m in Fundy National Park in New Brunswick Canada.
Michelle tells us we’re gonna follow the Coastal trail and make our way through Matthews Head. We will get a bunch of ocean views and then Third Vault Falls trail will take us to said falls. We’re bouncing down the trail full of excitement. It’s a head-in-the-clouds kind of feeling as we make our way along so effortlessly. I can’t help but think “this is the best”.
Apparently, Greg is in my head at this point.
“I trail run because it really is my therapy time, it’s a few hours of breathing, learning about my self, my capabilities and filling my soul with joy and profound happiness which is getting harder to find these days.”
We continue on getting those constant ocean views we were promised and Greg continues telling us his stories. His favourite trail race, Diez Vista in Port Moody, BC, Canada is a love-hate relationship and then he tells us about a time in 2018 when his relay team finished 2nd in the Lewiston 50 and he had the honour of finishing. As he finishes the story he pulls out a peanut butter sandwich and Michelle laughs a bit with us as she tells us an awesome story of sharing some peanut butter bars with a squirrel on a recent run, and just how appreciative the simple act made her of her time in the forest.
“Trail running means time to be in nature and breathe fresh air. To be among the trees & forest animals. I come home with new ideas and it helps me to be more creative. I sketch trees & paint the sunsets and other things I see on my adventures.”
I wish I could sketch and paint with more skill. It’s so cool she can go home and revisit what she saw through her art. I’m lost in that thought as our shoes leave perfect imprints in the damp mud and the sound of the ocean never completely fades away. The sound of Harry asking Laura about any favourite trail running moments snaps me back to the present. She talks about how she got into it back in 2018 and was proud of herself as a mom in her 40’s to have found this awesome new sport. She’s been getting faster ever since, but it’s a deeper love than that as well.
“I trail run because it really helps me to unplug from the world and any stress or anxiety that I am experiencing. I love weaving in and out of trees and rocks, watching out for roots, and the pure technicality of it. The challenge of the hills. All my problems seem to disappear and I usually feel much better afterwards. Running for me has also been a really positive twist in my life. I discovered that I was in fact athletic, I just needed trails not tracks.”
The waterfall is as impressive as Michelle promised and we’re nearly finished for the day. Everybody is enjoying the last of their snacks and fluids from their bottles as we cool down. Harry carries the conversation as he tells us about how much he enjoys pushing his limits in nature, how much he enjoys that physicality and the clarity and purpose that can come from a good run. He loves how supportive the community is and I certainly can’t argue that.
We say our farewells and go our separate ways. I know the next time I lace’em up, it’s the big day. I’m pumped. I’m ready.
I hope you enjoyed part I. Let me know what you think here is the link for Part II.
If you enjoy the newsletter, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running newsletter it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :)