Before there were races and ultras in my life, before there were run clubs and communities on my radar, and before there were training programs and coaching calls on a weekly basis, there was running and there were adventures.
Viewing entries tagged
runventure
Every week, I look forward to my long run on trails. Rain or shine, hot or cold, solo or in a group, the trails are a place of joy and adventure. There are so many reasons to love the trails — more reasons than I can possibly list! — but here are nine benefits of trail running to get you started!
Plus resources for local trail running groups and events in the Triangle!
Trail running has never been more popular. And I’m not exaggerating or making big declarative statements just because I love the sport! (Though I reserve the right to wax poetic and passionate about trail running!) But if you’re new to trail running or you’re looking for tips (and groups local to the Triangle!) check out my top six tips and bonus resources!
My first international trail race!
(aka “the Mont Blanc Intro to Nature Running Fun Run” or something like that, lol) I’ve officially run a race in Europe! I’ve officially run a race in the Alps!!
McCrae and I had already planned a trip to France for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in June/July 2019 and we planned a side trip to Chamonix, not even realizing we would be there during the Marathons du Mont Blanc. Most of the races were sold out by the time we realized it, but the 10K - billed as the “intro to nature running” - still had spots available. So, eager for adventure, we signed up to race! Sure, a 10K seems a little silly now after running ultras, but I figured any chance to hit some trails and scout out the Mont Blanc area has to be a good decision. 😉Plus we were technically on holiday, so might as well take it kinda easy, right??
This was my third year running the Tuna Run 200 relay race from Raleigh to Atlantic Beach
Sleep deprivation? Check. Running fast for the team? Check. Snoring in a van? Check. Smelling like goats? Check. Making some new memories with great friends? Check check check.
I didn’t always consider myself a trail runner, but now, on the brink of becoming a trail ultramarathoner, I realize how trail running has always been important to me.
It has been a ridiculously long time since I’ve been active on this blog, and yes, I miss it, but on the other hand it’s been thrilling to have such a fast-paced summer.
So if I haven’t been blogging, then what the heck have I been up to?! (The responsible and mostly true but boring answer is I’ve been busy with my job - technology moves fast and creating innovative technology means I have to move even faster.) But the more exciting thing to say is I’ve been running trails.
Durham team relay offers running, biking, "swimming," and plenty of great local food to raise money for Durham Bike Co-Op nonprofit
Do you have money left over from your tax refund even after being bombarded by spring charity fundraisers? Do you like bikes, the Bull City, or ludicrous athletic achievements? If you answered "yes," "no," or "maybe" to any or all of the above then please consider donating to my team's Doughman fundraiser! What's Doughman? It's a team race and culinary tour of Durham with running, biking, and "swimming" relay legs. Each leg also includes chowing down on some food from a local esteemed Durham restaurant. Think Krispy Kreme Challenge but cooler because it's in Durham, is a relay triathlon (ish), and has good food (oh snap!). ("Wait," you might ask, "how does one swim in Durham?!" I'm glad you asked! Apparently it will include a slip'n'slide or kiddie pool. Yeah, I'm not entirely sure what I'm signed up for, but oh well, I'm already signed up for it!)
A trail on campus at UNC-Chapel Hill offers lots of route options for hiking or trail running.
This past Sunday Kelly and I kicked off our trail running adventures (which I will affectionately call "runventures") with Battle Branch Trail. This particular trail starts at the Chapel Hill Community Center and connects to Battle Park, a 93 acre park on campus at UNC Chapel Hill. Battle Branch Trail connects Battle Park and the Chapel Hill Community Center, and you can loop various trails together in Battle Park for a range of mileage for a great hike! Great for running or hiking, it's a great addition to the Sunday Stroll series!