Waypoint Narrative #13
Waypoint Narratives: Five questions, one objective - share stories of people who have experienced the impact of the outdoors.
When I first started running in my flimsy Amazon sneakers around my neighborhood block, I thought running was “free exercise.” Then, after a few months of what seemed like pure self-torture, I walked into the Appalachian Running Company store in my hometown. I was curious if they had something a little more supportive for my feet. Little did I know what I’d find there was support for my life journey! That is when I met Linda. Whether you are familiar (or not) with the trail running community, Linda embodies the spirit of it: inclusive, inspiring, passionate, driven, focused, and encouraging. I am grateful for Linda’s loving nudge to stick with running and even to enter some “crazy” races. I came to find that running is NOT always free, but worth the investment in every way. Here is Linda’s story:
Do you have a trail name, and how did you acquire it?
My trail name is Scratch. I earned it by always winding up with blood on my legs on most trail runs, especially races. The first being when I climbed Hawk Rock on my birthday with some great friends (Brian, Katie, Brett and Jeremy). There was a rope swing after climbing to the top and I thought , "Hey, that looks like fun!" and jumped right on. Little did I know that there was a thorn bush underneath and I went right through it. I had shorts on so the thorns scratched my legs all the way up to my butt. It looked like I got into a fight with a cat lol! Since that day forward I was called Scratch.
What is the most prominent thing the trail/the outdoors has taught you about yourself?
There is a quote I often think of when I am on the trail especially when I am hiking up a big hill. "The view is best from the top." Your legs are burning and lungs screaming for air but if you take it one step at a time and keep moving forward, you get to the top and see that amazing view. I try to always take a moment to enjoy it, no matter how many times I have been there. And that is just like life with its peaks and valleys. When things get hard and you want to quit, I tell myself the top and that view is almost there. Just take it one day at a time and enjoy the moment. Enjoy every part of being out in the woods. Eventually you will get to the top of the peak, the end of the race, but the journey is what takes you there.
What are the key waypoints of your life that ultimately lead you to the trail in the first place?
I was born and raised in Philly- a true city girl. I started getting more into running and fell in love with the community. Our family moved to Carlisle and that is when I was introduced to the Appalachian Trail. Some of my running buddies (shout out to you- Katie, Brian & Paul) brought me on a run there and I was hooked. I love how the trail is always different every time you head out there. I recently moved to VA and am not as close to the AT. I miss it so much and my adventures that I had with all my PA running friends.
Share about one of the most memorable problem-solving moments you’ve had on the trail.
I actually had a moment given to me by a friend and fellow trail runner, Jeremy (AKA Minqua). We were running the Baker 50 miler trail and happened to be in a beautiful section of the woods. It was postcard perfect. At the time I was getting grumpy since we were quite a few miles into the race. This can happen in longer races when everything starts hurting and you want to quit. We were running along when he told me to stop and listen. I thought there was something on the trail (snake!) and was about to yell but Jeremy had a different purpose. He said, "What do you hear?". I said, "I don't hear anything?" and he said "Exactly. There is total peace and quiet." I will never forget that moment and the lesson he taught. I try to embrace the moment you are in and enjoy the beauty of the trail, no matter how hard things are.
Who and/or what inspires you to keep moving forward?
My family always inspires me. My husband, Shane, is an Army veteran who defines the meaning of hero. My beautiful, smart and independent daughter- Charlotte who always is so strong despite what life throws at her. And my son Alexander, who is diagnosed with autism. When things get tough and I want to quit, I think of his daily struggles and all that he has achieved. All three inspire me to be my best every day.
