Waypoint Narrative #15

Waypoint Narratives: Five questions, one objective - share stories of people who have experienced the impact of the outdoors.

Waypoint Narrative #15 is written by one of my lifelong friends, Jess! Jess and I first connected when we started playing basketball together as little elementary schoolers. Playing together on the court transformed into a wonderful friendship off the court (still often with a competitive edge). For example, we definitely have the FKT - Fastest Known Time - for the game “Break the Safe" - which I don’t even think exists anymore. Jess and I reconnected after college to coach the very same team and age group of girls that we played on together when we first met. What a special season that was! Jess is also one of the people I credit with getting me hooked on running and the outdoors. She is incredibly thoughtful, supportive, dependable, and loving and I am SO glad she took the time to share her story today:

Do you have a trail name, and how did you acquire it?

I don’t have one yet but constantly wonder what it would be! I’ve read a few books about the AT and am currently reading one on the Pacific Crest Trail where they talk about trail names. I’m not sure what mine would be. I typically name all my created runs “Happy Trails.” It started as a family camping adventure and has fond memories, so maybe it’d be something around that!

What is the most prominent thing the trail/the outdoors has taught you about yourself?

You can and you will. 

There’s always going to be times when you feel like you can’t run any further, but if you don’t try, you won’t ever know. So might as well try!

What are the key waypoints of your life that ultimately lead you to the trail in the first place?

I’d like to say my love for trails started when I was a baby since my dad would hike Pole Steeple with me in a baby carrier, but sadly I had to grow to love the trails. My parents took us hiking all the time when we were kids. I enjoyed it for the first bit, but I always felt like we were walking for miles without an end in sight.

I started liking hiking around high school and college. I didn’t fall in love with trails until after college though.

My first trail run happened because of an old coworker (shoutout to Jen) who took me and two others on a trail run at King’s Gap. I was blown away. It was the most fun I ever had running. Needless to say, I fell in love with trail running. I ran Buck Ridge Burn as my first trail race and have to go back every year now!

Share about one of the most memorable problem-solving moments you’ve had on the trail.

Thankfully, I haven’t had too many bad experiences on the trail (if you’re on a trail, it can’t really be bad though can it)? I’ve had some experiences such as throwing up during a race, falling and hurting my knee during a race, seeing a friend roll their ankle, my dog breaking a toe, etc. But in the end, I always find that it comes down to my mental game. Trail running always clears my head space and at some point throughout the run, I always end up with a smile on my face. I’m truly at peace on the trails. It’s my time to think or just be. Some of my best lessons for teaching have come from a trail run think session too!

Who and/or what inspires you to keep moving forward?

I’m very fortunate to have lots of people in my life I look up to. I think my mom has always been someone who inspires me. She had brain surgery a few years ago, but her optimism and courage shined in everything she would do. She’s a rockstar!

If you are interested in Buck Ridge Burn 2024, check out the race website: https://buckridgeburn.com.
It is a great opportunity to meet new people, try new things (5K, 10K-ish, and 13.1M options), and/or just enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors with others.