Why choose me
as a coach?
My
Trail
Running
Journey
My little mountain town is surrounded by peaks, valleys, ravines and rocky ridges. I began running on the trails as a means to support a daily exercise routine. Nothing major, just 3 or 4 miles a few times a week. I had been athletic all my life playing mostly ball sports in high school and college, while competitively swimming for most of my childhood. My husband had been running on trails and racing for a few years at that point and had introduced me to brave souls who would go out in the mountains all times. I could not fathom being out in the wilderness in the dark or board daylight, but the thought of it definitely intrigued me.
Filled with more and more curiosity, I would take myself out to nearby trails where I would gain confidence and experience. I began to crave that running time differently than I had in the years prior. The more I was out there, the more I desired to get higher up in the hills and then on the mountain trails, even on the peaks. Studying various methods of running, learning and then practicing those things out and about showed me what I was capable of doing. Confidence began to increase as well as fitness levels and I was HOOKED.
My feet have carried me through the most amazing places over the years. The things I have learned over the tens of thousands of miles are things I cannot wait to share with you. Everything from training, rest, nutrition, gear, weather, managing family time and even running with a dog! Running is does not come easy for me and probably not for everyone. However, if the desire is there to learn, grow and enjoy, the possibilities are endless.
Faster Than A Hobo!
For me, I think the hardest thing about getting started on the trails was dealing with the unknown. Would I get lost? What about wild animals? Aren’t there hobos that live on Shoreline trails? I’m naturally skeptical and a bit over-analytical. These were deep questions connected to root feelings of just avoiding doing anything much more than the little two miles of trails that were so fun for me. I liked my “happy place’ and enjoyed keeping things simple. However, my love for running drew me out further and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Turns out that I would get lost, but would always be okay. The wild animals are very content in their elements and just occasionally make sounds to say “hi”. I can definitely run faster than a hobo.
Excerpt from Trail Sisters Article:
My Intro To Trail Running
Race Resume
I have completed a bunch of 100 milers:
The Bear (6x)
Bighorn (4x)
Ouray
Orcas
UTMB
UTMB - TDS (1.5x)
High Lonesome (3x)
A few 100K races:
Black Canyon
Miwok
Zane Gray
Some fun 50 milers like:
Zane Gray
Squaw Peak
Moab Red Hot
Marin Ultra Challenge
The North Face Challenge
There are lots of other races packed into that history such as the: Amasa Back, Bryce Canyon, Running Up for Air, Red Mountain, Antelope Island and Logan Peak.
Racing is hard and during that particular race I always think it’s my “toughest”. One race that I wish I could list in the previous line up is the 2021 TDS at UTMB outside of Chamonix, France. I was amongst the finishers that waited out the tragic happenings overnight on the side of a freezing mountain in the Alps. There are not enough words to explain the personal experience of that night, but I know it has strengthened me with resolve and love for the sport.
I bring this all to you as a coach, a mom and a friend with hopes to help you along the way in what you would like to accomplish.
When I find myself getting “too caught up” in training for my next race, bored because a trail is closed or the weather has limited accessibility, or maybe somedays I just question what in the world I’m doing out there running around in a blizzard, the dark, or hot summer sun, I remember that I GET to do this. When you stop taking the joy out of what you’re doing and replace it with obligation, I believe you begin to lose focus on the real reason you’re out there. Being present is everything and the reason why I’ll always seek to Run My Own Trail.
— Tara Warren
OTM Adventures
