Ava White
Round Rock, TX
Years Running: 11 years
Years Running Trails: 6 years
Why did I start Running Trails?: I had been running on road for several years and had completed 5 marathons and I was looking for another challenge.  A friend of mine wanted to run Sunmart so we trained together and with the crazy advice from Joe Prusaitis, we attempted and finished (DFL) Sunmart 50 miler.  When I finished, I balled like a baby and Diana Heynan was waiting on us to finish and invited us to El Chico's for dinner with the HCTR gang.  I sat by Shan and Doug and we talked about ugly toe nails, stomach problems and other topics that only trail runners would understand.  I remember Robert Heynan asking if I would run Sunmart again and I said no and of course he laughed and I kept coming back. 
Favorite Trail Shoes: Montrail Hardrock
Favorite Running Trails: Barton Creek Greenbelt and Bandera.  I have many more years of running and trail to experience so I hope to love other trails too.
Favorite Trail Running Foods/Beverages: Heed, hummus sandwiches, pringles and since I don't normally drink caffiene, I love to drink red bull when I have a long race! 
Likes/Dislikes about Trail Running: Dislikes - when I get over confident and fall!  I love trail running, it is one of my passions.  I love the challenge, the ability to push your body and the feeling of conquering, at least for that moment.  I very much enjoy the social aspect too.  I have met and become very close to a number of the HCTR members and so grateful for those friendships.  Most importanty, I met my husband, Larry, on the Barton Creek greenbelt.  He passed me and I just chased him.  
Favorite Trail/Ultra Races: I love Bandera 100k. The terrain is a blast, the race atmosphere is one big family reunion.  I get to see a number of my trail running pals.
How do I Train?: I currently train with Gilbert Gazelles during the week, my goal is to get faster so I still have time to socialize after the race.  I train similar to road and based on my race I try to focus on time on my feet and mileage. 
Personal Running Goals: To finish before the food is gone. To simply give my best.
Fantasy Running Goal: Badwater
Favorite Running Quote: It's not a quote but a song I sing in my head by Tina Turner.  It helps me to forget the heat or pain....at least for a few minutes.

Left a good job in the city,
Working for The Man every night and day,
And I never lost one minute of sleeping,
Worrying 'bout the way things might have been.

Big wheel keep on turning,
Proud Mary keep on burning,
Rolling, rolling, rolling on the river.
Rolling, rolling, rolling on the river.