Marcia Inger
Austin, TX
Years Running: 20 years.
Years Running Trails: 2.
Why did I start Running Trails?: A friend suggested I try trail running and directed me to the Barton Creek Greenbelt. My first time I went out alone, and as I ran down the trail, I started to recapture the feeling I had running through the woods as a child … wild and free and full of joy. I fell down, I got filthy, I got wet, and I couldn’t remember the last time I had had that much fun! I haven’t wanted to stop since.
Favorite Trail Shoes: Right now it’s the Vasque Blur … the OLD design.
Favorite Running Trails: Bandera, the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and Forest Ridge.
Favorite Trail Running Foods/Beverages: I try to mix it up a lot, so my preferences change often. I just started drinking Zico coconut water and I love it, but Accelerade has been my go-to drink for a while. And I love an ice cold Coke during or after a long run! As for food … Power gel blasts, Accel gel, Girl Scout Samoa cookies, ABC lemon poppyseed vegan cookies, Mojo bars, Pop Tarts, Fritos.
Likes/Dislikes about Trail Running: What's not to love? Great people, beautiful trails, spending time in nature, pushing my own limits ...
Favorite Trail/Ultra Races: I’ve only been doing this for a couple years, but so far Bandera and Headlands would be at the top of my list.
How do I Train?: My training plans vary depending on my goal race and how I feel, but there are three common elements: 1) Back-to-back runs, 2) yoga to stay strong and balanced, and 3) plenty of rest and recovery. One the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past couple years is that sometimes less is more, and pushing harder doesn’t always get you where you want to go.
Personal Running Goals: To still be doing this in 30 years.
Fantasy Running Goal: Western States 100.
Favorite Running Quote: I have many, but here are two of my favorites … the second one isn’t really about running, but it’s gotten me to more than one finish line: "If one could run without getting tired I don’t think one would often want to do anything else.” (C.S. Lewis) “Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” (Lewis Carroll)