| The following list of people have volunteered to answer your questions about trail running, relevant gear, training for specific distances, terrain, heat, cold, or mountains. They each have specific experiences and may have the background that you can use to get ready for a 100 miler, a 50 miler, a mountain race, a desert race, downhills, uphills, etc. If they can't answer your question, then they will know where to go to find the answer. Their years of experiecne are available as part of your club membership. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mentor | Experience | Trail Philosophy | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Austin, TX 512.923.1769  100km 50mi 50km 26.2 25km |
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After 3 years road training for the Austin Marathon I became fascinated by trail running because of its technical and challenging course through hills and sometimes rocky terrain. It is similar to mountain biking except trail running is non-mechanical; you're dependent on the feet beneath you and mental aptitude for motivation. I have an affinity for running on trails but it requires consistent training. I run 2-3 times per week, do weights and elliptical machine for core strengthening. I will sometimes include bike and swim regimens. Nutrition is important to this process. My training is dynamic whether it's a 25k or 100k or longer. Unlike road running I learned 4 important things after my first ultra, Rockledge Rumble 50k: 1)have a plan - the type of course - flat or hilly, rocky, dusty, water crossings; weather and temperature; 2)have a training program that complements the race you're contemplating - include hill repeats, running downhill, 3) know your nutrition needs and what works for you and 4) equipment - clothing, lights, shoes, socks, first aid and personal needs etc. I use this mantra as standard practice on all of my runs. I'm fortunate to have the ability to do things few old folk's experience, to raise the bar by challenging the body and mind and have fun outdoors among friends. To me it's the social thing with a purpose. |
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Houston, TX  100mi 100km 50mi 50km 26.2mi |
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If Oprah can run a marathon, so can I! That's how it started back in 1996. I went from an out of shape and overweight couch potato to running a marathon within one year. I ran my first marathon in January 1997 in Houston, TX. I was hooked on long distance running! Summer 2000 I ran my first Pikes Peak Marathon. I was hooked on trail running and have not looked back to the asphalt since! Training for an event is the best part. It's always good to have goals to keep one motivated. I prefer low weekly mileage (30-35) during off season and start increasing mileage about 4 month out before an event. Time on your feet - whether running or walking - is the key to a successful event. There's no need to run more than 4x per week, but it's important to make sure you are getting quality workouts, not just junk miles. The following are all important to a successful training regime: long slow miles back-2-back long runs speedwork (on trails) hill/stair work core strength training power walking stretching & regular massages cross-training (cycling, swimming, etc) We have a running grout in Houston, TX - Houston Trail Runners (HTRex). Besides the Hill Country Trail Runners (HCTR) site I can also be contacted via this website. See you all on the trails soon! |
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Austin, TX 512.453.3667  100mi 100km 50mi 50km 26.2mi |
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I was first introduced to trails via The Pikes Peak Ascent and then the smaller Haunted Trails half-marathon at Inks Lake and now prefer the smaller, more laid-back trail runs. My basic philosophy is that if you are consistent in your training, you can do whatever event you set your mind to. You are supposed to be doing what you like to do, and that is why we can put in the hours that we dedicate to our sport. Even though sometimes we may not feel like that 5 a.m. run, it helps develop the mental toughness that is so important to keep on going. One of my strengths is the ability to keep plugging on, AKA The Energizer Bunny and The Terminator. Bastrop State Park is one of my favorite "easy-going for miles" trails. The close-to-home Barton Creek Greenbelt and the more rocky/hilly Bull Creek/St. Ed's area are frequent stomping grounds. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Austin, TX 512.916.5329  100mi 100km 50mi 50km |
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Best marathon time is 3:54, I can run short road races up to 1/2 marathon at 8:00+/mile pace; I am trying to get smarter and learn not to run so fast for the first loops so that I am not walking the last ones I tend to finish the longer races in the middle to the back of the pack. . I walk plenty, especially the up hills, but I love nothing better than running fast down the rocky down hills. It is amazing how far a good power-walk can take you. Although I run plenty of nice soft flat trails, I like to run hilly rocky trails the best---more chances to run down and walk up. Bandera and the Guadalupe Mountains are my favorite places to run. I am a firm believer in the weekend back-to-back method. I do that pretty religiously as my schedule permits, whether or not I am training for a specific race. I also try to run once during the week, usually the 10 mile Powerline Loop. My first trail run was at Rocky Hill Ranch in April of 2001, just two months after my first marathon. My first ultra was Sunmart 50K in Dec. 2001 and my first 100 miler was in 2004. It really is 90% ATTITUDE. Trail running is BIG FUN! | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Cool, CA 281.265.5109  100mi 100km 50mi 50km |
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Overall, I am a slow runner and I lean heavily upon my endurance/mental stamina and enjoyment of the trails to get me through the distance. I much prefer hills to flats. I prefer hilly or mountainous trail races to flat trail races. Thus I gravitate more to hill repeats than to track/speed work. I like to pick one big race for the year, then use other races as training runs leading up to big race. Training runs are used as preparation and also as a chance to enjoy being out on the trails in my free time. On average, I run 3-4 times per week. However, I believe in taking quality rest time in an effort to avoid both injury and burnout. My goal is for ultrarunning to be a long-term hobby. Living in a flat area (Houston suburb) , I try to make atleast one trip per month to Bastrop SP or McKinney Roughs for a long training run (4-7 hours) of hill repeats. I believe in back-to-back long runs (with walking breaks) on weekends to prepare for 50Mi-100Mi trail races. These runs both prepare me mentally and physically for upcoming race. For some races, I put together a detailed plan of what I consider to be realistic estimated splits.. the plan serves as a useful tool for me both in preparation for race, and during race. If the race is on a course I have never run, then I try to gather as much information about the course beforehand as possible (elev profile, course map, race reports from other runners, etc). Then I customize my training to fit the challenges and demands of the course as much as possible. I am beginning to feel comfortable with the 50mi distance, however the 1! 00mile distance is still in an 'amoeba state' for me. The places I run most in Houston-area are Terry Hershey Park and the levees near my house; Outside of Houston-area: Bastrop SP, McKinney Roughs, Barton Creek. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Austin, TX 512.585.3011  100mi 100km 50mi 50km Ultraman Ironman 24-hour cycling race |
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Jack of all trades...I tend toward low weekly mileage (20-25) from March to October, when I do more cycling and swimming. Triathlon training gives me a good endurance base without excessive pounding on my joints. In the winter my run mileage goes up and my cycling and swimming mileage dwindle. My legs are fresh and I have the base needed for training for the longer trail runs (50M - 100M) I do over the winter months. I like all sorts of trails (variety), but the more challenging the better. I'm a big believer in listening to my body. If it says rest, I rest. I don't fret if I miss a few days here and there and I don't have a structured regimen, I just do what feels right, and is fun. If it's not fun, then what's the point? | ||||||||||||||||||||
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San Antonio, TX  100km 50km 47km 26.2mi 30km 25km |
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I have enjoyed running since childhood, but it was not until about 1989 that I became really active again after being challenged by my brother to complete a 100K bicycle ride. This led to meeting cyclists who were also runners of all levels. Soon I was running beyond the 5 and 10K's. After my first Marathon in '98 I thought I would never run that far again. Then the pain subsided and I was back at it. I trained on trails occasionally but did not begin running trails in earnest until about 2 years ago. The San Antonio area offers many choices for trail running. And Government Canyon and Bandera are a short drive away. The serenity of trail running is what keeps me wanting to run. I believe one should be able to "relax" while running. Sure, we all want to improve and we should continue to challenge ourselves, but trail running offers us the opportunity to take it easy and enjoy nature on those days when we are recovering or not feeling our best. I don't have a set training plan other than just get out and run, run, run. I have tried following a training schedule and always deviate from it. We are all different and we need to find what's right for us. This is not to imply that we should keep from joining a training group or using a training schedule as a guide, but we must remember we are in charge of our body and mind. My philosophy is "Run how you feel. If you are feeling well, run long and or fast. If you see a hill and want to attack it, Do it!" My speed work consists of intervals. No track work for me. I also believe in cross training to keep things even more interesting. I enjoy road biking long distances and also include weight lifting for upper body strength. Of course nutrition is very important also, but that is a personal choice. Experiment on training runs to find what may work best for you during an event. As far as daily nutrition, the old adage is still true, "You are what you eat". |
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San Antonio, TX 210.394.0910  100km 50mi 50km 26.2mi 30km 25km |
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Perhaps it goes back to running cross country in high school, but I love running on trails. I returned to running as a way to relieve stress. Getting on the trail just made the runs even better. My first trail race was Sunmart. I remember meeting other ultra/trail runners at the pre-race dinner and thinking how different they are from most runners. There is an easy rhythm and an air of sageness that draws you to them. When the race is finished, they have a look of bewilderment at what they’ve just completed. Trail running is particularly appealing for many reasons. The terrain can rough and complicated, but with experience, foot placement becomes a sensory thing and soon you are flying along not even hearing your own breathing. When it rains everything slows and you splash, splash, splash through the mud. At night, your hearing is heightened and you become aware that you’re sharing the forest. Then suddenly you spot the reflection of eyeballs in your headlamp and realize that all those critters are out there during the daytime, you just don’t see them. There are times when you are in a very long race and going through a rough patch, and someone comes along and pullsyou through it. If you run with me, there’s probably a wager on whether I’ll trip and fall or run into a low hanging branch. It’s wonderful! Experienced runners will tell you, if you set your mind to it and train, you can complete any event. It’s true. Break your objective down into smaller goals and knock them off one at a time. As you complete your small goals, you build confidence and the endurance to continue. I try to maintain a base of 25 – 35 mi/week. This provides a good launching point if I want to begin training for a long event. Recently, I’ve started cycling as a way to avoid overuse injuries. And, stretching is a must. I’m not fanatical about competing. Running a 50 miler was about the experience. Although I’ve completed a few ultras, I am drawn more to “experience” runs such as the trails at Big Bend or the Grand Canyon. Somehow I manage to find a way to get away whenever someone mentions a new adventure. I enjoy the trails in and around San Antonio and I’m happy to share these routes. |
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Georgetown, TX 512.869.7447  100mi 100km 50mi 50km 26.2mi |
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Running is a passion of mine, I love to run and run fast at times....very, very, fast!! To feel the wind in my face, feel the air burn in my lungs and see the ground flying under my feet is exhilarating beyond belief. If I finish a hard workout feeling like that I have just scorched the pavement and the trails then I feel good. Give me miles and miles of hills and mountains with beautiful scenery and let's go have some fun! I coach running classes four times a week, so in many cases I am in a situation where fast running is necessary. For strength and endurance I rely heavily on tempo running, and very long hilly runs any where from 8 to 20 miles or more in length at a time. Once or twice a week I organize track sessions for my group consisting of a nice slow warm up, then form drills, some modified bounding on the grass, and then track, finishing with a nice slow cool-down. Slow easy running and walking should be the lions share of training for any ultra endurance event and are a very important part of my vocabulary as well as rest and recovery. The most important being rest! I strongly believe that you should take an active rest day or a complete day off if you feel that you need it...listen to your body, it is probably going to be the best coach that you could ever have. Most of all have fun with your running, join those of like mindedness and then if your not having fun, well it's just plain not worth doing! | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Austin, TX 512.219.1795  100mi 100km 50mi 50km 26.2mi |
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I'm the Clydesdale of runners. Big, slow and steady. For a 100 miler, I walk every uphill and try to run the rest at comfortable pace. Preferred terrain is rolling hills but as long as it's woods I'm happy. Oh yea, the more water crossings, the better. Particularly if they water's clean enough just to laydown in to cool off. I generally do 6-7 mile road runs Mon-Thur, rest Fridays and do back to back long trail runs on Sat and Sun. Mon/Wed are easy runs and I try to push it on Tues/Thurs. All of my road runs are on hills to build leg strength. Recently, I've been mixing in some biking and swimming to put some triathlons under my belt for a change of pace. Most of my runs are on Barton Creek, but I mix in St Edwards, Rocky Hill Ranch and Lake Georgetown occasionally. I'm living proof that anyone can do ultradistances if they're dedicated and stubborn enough. I started running five years ago and was 35 pounds heavier than I am now. My blood pressure and cholesteral were off the charts. Within six months, I finished my first marathon and less than a year later I finished my first 100M. It ain't magic and there isn't anything special about me physically other than just being a little hard headed. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Spring, TX  100mi Ironman Half-Ironman 50mi 50km 26.2mi |
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How do you stay excited and motivated about training and staying healthy and strong? Go out and sign up for a race that you feel would be a little bit scary and a real stretch for you to complete. Doesn't matter if it is a 5k or 100 miles. Whatever is a challenge for YOU. Then deal with the details to get yourself ready. Making the commitment, creating a plan, then living up to the plan while making adjustments along the way is what it takes for me to stay motivated and excited. The cycle of planning, training, mistakes, execution, and repeat is the only path to becoming a better runner. This is a never-ending cycle for us all. Embrace the mistakes. They make you better. Paying attention to hydration, nutrition, electrolytes, pace, conditioning, strength, shoes, clothing, flexibility, blister prevention, lighting, drop bag planning, downhill/uphill skills, posture while adjusting all of these for specific race conditions are what keeps the game interesting. Bring in the mental and personal growth aspects and you are hooked for life. |
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