For almost two years now, I have had chronic pain in both of my hips and my lower back. For a much longer time, I’ve also been an aspiring long-distance runner; and unfortunately, those two things don’t normally coincide.
When people find out I pay to run 50 miles and call it fun, they usually slide my name over into the “crazy friend” column very quickly, but that’s because they don’t understand.
Ask the Trail Sisters!
What is your favorite form of cross-training during the winter months?
Winter seemed as good a time as any to commence training for a fast marathon, while living in Anchorage, Alaska. With temps averaging between -6 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit during the daylight hours of 10am-3pm, it was perhaps a more prudent time to cozy up to an off-season.
As women, runners, coaches, and human beings, TS writer Sandi and I (Ray-her twin!) were fed up with hearing about eating disorders among young female runners. We knew our friends were too. The Mary Cain story, where she was body-shamed by her famous coach, was the final straw.
The importance of trails to my sanity was made crystal clear this summer when I couldn’t run. I had a foot injury that had been nagging me for months. I knew the only way to get better was not to run. I put this off for a long time because it is a key part of my training for XC skiing, especially in the summer.
Ireland – home of endless green fields, herds of sheep, pints of Guinness and Saint Patrick (not Patty!). Unknown to many, The Emerald Isle also boasts some beautiful mountain ranges and trails which are well-worth exploring.
The specifics of my injury do not really matter. One day, I was healthy. The next day, on a four mile trail run, I sprained my ankle on a very innocent-looking root. That’s when my injury journey started.
In an effort to create a more complete and sound outdoor community Trail Sisters will be including hiking and backpacking in our future coverage!
We want women to feel included and encouraged to play on the trails, no matter their pace or mode of foot-to-dirt powered activity.
TS Approved Races Offer:
