Trail Sisters’ mission is to increase women’s participation and opportunity in trail running through inspiration, education and empowerment.
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Scared beyond reason, I set out on a trail I’d trotted many times to start my trip. The plan was a solo, six day, 100-mile fastpack closely paralleling the crest of the highest part of the Sierra Nevada. It would unnecessarily summit 18 peaks, cross 15 passes, accumulate 45,000’ ascent, and be approximately 50% off trail because all that is what I enjoy most.
I take off my shirt, hat, and sunglasses and pile them up on the mossy gravel. I realize the few people sitting on rocks behind me are watching. The large glacial field above No Name Lake is sparkling in the sun. The turquoise water is a giant Cascadian jewel.
“You should carry more water than that when it’s hot out.” “Oh, you aren’t taking in any electrolytes? Your body really needs them.” Followed by an explanation of how electrolytes work and the different options available to us as runners.
I remember my first run like it was yesterday. I was 12 years old and I ran a half mile with a woman I babysat for. My father had just passed away of alcoholism and she suggested I try running to help with the sadness. My love affair with running had begun.
Why strength train? So you don’t have constant injuries. Injury prevention. Power so you can increase the speed and reach pace goals. Coordination so you run more efficiently. Most importantly….So you can do what you love. Running.
It all started last spring when I saw Trail Sisters and Merrell had teamed up to offer adventure grants to six women. A burst of inspiration hit me immediately. My Mom and I must do this! We’d been dreaming of doing a mother-daughter adventure for years, and this was our chance to share an athletic goal, travel somewhere beautiful, and more than anything celebrate our mother-daughter sisterhood.
