Despite being on the third event of the series, I still feel a nervous anticipation each morning as I arrive to the trailhead. I run through talking points in my head, triple check to ensure I brought all the necessary equipment, envision the route, and most importantly, hope the event is well received by all who attend. Because at the end of the day, that’s the important part. That’s why we’re here. That’s why this series was created. To build a community, welcome more folks to the sport, and make ultrarunning a more diverse space.
We tried out a new format for our third event of the series, which focused on hills and technical trails. My co-host, Emily Fisk, and I decided it would be most beneficial and create more learning opportunities to embed mini workshops or clinics into the run route to allow attendees to practice skills they learned. I was excited to see how it would all play out, and if I do say so myself I think this event may have been the best one yet!
Throughout the run we stopped at predetermined locations and discussed strategies for climbing, descending technical trails, and running with trekking poles. After a brief discussion, participants were encouraged to try out the skills they learned right then and there. I saw the concentration on everyone’s faces as they either tried poles for the first time or worked on keeping eyesight up while descending a hill by focusing on flags we had placed along the downhill. Questions rang out into the woods, “how does this look?” “use the poles like this you said?” To which shouts of “Yes! Absolutely” or “You got this” called back.
This event felt special. It felt like we were becoming a community, not just an event series. Many folks have attended all three events and are already registered for the next two. I saw new friendships continue to strengthen, requests for long run buddies being made, and a connectedness wrapping around us all on this pleasantly, unseasonably warm day. It was all I could have ever hoped for, and more.
Haven’t joined us yet?! You have two more opportunities (for now!). Next up is a night run event on 3/15 at 7PM at Cedars House in the Wissahickon. Registration is capped at 20 people, and currently already full! Please join the waitlist if you’re interested: https://link.heylo.co/5UQZ Please expect a 60 min night trail run, followed by a brief discussion, and then a post-run social at Wissahickon Brewing Company!
After that, our next big event is 4/7 at 8AM at Valley Green Inn in the Wissahickon. Our topic focus will be nutrition. Please expect a 75-90 min trail run, topic discussion, many nutrition samples to try, and a giveaway from HOKA! Register here: https://link.heylo.co/7ESM
Lastly, the full notes from our discussion are posted in the Women In Ultrarunning Heylo community, which I strongly encourage everyone to join! Once you join you have access to an online community of like-minded women interested in the world of ultras, chat forums to discuss topics and find training buddies, AND access to an exclusive free 2-week trial of coaching with me (if you so choose)! Join here: https://heylo.group/women-in-ultrarunning