One of my favorite elements of a trail race is, as I’m plodding down the trail, focused on my own micro world of joys and concerns, I happen upon a fellow runner and spontaneously begin a conversation. It starts casually with a check-in on how the race is going, but often moves quickly to life stories and intimate sharing of experiences. No topic is off limits, yet like the undulating trail, the conversation remains buoyant, even hopeful. Strangers before the race, we quickly become fast friends in the nurturing bubble of a trail run.
Building on that connection is just one of the reasons that we at UltraSignup wanted to start the Weekly News as well as other community-connecting projects we hope to announce soon. Why let the positive energy of an in-person trail event disappear, when we could all be served by stoking that connection and support online?
Each Tuesday, we endeavor to deliver a news mix that adds independent, authentic value to the community and invites fresh voices and new perspectives into the conversation. Does the piece inspire, educate, entertain, or start a conversation? Does it promote meaningful exchanges within the trail community? These are a few of our key litmus tests in creating and curating content for UltraSignupNews. And, like the best trail run conversations, we seek to make everyone feel included and “in the know” as we encourage the trail running community to grow ever bigger and more welcoming to all.
Have a fun idea? A story pitch? Saw a mis-spelling or something that frustrated you? You can always reach out by simply replying to the email. I can’t promise how fast I will respond, but I can promise that I will read it and try to make good on your request. While the Weekly News is penned by me, it is written for you, for all of us. Let’s work together to support, connect, and grow this incredible trail community.
See you on the trails or in your in-box Tuesdays.
– Jenn Hughes, Managing Editor
Great link to the trekking poles video. Thanks.
Deanna – So glad you liked it! I thought his tips were really specific and helpful. Let me know if there are other gear or training tips that would be useful. Cheers, Jenn
Full disclosure: I try to run everything. I do track workouts and try to run fast 5ks on road but then have done up to 100 miles on a trail and appreciate whatever the thing is that I doing then and there and have been at it for about 25 years as far as races are concerned. With that said, the boom over the last bunch of years for people a little older and that have made running their new passion, I have noticed lots of funny things that would be good to talk about. I even started a blog based on some of it and called it G.R.IT. (Go Run In This) because if it’s cold or rainy or not ideal, people get on social media with their “dreadmill” comments but you never know what race day will be like so just go get your run in and consider it part of the training. Now with trail races, it’s been even funnier. At a recent 50k that I ran, and have run a handful of times prior, the RD pointed out a complaint from a participant saying that the aide station only had powered creamer for the coffee. This was a real email. It was 12 degrees out at the start and these volunteers were out there for hours and hours and this person was that thrown off that they had to write to the RD about the lack of fresh creamer. It’s the difference between the Ritz Carlton or pitching a tent off grid in the mountains and that seems to get lost. My suggestion would be to maybe remind not just the newbies but everyone that most RDs do their best to account for the necessities and that those out there are volunteering their time to help your race. Cheers!
Wow, what a story! I think that one can be filed under, “Run long enough, you’ll see EVERYTHING!” But it’s a great reminder to stay humble and authentic. I will definitely be keeping those themes in mind, I can promise you that! Cheers, Jenn
This sounds great. I’ll look forward to reading this each Tuesday. Thanks.
Thanks Al! We plan to create something wonderful for you to read each Tuesday. Appreciate you! Cheers, Jenn
Really looking forward to this and hoping to both enjoy and share some trail experiences.
Hi Chris! Thanks for the encouraging comment and right back at you. Feel free to let me know if there are topics or content you would be interested in. Happy trails! Cheers, Jenn
I had no idea why this was suddenly in my inbox, but I am so glad it is.. I have been enjoying articles and I appreciate the mix of “regular” runners with the elite happenings.
That’s so great to hear! I love being able to balance some fast ‘elite’ news with lots of stories about regular ‘ol runners, like most of us! Stay in touch! Cheers, Jenn
Jenn, you are do right. The relationships and experiences made and had with others who before were strangers is what I love as much as the peace and beauty of the trails. You’re doing great!! Keep it up my friend. Our community is awesome because of you and others like you. Thank you!!
Sean: Wow, what a heartfelt and wonderful comment to receive – and right back at you! Look forward to being on this journey with you! Cheers, Jenn
Definitely like it!
Awesome! So glad to hear it. Let me know if there any particular topics you are interested in. Cheers, Jenn
I think ANY time we can share a mile or two with someone, it’s an opportunity to grow, in all aspects of life. I surely appreciate folks out there, like yourself, that share the joy of running with others. Thank you and may many blessings come your way!
Hi Kelly: What a beautiful sentiment. Here’s to sharing the joy together! Cheers, Jenn
Love it! I don’t know how I started getting it but glad I am. I don’t race any longer but it stokes the juices and brings back many, many great memories of past experiences. 🙂
Hi John! So glad you are enjoying it. Racing is just one small way to enjoy the trails! Let us know if there is any ‘non-racing’ content you’d be interested in. Cheers, Jenn
I for one can use the inspiration and camaraderie after several years of physical challenges! Thanks to all!
Thanks Deb! Hope the challenges are lessening and let’s keep the inspiration and camaraderie high! Cheers, Jenn