Dear Middle Trail Running Community,
As we celebrate one year of Middle Trail Running, we reflect on a question that we often get asked: why do you run? Running has been such a big part of our lives for so many years. We honestly couldn’t imagine life without it, and cherish every mile as a gift. Each time we hit the road, we’re reminded of the countless reasons that keep calling us back.
Running is an escape. In the midst of life’s constant demands and chaos, running is our time to break free from the noise, to find a moment of quiet and calm. Some days, we take our run as an opportunity to think, to plan, to problem solve, and to create. But, on other days, we embark on the trail and just completely lose ourselves in the rhythm of our own breath, the music we are jamming to, the sound of our feet hitting the ground, the stillness that’s hard to find anywhere else, and we don’t think about anything at all. Those runs are often our favorite runs, because we get time to just be, and come back completely refreshed and rejuvenated.
Running is something that we do just for us. Life is filled with commitments and responsibilities to other people, but running is one of the few things we can do solely for ourselves. We set our own running goals, we push ourselves to be better, and we show up for us. When we run, we put ourselves first. We take care of our bodies, we feel strong and active, and we feel a sense of accomplishment (even the act of opting for a run instead of cozying up on the couch after a long work day is a personal triumph we can be proud of). We know that each step we take on a run is an investment in our well-being, a reminder that we can do anything we set our minds to. Running is a gift we give ourselves, and it’s worth every ounce of effort.
As personal as running is, it’s also a way of bringing people together. One of the most beautiful surprises we’ve found through running is the community, particularly the Middle Trail community. We’ve made friends we would never have met otherwise, friends who share this passion with us, who understand the thrill of a good run, the ups and downs, and the endless goals we set. We all seem to finish one race and sign up for the next within hours 🙂. Running has given us far more than miles; it’s brought us laughter (like when Kayla carried her cat toy for 3 miles during our Halloween Run to stay true to her “cat lady” costume), support (we’ve had so many Middle Trail runners cheer for other Middle Trail runners in their races, whether from the sidelines or with encouraging calls and texts), unforgettable trips where we get to explore new places, and encouragement from people who’ve become lifelong friends. Whether it’s cheering for each other at a race, sharing a longer training run, or swapping tips and tricks on the latest running gear and accessories we love, this community means so much to us. The Middle Trail community makes the journey so much more fulfilling and fun, and helps motivate us to keep going, mile after mile.
More than anything, running reminds us that we are resilient. Every time we tackle a tough run, push through a challenging race, or simply make it out the door on days we’d rather stay in, we are reminded of our strength. Running has shown us what it means to push past limits, to overcome mental and physical hurdles, and to believe in ourselves. That resilience doesn’t just stay on the road - it finds its way into every part of our lives, helping us feel ready to tackle whatever else life throws our way.
These are just some of the reasons we run, and we know each of you has your own. But in sharing them, we hope you find a bit of yourself in this letter - a reflection of the reasons that keep you running, no matter the season, no matter the distance. Thank you all for being part of this journey, for creating the amazing Middle Trail Running community. Thank you for every shared cup of SPoT Coffee, every shared mile, and every new reason we find to keep showing up.
See you out there, and happy running!
Genny & Kayla