An Ode to my Trail Family

Oh, trail running family, how you inspire,
With your love for nature and your burning desire…

[In all seriousness] As I reflect on our time spent together, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. As we have navigated the various elements, terrains, tackling steep inclines, and pushing ourselves to new limits, you have been a constant source of support, encouragement, and inspiration. The friendship forged by doing hard things together is a different type of bond. Our conversations are in motion between labored breaths, instead of breaking bread at tables, we do it from trunks and aid stations. As we have explored nature, we have also explored the depths of our own souls, witnessing each other break and then breakthrough. In a world that can often feel disconnected and isolating, I feel incredibly blessed to have friends like you who shares my passion for adventure and exploration.

…
Through mud and rocks, and steep inclines,
You charge ahead with grit and grind,
May your journeys on the trails be long and true,
And may the bond that you share continue to renew,
For you are more than just runners, you are a family,
United by a passion for adventure and camaraderie.