Trail Runners Gone Wild: My First Road Marathon
For years, I’ve felt at home on the trails—tackling countless ultras, climbing mountains, and finding my rhythm among the trees and rugged terrain. But a month ago, my running world took a detour onto the pavement, all thanks to my friend Amy.
She threw out a bold idea: “Let’s train for a road marathon.” Her goal was crystal clear—qualify for Boston. Mine? Simple: pace her, soak in the experience, and take on my first-ever road marathon.
When Amy and I were discussing the goal on a group trail run, our friend Ken—who’s much more experienced in road racing—jumped in. He was looking for a solid long run ahead of his upcoming ultra out west (Black Canyon 50K), so it seemed like the perfect fit. Suddenly, what started as Amy’s BQ mission turned into a team effort, and the excitement started to build.
We weren’t sure if this attempt was totally crazy. Trails had always been my comfort zone, and the idea of racing on pavement was foreign. On the trails, the idea of running a sub-8:00 pace for 26.2 miles feels almost impossible. Trails test your entire body—off-camber footing, steep climbs, and rocky descents make every step an exercise in strength, balance, and grit. They shape you into a stronger, more resilient runner, but they don’t always prepare you for speed on smooth, flat roads.
Still, we leaned into the challenge, bought super shoes, mapped out the training, and believed.
Race Day: A Team Effort
Fast forward to race day, and the energy was electric. Amy had put in the work, and we were there to support her every step of the way. The goal was clear: a strategic effort via negative-split pacing plan and if we feel good finish strong.
And let me tell you—she absolutely crushed it. Not only did Amy exceed her Boston qualifying time (BQ 3:35:00, she ran 3:32:00 on a course that ran long!), but she also snagged the F1 (first-place female) spot. Watching her cross the finish line, knowing she had achieved her dream, was nothing short of inspiring. And being part of that journey, helping pace her to success, made it all the more meaningful.
Ken, of course, used the race as a perfect tune-up for his ultra and showed us all what “cruise control” looks like at marathon pace.
As for me? I learned that stepping out of your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding. The roads, though different from the trails, offered their own lessons. The grit and intensity needed to push through the miles, combined with the camaraderie and shared goals, reminded me why I love this sport in the first place
Lessons From the Road
Spending time on the trails has taught me so much about endurance, strength, and resilience. The hills make you stronger, the descents push your legs to move faster, and every step challenges your body in ways the roads rarely do. Trails prepare you for the grind, and they make you a better all-around runner.
So, road runners, don’t be surprised if you spot someone at your next road race rocking a vest, a bucket hat, and casually asking about aid station quesadillas—all while flying by at an impressive pace. That’s the power of the trails showing up on the pavement.
This marathon journey reinforced one simple truth:
Anything is possible when you believe in yourself.
Whether it’s chasing a BQ, exploring unfamiliar terrain, or supporting your friends in their dreams, there’s magic in stepping up to the challenge.
