#TrailsRoc - Words From The Woods

A special off week episode - - - - Nick and Jen join us today to talk about running in the Barkley Marathons. We talk about the vibe at camp, how to get in (not really) - Witnessing history, and so much more. We have a bunch of show notes below - Check them out Nicks race results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Nick&lname=Vermeulen Jens race results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Jen&lname=Campanella Follow Nick on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/5467849  Barkley fall classic https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=108870 The most detailed list available in my opinion on Barkley info is here from John Kelly: https://randomforestrunner.com/home/barkley-archive/ How to apply, how to train, what to expect, race reports, interviews and more Or here: https://www.mattmahoney.net/barkley/  Learn to orienteer with us!!! https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=814848597350332&set=gm.858993349319452

Dr. Jen Spitzer has joined us to help raise awareness about eating disorders within the sport. Both Jen and Eric share some very personal stories of what they are and/or have faced. There is some advice, some information, and most all an opportunity for others to learn that you are absolutely not alone on your journey and if you need us, we are ready and willing to walk it with you. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/eating-disorders-awareness-week-2024/ All of the links we mentioned in this episode with stories/statistics/sources are below https://www.businessinsider.com/division-1-female-athletes-plagued-with-eating-disorders-missing-periods-2019-11 https://people.com/health/university-of-oregon-female-runners-say-they-were-body-shamed-and-pushed-to-lose-weight/ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/16/opinion/girls-sports.html https://www.statnews.com/2016/12/28/male-eating-disorders/

Jeff and Eric are here to discuss surviving the plague, Then getting into talk about Last Runner Standing, the TROY series, what running they are up to, and finally some fun hot takes/ links they found! Links below Last Runner Standing Maternity Clothing Strava Updates Super Shoes Gerber Gear Many On The Genny Many Lite

Today we are joined by Rob Sliker from the Genesee Regional Off-Road Cyclists, aka GROC. We have a conversation about trail users, multi-use trail systems, the cycling community vs the trail running community, what a county master plan is, and how we can continue to expand public lands for use by all. Tune in, and check out the GROC website for information and ways to get involved On the socials: https://www.facebook.com/mygroc https://www.instagram.com/mygroc/ What is the master plan? Dryer Road Park Monroe County Parks

Sheila and Eric are here to talk about the weather - - Not really, but we are here to talk about what all this rain is doing to the trails and why we should try to avoid them when wet. After the break they delve into public lands, and revocable land access and why learning to respect land when you don't have to, helps us top protect it when we need to. Give it a listen and let us know what you think! SOME NOTES BELOW: Check out our episode with Todd: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6RMiopzAaAMEnEKd8bBL96?si=6mA38M7ISzil4mGSyTlsLg  Join us for trail work https://trailsroc.org/trail-stewardship/ earn the golden ax https://trailsroc.org/golden-ax-award/  Or join another group if our dates don’t work GROC https://www.mygroc.com/volunteering/  What about some public land? County Parks - https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks  Town Parks - Check out your town, and send us a note with public access where you live Genesee Land Trust - https://landtrustalliance.org/land-trusts/explore/genesee-land-trust-ny  State Parks - DEC land in addition to places like https://dec.ny.gov/places/braddock-bay-wildlife-management-area Letchworth, Stony Brook, Chimney Bluffs, etc National Forest - https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/watchable-wildlife/sites/finger-lakes-national-forest#:~:text=The%20Finger%20Lakes%20National%20Forest,land%20and%20free%2Dranging%20cattle. When is the Finger Lakes Trail closed?? Trail Closed On Private Land: All FLT Trail on Private Land Closed for the Day. When: Monday February 5, 2024 All sections of the Finger Lakes Trail System, that are on private land, are CLOSED for 24 hours on Monday, February 5, 2024. Please respect private ownership rights and refrain from using those sections of the trail on that day.  This annual closure on the first Monday in February is to reassure landowners that we do not establish a permanent right-of-way by walking there every single day of the year. If you violate this closure you are guilty of trespassing.    Thanks for the listen, we hope we all learned something today!

Elyse and Ron Heerkens Jr join us to have a conversation on adventure photography. We talk about what they love about it, some of the challenges of it, what goes into getting the perfect shot, why you should not screen-shot and steal an artists work and how to turn around on a single way dirt road with a pro master work van! Some notes: #TrailsRoc races are open Hot takes proven right! Goat Factory Media galleries The Shot at Many On The Genny Last Runner Standing Video

Eric and Sheila are back to talk finances of trail running. Can you get rich putting on races? Should you get rich putting on races? What are the big races pulling in? Our Tax filing: nothing to see, under $50grand. Ask and we will share https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/464507973 Western States Filings: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/942902794 https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/942902794/202311509349300626/full The cost of Ultra: https://humanpotentialrunning.com/from-the-rd/the-cost-of-ultra-2022%EF%BF%BC/ Prize Money: https://electriccablecar.com/skyrunner-world-series-points-and-prize-money/ https://www.trailrunnermag.com/people/culture-people/prize-money-in-trail-running/

Eric and Sheila are here to explain the new format, share some hot takes, and set up the future! Some hot takes notes Where to get some info on endurance sports? https://www.endurancesportswire.com/ Some affordable gear for your next adventure: https://www.decathlon.com/ The world Trail Majors: Races in Asia are the place to be: https://ultra-x.co/best-ultra-marathons-in-asia-202/ Have sex before you race! https://www.endurancesportswire.com/could-having-sex-before-a-race-boost-performance/ Thanks so much for listening in 2023 - We think you are going to love what we do in 2024!!

We are joined today by local elite Phil Nesbitt as we talk about what it takes to become one of the best local runners in the area, how it can be taken away in a moment, and why smiling through it all helps give an appreciation that we choose to do this and we should love it while we can! You can see his results here: Or you can check out why you should smile, even when it hurts Give this one a listen and find tell us what you think about it!

Clem Chung joins us today to talk about his running history and a really cool and special project that he has coming up called the 144 challenge. "Since Clem's son was diagnosed with autism at age 3, AutismUp has been there to support his family. Now he is asking for your support as he runs 144 miles around Monroe County (in honor of the 1 in 44 children diagnosed with autism)" What is Autism Up? How can you donate TODAY? How to enter the Silent Auction that Clem is hosting!How to donate: Where will Clem Be and when? Want to run along, check back here soon for that link!

Shea Coleman and Jake Chard join us as we recap this year's version of the Mighty Mosquito. Sheila and Eric share the history, Jake and Shea talk about current events, and we all wonder and chat about what will come of the event in the future!

A quick update - recap- and preview. The boys are here!!! Quinn and Finn joined the world and Eric and Sheila tell us a little about it. Then we each mention our favorite podcast moment so far and finally we preview Many On The Genny! It's a quick episode, we are still figuring things out!

Jon Westfall of ROCovery Fitness joins us today to talk about his journey to sobriety - Working his way from a volunteer to Executive Director at ROCovery Fitness- And why running while sober is so important to him. We touch base on where we as a community sometimes fall short in this area. We had a great chat about how our community can be more like a community, and how it already is doing so great! Show notes below: ROCovery Fitness ROCovery Fitness 5K ROCovery Events Blue Foundation/Stache Dache Mighty Mosquito ADK 46 Trail Runner Magazine Alcohol Articles

Barry Cherney joins us to talk about his transition away from identifying as a runner and how and why he founded the largest free cycling group in Rochester. Barry has run many of the big races here in Rochester and even took his turn at the NYC marathon. He has dabbled in multi-sport but now predominantly rides, putting in over 6,000 miles annually. Check the notes below for links to all of the fun stuff Barry has going on! Just For Giggles Facebook Group Text to get the rides sent to your phone if you don't have facebook: Text JustForGig to 81010 Jennifer Lopez inspo What is N + 1 WNY Wellness Full Moon Vista ALS 5k

Lauren Idzik joins us today to talk about her running and it's relationship with her mental health. Then we dive into the topic of "running is my therapy". We each share an article that we found to be relevant and Lauren gave us a list of resources that we have linked below in the show notes! If you need help, please ask. We are all here for you and we want you to be running with us for many years to come! Lauren A. Idzik LMSW Clinical Training Manager,  Integrated Behavioral Health Services/SUD Clinics Resonating articles: Lauren: Mental Health used to be taboo Sheila: Mental Health is health Eric: Running with a chronic illness More articles here on Mental Health and Trail Running How about some books about mind/body connection The Cure For Chronic Pain The Great Pain Deception Unlearn Your Pain Resources: Health Insurance   New York State of Health | Health Plan Marketplace for Individual and Small Business Health Insurance (ny.gov)    Mental health counseling   Psychology Today- private counselors-non clinic based Specialists Find Therapists and Psychologists in Rochester - Psychology Today   Private Psychiatrist Find Adults Psychiatrists in Rochester, NY - Psychology Today  

Andrew Stackhouse joins us to talk about the unique differences between the big huge events like UTMB and something small and local like Muddy Sneaker. There is some good discussion about this podcast: https://www.runsingletrack.com/doug-mayer-the-inside-story-of-utmb/ We suggest you give it a listen with open ears. How to qualify for UTMB Hyner 50k Some Work All Play Sassquad Trail Parties Stack Runs Far We loved this discussion and think you will find it informative and entertaining!

Vicki Earle joins us today to talk about those back of the pack runners that really help make an event what it is. We talk about a group run where some miscommunication happened and she felt she got left behind and what we can learn from that. We also talk about how race organizers treat or recognize runners who take a little bit longer and how things feel for those runners. This is a topic that is important for us to learn and grow from as we work to make the sport inclusive to all runners who want to give it a try. If you would like to work with #TrailsRoc to become a group run ambassador to help us offer paces for all runners, please reach out at trailsroc@gmail.com

Todd Beverly joins us to talk all things trail work and how a little Blue Spotted Salamander put an entire project on hold. We talk about why trail work is so important, and we make a pitch for why you should skip a long run and join us on a trail work day instead. The #TrailsRoc trail work schedule can be found here - It's always being updated so keep an eye on it and our social media! VHT CTA Friends of Webster FLTC The Blue Spotted Salamander Todds Dream Trail Mower - Who wants to donate it?

Happy National Storytelling Day, Shea Coleman joins us to spin a tale. We talk about adventure racing, trail running and more. Then we get in to why story telling is such an important part of our sport. You can hear each of our favorite trail running stories. We have a bunch of cool stuff in the show notes below but we want to hear from you - What is your favorite trail running story - Leave us a comment!!! Find Shea here: Blue Foundation Muddy Sneaker Hi -Tor Wilderness Trail Runner Of the Year series Adventure Racing Seneca 7 OK Slip Falls Run em all -Hike Em All Twisted Branch

Happy National Grilled Cheese Day - Today we talk with Cliff Dean and chat all things food related at our races. Cliff is a vegan athlete so we will talk a little bit about that, but mostly we want to chat foods - But also talk about biking, swimming, walking in the water and what can races do to more open to folks with dietary needs and more! Leave us a note on our instagram or facebook page - Let us know, what is one thing for YOU that you wish Race Directors would provide (or stop providing) Some links from the show: https://www.nomeatathlete.com/ https://rainbowplantlife.com/ https://minimalistbaker.com/ https://www.instagram.com/strongheartsveganpower/ Red Fern Rochester https://www.voulasgreeksweets.com/ Social Media Breaks Dog Town Hots