#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

Eric and Sheila are back tonight with Jeff McBeth the tech guru of the #TrailsRoc board as we celebrate National First Contact day! Jeff and his family have been a fixture at our events since our inception and they thankfully loan him to us for all of our tech related questions. We spend time tonight talking some nerd talk, but breaking it down so everyone can get a good handle on how running tech works. We barely scratch the surface, which means we might bring Jeff back for some tech 101 in the future. Tonight we discuss how your GPS watch works, why it sometimes doesn't work and what is the dreaded Strava tax. After the break we dove into the #TrailsRoc app and why you should download it today! There are some really interesting topics we touched on that we will dive deeper into later, but you can find some links below to do some research after you listen! First Contact Day Our App - Download it now App Designer Mike Mertsock GPS Drift Strava Tax SRTM Dual Frequency Apple Satellite Text Iridium Launch Amazing women of our tech: Virginia Norwood (Landsat) Hedy Lamar (frequency hopping) Gladys West (geodesy egm)

Amy Fricon is here with Sheila to talk all things crew related and tell a bit about Monroe Milers and who is supporting our youth in running today. A great episode with some fantastic information! Check the links below for more! Monroe Milers Nancy Allinger: allinbas@outlook.com if you want to coach, donate, or get your youth invovled! Ted Talk: Mendon Trail Run: Many On The Genny: East Ave Grocery: Dicks Sporting Goods

This week we are joined by newly crowned winner of our Last Runner Standing Race: Sophie Kotok. Sophie, originally from Colorado moved to Rochester and running helped her find a community. Sheila and Sophie talk all things "mom" We venture into categories about weight gain and exercise while pregnant, why women get "the look" when working out while pregnant, why there is so little research and care into postpartum women, what to expect for your exercise before and after birth and so much more. We branch into the world of sport and talk about what can we do as race directors and run organizers to make things more welcoming to pregnant women and new moms as well. Sophie brings all the experience of being a new mom and having just gone through this process while Sheila brings to the table currently being 6 months pregnant expecting 2 baby boys this summer. Check some links below to look into what was discussed today! Weight gain during pregnancy ROAR by Stacy Simms Return To Running Post Natal What is that Belly Band Sophie mentioned? Trail Sisters &Mother 5:25 mile at 9 months pregnant? Nike forced to change

Sheila is back for another Women's History Month celebration as Dr. Elizabeth Lenz from SUNY Brockport joins to talk about Women in Sport - Her path to fitness and wellness - Being a mom and a wife and fitting it all in and so much more Who is Elizabeth Lenz What is Title 9? or here Walk! Bike! Brockport! New Girls Sport in RCSD Want to learn more about Womens Sports? Follow "The Gist" online or subscribe to their newsletter

Sheila is back with another episode celebrating Women's History Month and our guest is Registered Dietitian Jill Chodak. Jill and Sheila spend time talking about the profession and the unique differences within the nutrition world, how to pick a clinician, what questions to ask, why social media can be good, but also so bad, and of course when a room full of people from Buffalo are talking, the topic of pizza and wings comes up. Jill gave us a laundry list of resources that we have linked below. Enjoy this knowledge filled episode! Who is Jill Chodak? Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foodhub Fooducate (and there is an app) National Eating Disorders Organization Rochester Eating Disorders Organization The Healing Connection Heart Health Natty or not? Some red flags for those online influencers?

Sheila and Jen Lacey take us on a journey through time as we kick off Women's History Month with an episode about some of the coolest and shocking stories they could find regarding women in the sport of running. We are excited to kick off 5 straight episodes to celebrate Women and each episode this month will bring you another perspective on the sport! Show notes: Last Runner Standing #TrailsRoc

Mary Eggers, a Registered Nurse - Triathlete- Coach - and fellow podcaster joins us today as we celebrate American Heart Health Month. We talk heart health, what to do and when to do it and as always we go off topic a few times! Worth the listen - When you are done, go sign up and get your CPR certification! Mary as a Nurse First Aid/CPR certification at American Red Cross The Surrounded By Valor Podcast Valor Triathlon Project The Office - CPR episode

Eric and Sheila are back this week to talk about love. Yep, a valentine in the woods kind of episode. Mike Welden and Natalie Thompson join us (with Special little guest Amelie) We talk about running in the same races, running together when we aren't the same paces, and how running helps (or sometimes hinders) relationships. You might hear the baby from time to time, and we are pretty excited to give her voice some air time-- On this podcast we welcome tiny voices as much as we welcome big ones. Check below for some topics that came up on the show notes 0 SPF Year 1 Many On The Genny Webster Trail Classic Escarpment Great Range Traverse Devils Path

We are back again this week and Jordan Brouk joins us to talk about his adventures in running and celebrating Black History Month. We discuss some barriers to our sport, and some opportunities for us to grow. Check the show notes below to learn more about Jordan and the topics we talked about. You can find Jordan on his instagram here Things we talked about today: Frank Hart and "Pedestrianism" Lead The Way 5K Coaches of Color Comrades Black Girls Run Monroe Milers Trent Jackson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Gray_(runner) What is the Saranac 6er Ultra? https://www.saranaclakeny.gov/index.php?section=playing-hiking-challenge Jordan takes on the Saranac 6 ultra https://www.saranaclake.com/saranac-lake-6er/roster/4061

Jonathan Griffiths owner of Rochester Running Company joins us to kick off February, the month of love. We talk about what he loves about running, Rochester, being a new dad, why he thinks running can make a difference, the opportunity for a firefighter calendar and more. We run an ad for the first time ever - and surprise - We dont know what the ad is until we listen..... Let us know if you hated it or loved it. Show notes: Rochester Running Company Robin Hood Racing Runnin Of The Green Boilermaker 15K Many Lite Running Inside Out - For way more in-depth stories than we share here. The TROY series races and website will be live soon!

Sheila and Eric are back this week with special guest Josh Frankel Josh has run almost every trail race and almost every park in the region and he surely has purchased almost all of the gear - So we decided, who better to join us to sing a few songs and talk about a few of our favorite things. The #TrailsRoc merch site is loaded with some cool stuff check it out here: https://trailsroc.org/merch/ You can find a ton of information on our website at https://trailsroc.org/ Links from today's episode: Favorite Races: Josh: Medved Madness Eric: Webster Trail Classic Sheila: Ready Set Glow Favorite Destination: Josh: Stage Race in Europe - Someone send him some info! Sheila : The Coastal Challenge Eric : The Dip Sea Race Stores we shop at Medved Running and Walking Outfitters Rochester Running Company

Sheila and Eric are back again and somehow this community word keeps popping up. Steven Dailey joined this week to talk about how he envisioned a new way forward with group runs. They talk about where groups came from, what they are up to now, and what are some of the crazy ideas he has for the future!! Check out all the details at https://trailsroc.org/group-runs/ Oh and Last Runner Standing registration is open - The most unique event in the area - Check it out here: https://trailsroc.org/last-runner-standing/

It's only week 2 and we had a wrench thrown in the works! Eric and Sheila scramble to cover a new topic as the prepped one.... wasn't so prepped. They talk about the 7 races and a birthday party that will all be hosted by #TrailsRoc this year. You can find all of the information on our website here https://trailsroc.org/events/- or.... Just listen in.