Last weekend I ran the in Aptos, CA (nearby Santa Cruz). This was my first trail race and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. There’s something about all women events that are incredibly motivating, empowering, and just plain fun! The race was organized by Terri Schneider with the help of Penni Bengtson. They organically put together a successful, green event that, from where I was standing, was highly organized, friendly, and professional.

Terri is one of those ultra runners who, despite her humility, can’t help but inspire the runners and endurance athletes around her. In the days after the finish at the first annual Dirt Inspires Women’s Trail 1/2 Marathon, she wrote a letter to all the women who ran the race:

From her blog: Dirty Inspirations

Over 10 months ago I was diagnosed with a partially torn Achilles tendon and had to back out of a race/trip to Antarctica. For someone who thrives in physical discomfort and challenge, I was deeply taken back and required to reevaluate my life for the next year. After the initial shock and disappointment and staring at many months ahead without my beloved trails, I decided to live vicariously though you. If I couldn’t run on trails then I was going to support a lot of other women in getting out there.

Seeing each of you beaming on Sunday, loving the trails, embracing the struggle and accomplishing a tough course, it hit home for me, yet again, that there is immense power in a challenge in nature. When we head out to the woods for a trot we’re able to leave behind all man-madeness. There are no observers of our effort, no car noise, cat calls, or signage offering us an opinion on who or what we are supposed to be or look like. The redwood trees don’t care if our butt is a bit too large, we still have bed-head or forgot to put lotion on our legs. Nature is indifferent to our perception of self. We have a clean state on which to define who we are as a woman and athlete. In offering us this indifferent medium in which to run, the redwood forest gives us one of the most powerful gifts we can accept as women—the ability to choose who and what we are and how we view ourselves. Even for an hour or so.

For a while after my injury I had a tough time going into Nisene Marks even to ride my mountain bike. It felt like revisiting unrequited love. But getting back on the trails to hike water up to the Hoffmans aid station or to mark the trail made me realize that even passions that are squelched for a bit still hold a strong flame. Putting on this race helped me revisit that passion, through you, this past weekend. Your experiences definitely changed up the color of the last 10 months to a much brighter hue. Thanks for that.

I look forward to seeing you all next year.

Terri

I want to give a huge thank you to Terri and Penni for organizing the event, and for the 300 women who made my first trail race amazing. I will definitely be racing again next year… and this time I know what to expect!