Trail Runners Gone Wild: My First Road Marathon
For years, I’ve felt at home on the trails. Countless ultras, long mountain climbs, and finding my rhythm among trees and rugged terrain has always been my comfort zone. But a month ago, my running world took a sharp turn onto the pavement, all thanks to my friend Amy.
She floated a bold idea. “Let’s train for a road marathon.” Her goal was clear: qualify for Boston. Mine was simpler. Pace her, experience something new, and take on my first ever road marathon.
While Amy and I were talking about it on a group trail run, our friend Ken jumped in. He has far more road racing experience and was looking for a strong long run effort before his upcoming ultra out west, the Black Canyon 50K. It was perfect timing. What started as Amy’s BQ mission quickly became a team effort, and the energy around it grew fast.
We honestly were not sure if it was a little crazy. Trails had always been my home, and the idea of racing on pavement felt foreign. On trail, holding a sub-8:00 pace for 26.2 miles feels almost unimaginable. Trails demand strength, balance, and grit with off-camber footing, steep climbs, and rocky descents. They build resilience and toughness, but they do not always translate to sustained speed on smooth, flat roads.
Still, we leaned into it. We committed to the challenge, bought super shoes, mapped out the training, and chose to believe in what was possible.
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 plan was simple and strategic: run a controlled negative split and, if we felt good, finish strong.
And she delivered in every way. Amy not only beat her Boston qualifying time but did it decisively. With a BQ standard of 3:35:00, she ran a 3:32:00 on a course that even measured long. On top of that, she took F1, first place female. Watching her cross the line knowing she had achieved what she set out to do was incredible. Being part of that journey, helping pace her to success, made it even more meaningful.
Ken used the race exactly as intended, a perfect tune-up for his upcoming ultra, showing us all what true “cruise control” looks like at marathon pace.
And for me, it was a reminder of how powerful it is to step outside your comfort zone. The roads offered a completely different challenge than the trails, but the lessons were just as deep. Discipline, grit, and sustained focus replaced technical footing and vertical gain. Combined with shared goals and strong camaraderie, it reinforced exactly why I love this sport.
Lessons From the Road
Spending Time on the trails has taught me so much about endurance, strength, and resilience. The climbs build power, the descents teach your legs to move fast and efficiently, and every step challenges your body in ways the road rarely does. Trails prepare you for the grind and shape you into a more complete runner.
So road runners, do not be surprised if at your next race you see someone in a vest and a bucket hat casually asking about aid station quesadillas while moving along at a strong pace. That is the trail mindset showing up on the pavement.
This marathon journey reinforced one simple truth: anything is possible when you believe in yourself.
Whether it is chasing a BQ, stepping into unfamiliar territory, or showing up for your friends and their goals, there is something powerful about choosing to rise to the challenge.
