Posts By: Nancy Hobbs

Meet ATRA Trail Ambassador – Paul Gigliotti

Please welcome our thirty second American Trail Running Association (ATRA) Trail Ambassador presented by CamelBak, and the eighth in 2019. Mountain Home, Arkansas based Paul Gigliotti is a trail race director, screen-printing business owner, trail runner, volunteer, and trail steward. US Trail Running Conference director Terry Chiplin nominated Paul and wrote about him, “I first… Read more »

Our View From The Pack Series Presented By RaidLight Shines A Spotlight On Susan Kendrick

In this series of articles, the American Trail Running Association recognizes and celebrates trail race volunteers and trail runners like Susan Kendrick who have dedicated themselves as everyday athletes to grow trail running in their community. “View from the Pack” is supported by ATRA corporate member RaidLight. “Grow where you are planted,” says Susan Kendrick… Read more »

Meet ATRA Trail Ambassador – Mindy Coolman

Please welcome our thirty first American Trail Running Association (ATRA) Trail Ambassador presented by CamelBak, and the seventh in 2019. Nebraskan Mindy Coolman is a goal oriented and passionate trail runner and volunteer. Amy Cherko nominated Mindy and wrote about her, “Mindy has been a fixture in the Omaha trail running scene since I can… Read more »

Colorado Springs Plogging Day Sweeps the Trails Clean

In early March of 2019, we applied for a $250 grant through ExtremeTerrain’s Clean Trail Grant Program. The program provides eligible groups with the opportunity to win grants to fund trail improvement projects, ranging from trail clean-up to trail restoration or even trail network expansion. When we reached out to ask if hosting a plogging… Read more »

Meet ATRA Trail Ambassador – Megan Finnesy

Please welcome our thirtieth American Trail Running Association (ATRA) Trail Ambassador presented by CamelBak, and the sixth in 2019. Colorado native Megan Finnesy puts her heart and soul into trail running as a participant, volunteer, and race director. In fact, her signature as a race director includes a hug for every runner at the finish… Read more »

Spotlight on Specialty presented by Saucony features Foot Rx Running

Welcome to the first in our series of articles showcasing specialty run and outdoor retail stores focusing on their commitment to trail running through their in-store programs, brand inclusion, events and more. Spotlight on Specialty is presented by Saucony. Foot Rx Running is located in Asheville, North Carolina, home to superb Appalachian views, natural beauty… Read more »

Navajo Nation to Host Inaugural Run for Hope Trail Race

Article by American Trail Running Association (ATRA) race member Run for Hope. Written by event organizers Brandy and Jeff Tomhave. Located just two hours from Flagstaff, Arizona, in a remote place of spectacular natural beauty, the inaugural Run for Hope will be held at Coal Mine Canyon in the Navajo Nation on September 28, 2019…. Read more »

Trail Runner’s Shoe Review: Tecnica Origin LT

Tecnica is an American Trail Running Association (ATRA) double-track corporate member. I’ve recently had the opportunity to test the new Tecnica Origin LT and after my first run, I give this trail running shoe a thumbs up! My initial test run was 4.5 miles and included dew-laden grass (my feet stayed dry), gravel road, pavement,… Read more »

Trail Runner’s Book Review: All Bets Are Off

All Bets are Off: My Journey of Losing 200 Pounds, a Showdown with Diabetes, and Falling in Love with Running, by Betsy Hartley. Betsy Hartley, 2019. Reviewed by trail runner Laura Clark. Laura is an avid mountain, trail and snowshoe runner who lives in Saratoga Springs, NY, where she is a children’s librarian. She was… Read more »

Canicross: Trail Racing with your four-legged friend

Brian Thomas, founder of Kenosha Running Company, Inc., an American Trail Running Association specialty run store member, writes about the origins of Canicross and provides tips to get you started. Canicross is a word that most have never heard, and if they have, they have no idea what it means! I fell into this category… Read more »

Tailwind Nutrition Celebrates Home State with Release of Colorado Cola

Press release from ATRA double track corporate member Tailwind Nutrition, a Colorado-based nutrition company, releases its new product on the state’s 143rd anniversary. Durango, CO – August 1, 2019 – Tailwind Nutrition releases its newest flavor, Colorado Cola, today on Colorado Day, the anniversary of Colorado’s admittance to the United States. Inspired in equal parts… Read more »

Trail Runner’s Book Review: Kicksology by Brian Metzler

This is the first of two book reviews of Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture & Cool of Running Shoes, by Brian Metzler. Velo Press, 2019. Reviewed by trail runner Laura Clark. Laura is an avid mountain, trail and snowshoe runner who lives in Saratoga Springs, NY, where she is a children’s librarian. Tayte Pollmann will… Read more »

How to Approach Trail Running as an Explorer

While on a recent trip to Iceland with my adventure sister and BFF Anita Ortiz – a trip with an emphasis on trail running – I contemplated the nexus of our sport in terms of training and exploring and how these two very different approaches to a trail run intertwine and create a healthy synergy…. Read more »

How to “Go” When You’re Going Trail Running

In the spirit of our 2019 theme: Trail Running Responsibly, here is an article about waste…the human kind…and responsible disposal. Tommy McClellan, trail runner and stand-up comic, provided this humorous article based on his personal experience. Does a bear shit in the woods? I’m not entirely sure. I would assume so. One thing I know… Read more »

US Team Selection Criteria for 2019 NACAC Mountain Running Championships

For the 2019 NACAC Mountain Running Championship, the following Team USATF selection criteria has been approved by USATF’s Mountain Ultra Trail executive committee on July 12, 2019. The 16th annual North American, Central American & Caribbean (NACAC) Mountain Running Championships will be held in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, Mexico, on Sunday, October 20, 2019. The course will… Read more »

Maksimow to Direct XTERRA Colorado Trail Run Series

The American Trail Running Association’s own Peter Maksimow adds another job to his trail running portfolio. Colorado Trail Run Series organizers have named Peter Maksimow the new race director, succeeding Arnold Soliman in the role. The organization managing the famed XTERRA Colorado Trail Run Series returns this summer with what a series of three races… Read more »

Trail Etiquette for Dog Owners

Written by Dr. John Sudduth for the Summer 2019 edition of our Trail Times newsletter. Dr. Sudduth, a 1977 Graduate of CSU College of Veterinary Medicine. He has been a practicing veterinarian for over 40 years. You will often see Dr. Sudduth on the trails running or biking near his home in Colorado Springs where… Read more »

Practicing Positivity and Staying Motivated with Trail Running

Written by Tommy McClellan for the Summer 2019 edition of our Trail Times newsletter. “Running is 90 percent mental, and the other 10 percent is physical.” Who knows if this quote’s math is correct, but I do know that thinking and acting positive has not only had a positive effect on my running, but my… Read more »