The following poems written by trail runner Candace Gonzales, were published in the spring 2025 issue of ATRA’s Trail Times newsletter.
Wind in my Hair
With the wind in my hair, I run through the tree line. A vertical gain so high I can almost touch the sky. The clouds are my friends running along with me. Together we smile at the sun. Enjoying the beauty of nature and the trail on this long run. With each step of the trail changing, I change with it. I am growing and learning about myself. A growth that teaches me that the trail is a place of love and acceptance. To love and accept the woman that I am, a woman who is fierce enough to take on this trail and any distance. A trail that is free, wild and full of life. I too am free, wild and living like the terrain of this every changing trail. Here on this trail I am home with the wind in my hair, the sun on my face, loving this life and this place.
Butterfly
Butterfly you came to play and lead the way today.
Some runs are harder than others but with you flying beside me I can finish each mile on right after another.
My ancestors say butterflies are the spirits of those we lost. I love when I run and my butterfly joins me on each path I cross.
Chacon
Mountain views all around. Green valleys and fields in sight.
Wildflowers blowing in the wind smelling as vibrant as they look.
Clean air fills my lungs. Beauty and love fills my heart.
on the land my grand mother lived. Generation after generation passed on.
The land of enchantment in your blood.
Brown Girl
Be unapologetically Brown. Don’t let them take that or get you down. Sing that Spanish or you Spanglish loud. Dance your ranchero, cumbia y bachata tambien. Step your salsa left to right hips moving to the beats of the music a magical sight.
Love who you are because being you is always right. Never let them try to tell you that’s wrong never let them try to take your proud Brown song.
Colorful Fall
Fall running is here. My favorite time of year. orange, gold and glee. Running happy and free.
Sunrise
There is magic in the sunrise. it comes with the promise of a new day. Chance and adventure on the horizon. With nothing guaranteed so you have to live each new day in your own way.
About the author – Candace Gonzales
Candace Gonzales, is a Chicana trail runner who lives and plays on Ute, Pueblo y Thono O’odham tierras. She is a Rising Hearts Running With Purpose Athlete Advocate, and loves being a part of the Rising Hearts community. Through that community Candace has learned what it means to Run with Purpose. Candace loves using her miles to advocate for causes that are close to her heart. She believes that she can use her miles to make a difference in the world one step at a time. Candace runs with the Trailtinos run group in Denver, Colorado and is proud to be their Madrina. Candace coaches Girls on the Run in her free time. She enjoys running with the youth she coaches and loves that she can empower them through the sport of running.
