When looking forward to the New Year, resolutions often accompany – and sometimes overwhelm – our thoughts. What can we do better or different? How many bucket list items shall we check off starting January 1? Is this the year to reconnect with friends and family we haven’t seen, or spoken to in ages? Do we want to spend more time at the gym, or more time outdoors on the trails?
Making a list and then navigating the complexities of our personal road map through the next 12 months of “to-dos,” “should-dos,” or “maybe-dos,” is challenging even for the most organized Type A individual. But, making a list and checking off the boxes could also be a fun exercise and provide solace and contentment each time a box is checked and a project or task is complete.
So, let’s think about the number 23 and make a list of – you guessed it – 23 ways to celebrate the trails in 2023. Ready?
- Post on social media a photo from your trail run of a beautiful vista, or stunning landmark and tag @ATRAtrailrunner.
- Participate in a trail work day in your local community, or donate your time, talent, or treasure to the betterment of a park.
- Take your camera on a trail run and capture 23 images that highlight your outing.
- Track one thing you hear, feel, see, and smell on your run. This exercise provides awareness of the surroundings and affords an appreciation of the beauty and wonderment no matter what distance or where the trail is.
- Attend a Trail Running Film Festival.
- Take a friend on their first trail run.
- Sign up for the US Trail Running Conference.
- Visit your local run specialty store or independent retailer and make a purchase of a new pair of trail running shoes, a hydration vest, a pair of socks, or an energy gel.
- Read a book about trail running.
- Explore a new trail in your community.
- Volunteer at a trail race.
- Share a trail running tip with a newbie to the trails.
- Write a haiku about trail running.
- Run two different trails in one day.
- Be kind – say hello to a mountain biker, or equestrian as you pass them on a trail.
- Become a crew member or pacer to support a friend in an ultra.
- Research the name of a local park or trail to find out its history.
- Send a thank you letter to the race director after you run their event.
- Stop at a scenic overlook during a trail run and marvel at the view for at least one minute.
- Stay on marked trails and run through puddles, not around them.
- Wear gloves, carry a bag, and collect trash on one of your trail runs.
- Listen to a trail running podcast.
- Remember to smile during your trail runs, at least once.
If you have checked off all the boxes before the end of the year, continue your celebration journey and finish the list for a second time!
