On this Green Friday and just weeks before a new season, we thought we’d use this time to share some exciting news for our new season. After many requests, we will be adding #AreteTrail to everything we love about Arete.
What does this look like? With the help of master ultrarunner Jec Ballou and other badass ultra runners like Angela and Makiko, we will be adding ultra races, trail meet-ups, optional training plans, and a trail running camp, hosted by these women. Thank you ladies!
We caught up with Jec to hear more about why she loves ultra running, why everyone should try trail running and what to look forward to for Arete Trail for 2020. For a list of races and events, scroll below her comments.
“I love ultrarunning because it brings me so much peace. I get to spend hours in nature experiencing all kinds of magical scenery, blending with the terrain. After a few hours in the forest or the mountains, I feel positively uplifted. I believe everyone should try trail running because it is so good for the body. The ever-changing terrain avoids repetitive motion, the elevation gains/losses develops strength, and the ground underfoot delivers far less impact than roads. PLUS, I believe everyone who lives in an area as spectacular as we do should try trail running because, otherwise, you are missing out on some of the treasures of living here. We are surrounded by breath-taking natural spaces and many of these remote backcountry areas are only accessible by foot or bike.
#AreteTrail in 2020 is going to be all about building energy and momentum among our teammates who want to tackle some trail adventures, whether that means meeting up with us in Santa Cruz, Marin Headlands, Yosemite or beyond for training runs, or entering their first trail ultra. Together, we will share that truly badass feeling of charging down a dirt path, sweaty and euphoric after navigating all the unknowns of a trail outing. We’ll encourage newbies to try some trail running of any distance while also supporting experienced runners at 50k distances and beyond, hopefully targeting a fall 50-miler for anyone interested or curious enough!”
Thanks, Jec! We can’t wait
Arete Trail Schedule:
APRIL 18, Saratoga Trail Run 50k/30/21k/10k (Saratoga, CA)
https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=63867
May 31: Big Basin-Skyline to Sea 50k/marathon (Saratoga, CA)
http://www.coastaltrailruns.com/bigbasin50.html
JUNE 20: San Lorenzo River Run 50k/30k/10k (Santa Cruz, CA)
http://www.coastaltrailruns.com/slr_san_lorenzo_river.html
June 19-21: Trail Running Camp in Santa Cruz! Details TBA
July 18: Rodeo Valley Trail Run 50k/30k/half-marathon (http://insidetrail.com/calendar/rodeo-valley-trail-run/)
August 2: Skyline 50k/half-marathon (https://scenaperformance.com/events/skyline-50k/)
August (TBD): Trans-Sierra run with Jec, running from Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park to June Lake (approx. 22 miles; bus shuttle to starting point from finish).
This is ALL SO EXCITING!!! lots of fun to be had here! Happy Day Late Thanksgiving! I am grateful to be surrounded by all of you in a place where trails and training are HOME🙌🏼❤️👍