Over the years I’ve really become accustomed to running solo. Well, not completely solo, as my Labradoodle Elsa comes with on almost every run. So, lets just say, running without human companionship. I’ve come to really enjoy the peace of it. Plug my mind into a book or podcast, and let the road take me. Over the past year though, it seems like every run is now solo. There were very few group or even doubles training sessions in the books.

Now, we’re in the middle of January, in the middle of Wisconsin. It is dark by 4:30p and not light until 7:30a. While it has been a mild winter so far, the winds can be vicious, and there is bound to be a cold snap coming. All of these elements combine to diminish even the most stubborn runner from getting outside and getting the miles in. So now may be the most important time to get out and run with others.

While we are still in the grips of a pandemic, being outside, and keeping a little distance yet, can be precautions enough to help prevent the spread. As an added bonus, running with a gaiter helps keep you warm if you choose to go that route.

So when Ironbull announced they were starting a monthly trail running practice group, I jumped at the opportunity to get out there and get some miles in with other runners. This past Saturday, January 16th about a dozen folks met at Rib Mountain for a little 10k scamper over the snowpacked trails. The weather was ideal, in the 20’s making the snow just sticky enough that running my normal trail shoes was actually perfect. The views were absolutely stunning! Since they’re still making snow on the north side of the mountain, and there must have been a little natural snowfall with a northern wind, the north face of the trees were blanketed in white. Absolute perfection.

Then there was the company. Being able to catch up with some runners I haven’t seen in months, since the last Ironbull 50k Ultra. Others, it had been even longer. Discussion ranging from our 2021 race plans to family adventures, job changes and everything in between. My favorite part though was meeting new people out there. We even had a young guy who’s in college yet, who lives out in Colorado join since he was in town.

Which really brings me to the point of this post, the community. I’m so happy to see Ironbull taking this step, 10 months prior to their ultra race, to get people out on the trails. Too many times in conversation it came up, how often do you guys do this? Is this a regular occurrence? When’s the next trail run? Now maybe more than ever, a community of people getting out into the woods, running on the trails and just enjoying time together and in nature is so very welcome. I strive to see this trend continue, and will work towards getting even more new trail runners, out there.

To that end, I recently accepted a position on the Ironbull Board of Directors, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this on going effort to continue monthly trail runs. My goal is to help our little runners community grow within the greater Wausau community and to help spread the message of a healthly life through endurance sport.

Come join in on our next trail run, I’ll be very happy to see you out there. More information and scheduling can be found on the Ironbull Facebook page.

We’ll see ya out there.