Those who get out and run on the trails across America know that it is a great combination of cardiovascular fitness building, visual stimulation and joie-de-vivre. To get some insight into their thoughts on trail running, we reached out to four experienced friends who combine for many trail miles and experiences. Here are their stories.  

What motivates you to run on the trails?

Nancy Hobbs, Executive Director American Trail Running Association. The lure of the outdoors is ever-present in my mind and beckoning me to the trails to experience the challenge and solitude inherent in the sport. I enjoy revisiting trails as well as seeking new trail adventures. The terrain variability and surface changes are so much more enjoyable than the road.

Josh Rosenthal, Publisher of Borderlands. I am most motivated by trails because that culture has been the one that most understands absurd ambition. The community that surrounds it is life-giving and helpful. They are fierce and direct to keep you going toward your goal. I don’t run for health or fitness. I run for the joy of losing track of time doing something a younger version of myself couldn’t imagine.

Shannon Rowbury, Three-time Olympian and 2012 Olympic Medalist. Even though I raced 1500 meters on the track, I ran on soft surfaces almost exclusively for my recovery runs. It was better for my joints, but more than that it settled my nervous system. There’s nothing I love more than exploring a new trail — especially when I travel. I honestly rank destinations by the trails they offer.

Michel Wardian, Ultra Runner. I love to run trails for the adventure, the opportunity to be in nature the chance to get dirty, the risk of falling and the sense of accomplishment when reaching the top of a mountain. Trails make me feel free and bring me joy.  

Do you have a favorite trail shoe?

Hobbs: I’m testing a bunch of different shoes. I rotate between about six different brands right now. I’ve always enjoyed the Salomon Ultra Glide, I race in Hokas (The Rocket), and also wear Saucony, Brooks, La Sportiva and a few others. It is terrific to see so many different trail running shoes. This wasn’t the case 10 or so years ago.

Rosenthal: The shoe that gave my most enjoyable race day was the Nike Zegama 1. But my overall favorite day to day is probably the Norda 001 or Kiprun Kipsummit Race.

Rowbury: I used to wear the Pegasus Trail, but now that I am no longer with Nike I am exploring new brands, which has actually been exciting. There’s a real explosion happening in trail footwear right now.

Wardien: I run in Tevas and my current Teva favorite is the Aventrail R2T Trail Running Sandal. These are my go-to shoes for running at the moment.

What’s your favorite trail to run and why?

Hobbs: There is much fulfillment in revisiting favorites in my area parks and exploring new connectors when they are built and open for use. I travel extensively and a lot of that is international, so wherever I go trails are part of the adventure. I’m always looking for new and fun places to run. Inevitably there are trails to be found ... some may not be as long as others, or require a car ride or public transportation to get to, but the journey to get to a trail always delivers an experience. 

Rosenthal: Anywhere along the trail of the Zion 100. It’s not inside the National Park, it’s just outside of it, with good views of it at certain times. But even when you can’t see this stunning park itself, every square inch is beautiful and healing. There’s just something about an expansive view of the desert that makes me wonder about what has happened there historically.

 Rowbury: My very first run ever was in Golden Gate Park and I still love the little trails tucked throughout it. My favorite sections are the Redwood Grove and the stretch where JFK Boulevard meets Ocean Beach — the views of the Pacific are hard to beat.

Wardian: My favorite local trail is the Potomac Heritage Trail — it is beautiful, but rugged and convenient. The trail packs a lot of different trail conditions, rocks, roots, mud, water and technical, so I get a lot of exposure to the conditions I am going to face around the world right in my backyard.

Do you have a favorite trail race?

Hobbs: The World Masters Mountain Running Championships is an annual favorite. There is community, camaraderie, challenge and most of all ... fun. The venue rotates every year so there is always a new opportunity to learn about new trails. 

Rosenthal: Zion Ultras historically. Bryce Ultras is a close second.

Rowbury: I run trails and soft surfaces almost every day, but I’ve only done one trail race so far — and it’s left me wanting more.

Wardian: I live to run the Hardcore 100 miler — it is wild and tough and the community around the race is unparalleled.

Favorite trail story?

Hobbs: Every trail run has a story. I hope to create many more stories on the trails in the next several decades.

Rosenthal: I ran a portion of a 100 miler with a former NFL linebacker. I asked him which is harder — NFL or a desert 100. He said the desert 100. Of course we were at mile 70 in the middle of the night.

Rowbury: Maybe not my favorite, but definitely memorable: Getting completely lost on a trail in the Netherlands during a summer training camp and having to use my Garmin to navigate my way back.

Wardian: I have so many trail stories, I think the one that first came to mind is doing a race called Diagonale Des Fous on Reunion Island off the coast of Africa and there is a French guy at mile 80 climbing a 2000-foot climb smoking and I can’t beat him up the mountain. I eventually did overtake him, but I love that people can really come from all different backgrounds and still be competitive in trail races and that everyone gets to run the same course on the same day and in the same conditions.

Wildlife encounters?

Hobbs: Snakes, kangaroos, wallabies, parrots, deer, Ibex and more. Plus one mountain lion. Being alert on the trails is very good advice. Awareness is important on the trails, not only to avoid a fall, but also to be present in the moment in terms of weather, wildlife, and human encounters.

Rosenthal: Rattlesnakes, moose. All friendly and docile moments thankfully.

Rowbury: I’ve been lucky so far — but I do remember singing out loud the entire time I ran the Powerlines Trail in South Lake Tahoe solo, because I was absolutely terrified of encountering a bear.

Wardian: I have seen all types of wildlife — mountain lions, hippos, bears, snakes, monkeys, bison, owls, wild dogs, skunks, but think the animal I was most afraid of was a porcupine or polar bear, yeah polar bear as they eat humans.

Anything last insights into your trail running life?

Hobbs: Trail and mountain running have given so much to me and I hope to return as much to the sport as I have received.

Rosenthal: I’d rather DNF a race than not start. My training fell apart several times, but I still chose to toe the line knowing a DNF was inevitable. Didn’t care. Failure in an ultra is better than the best day in the office. 

Wardian: I love running trails and I would say the biggest thing to suggest to people wanting to get started is you don’t need all the fancy equipment. It is great and useful, but if you have a good pack and some shoes you should be fine.