08/17/2026
Overland Trail Race, 15 miles
On January 1, I signed up for this. It would be my first. I spent 8 1/2 months training to the best of my ability. Most of my runs were short and on local trails. We did one big one out in Blue Hills. I learned a lot along the way. But nothing prepared me for Sunday; mentally, physically and emotionally.
I had already been informed this was a hard trail race. I was prepared to walk a lot, which I did. I wasnโt prepared for the breath work. So while I did a lot of hills at home, I walked, not ran. When youโre in a field of trail runners, youโre running. It was very hard to catch my breath at times. Once the field thinned out, I was able to focus more on myself and my breath.
I fell around mile three and bruised up my arm pretty badly as well as my hip. I tasted dirt, brushed myself off and actually felt a little rush of adrenaline come through.
Along the way a few of us veered off the trail and got lost. Took us time to figure out how to get back, but we did! This has nothing to do with the markings of the trail. It was very well marked.
There were periods of time where we were constantly climbing. Ultimately, we almost reached 2500 feet and what goes up must come down so the decents were incredible. At times I felt like I was flying. We ran in fields, dense wooded forest, and on lots of gravel. I loved the switchbacks in the woods, I loved all the nature Vermont gave us. The weather was a perfect 10.
The Overland race was super organized and well done. Overwhelming sense of community, friendliness, and a chill vibe. The vendors were great. The volunteers were amazing and the aid stations were perfectly placed and well stocked. Vermont Overland
I have to thank Melissa Smith for being a ride or die friend. Sheโs an absolute rock. Iโm beyond blessed to have her in my life. Thank you!Melissa Smith
I debated but Iโm gonna put it out there and let you all know I finished fifth to last. In all my pavement running years Iโve always been around the middle of the pack. I was humbled, but I was proud of myself. I promised the next time I run a trail race, Iโll place a little bit better. Iโm truly happy I did it. ๐ฒ