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Allison is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
While I’ve run my whole life, I don’t think I really appreciated what it brought to my life until I had kids and my time was at a premium. Running was always a source exercise, but it now became time just for me–to relax and clear my head and focus on me. It started to become something I looked forward to, not felt obligated to do. When I started trail running 4 years ago and collected a group of amazing trail ladies, I found a tribe to share this “me-time” with. We’ve enjoyed exploring all that Colorado has to offer, gone on amazing adventures, set crazy running goals, and run amazing races. Running has helped me find my inner-calm, direct my motivation and find satisfaction.
Runner’s World is a great source of info on all things running. I’m a big researcher and love all the info Runners World offer!
Running makes me feel strong and alive. There are many mornings where it’s hard to get up and I’m tired. I always remind myself that I’ve never regretted going on a run. My only regret comes from not running. This never fails to get me out of bed, go on that run, and end up feeling great. I’m constantly amazed at what I can push through and what my body and mind can accomplish.
I run first thing in the morning, the earlier the better. I love starting my day with a great run, and using that energy to power through the day. I run 5 days a week, with my mid-week runs on the treadmill since I run so early before work, and my weekend run with my BRFs (best running friends) hitting the Colorado trails.
The calmness, serenity and beauty of trail running always rejuvenates my soul. One of my favorite local trails is the double loops of the Doudy Draw to Goshawk Ridge Trail. I always see wildlife – cows, deer, coyotes and once 18 wild turkeys! In the Spring the flowers bloom and the fields are amazing. I can easily do a 4, 8, 10 miles or longer run by extending the trails.
Hats! Running in Colorado always means tons of sun. I’ve found that trucker hats not only protect my head but my eyes. I have a couple of favorites I wear year round.
Through my running career I’ve set PR goals, some which I’ve beat (half marathon under 2 hours), some I didn’t (10K under 50 minutes) and I’ve set distance goals (marathon, 50K, 60K). But the hardest goal I’ve had was to train for the other goals and not get injured. So at this point in my life, my goal is to always feel challenged in running but listen to my body and stay injury free so that I can keep running.
Caroline’s enthusiasm for enriching the run community originates from engaging with her local run specialty store customers, where she still works part-time.