• Rebekah Tonthat on Leading Trail Runs

    How did you become a trail run leader and what has your experience been like?

    I started running with CHRC around December or November. I met a CHRC member at the Staten Island Half, and I thought it would be a good idea to check out runs with different groups. CHRC had one of the most “friendly” schedules for me (7:45 Tuesday stamina night, 11 am Sunday trail run) that felt like I could still have a life and not be rushing to or from work.

    I started doing the trail runs, led by Josh, Kay, James, and Joey. Everyone was super welcoming. And of course, Joey’s Wild Bill impression is an unforgettable experience.

    I had absolutely no intention of becoming a trail leader. I remember in my early days that there was no set trail leader one Sunday and I showed up at the same time as a couple of brand new people, who all looked at me expectantly. I immediately regretted disclosing any prior knowledge of the run or of CHRC, as they took it for granted that if I knew the course (I didn’t) and would lead the way. I ran off, quite literally, and felt sort of bad… but not as bad as I would have had I led a pack of runners in circles in the woods.

    Over time, I became more comfortable with the paths off the main loop. One day I was talking to Liz Marvin about trail running and I offered to put my name down, as I noticed there were a couple of trail runs that had no leaders. I figured that I would be running on Sundays solo anyways–why not with company? I’m not the fastest runner, which worried me, but I figured at the very least, that some people would stick together and some would split up. Without Facebook, it was my way of saying, ‘I’ll be here, if anyone wants to show up’.

    A real eye-opener was how much time, work, and dedication goes into organizing these runs on a consistent schedule (which is something I really appreciate!). The CHRC group has made it as easy as possible to be a leader, from checking in about whether I’m still willing to lead after a day of inclement weather, to posting on Facebook for me. As someone who is social media free, I appreciate their tolerance for my quirks.

    What’s different about the trail runs?

    The Lookout Hill stair repeats. I love running the trails, with or without people. But there’s something special about a light rain or fresh dew, when it’s misty out and the trees are green and you’re leaping up these broken stone stairs that feel endless, that always makes me feel like “Eye of the Tiger” is playing.

    It’s also good to mix it up, and I like that this strength training aspect (which you can opt into or out of!) is a part of the trail runs. On a recent trail run, a very nice, if bemused, family gave us a spontaneous ovation on our second round of stairs.

    Why should I go trail running?

    Because being out in nature is amazing! There’s a small family of (friendly-ish) black squirrels that live by Bartel Pritchards, which are always an exciting sighting.

    I personally find trail running to be a little easier on some minor injuries and it’s always an interesting physical puzzle to navigate around obstacles. Mentally, it’s more stimulating and relaxing for me to get into the rhythm of things and really feel in touch with the park. It’s always been a great, welcoming and friendly group of people.

    What if I trip and fall?

    Fear on technical paths is a real thing, especially in certain races or on new terrain. I still pause when scaling or moving down steep slopes. I have a better sense now of how the ground is going to react, but that bit of hesitation can really hold you back! James Bennett once told me that it was easier to do it quickly and let your body make the decisions for you while I was clinging to some rocks on a hillside– great advice in the moment that I’m *still* completely unable to follow.

    Anything you’d like to share with potential trail runners?

    Let me know what you’d like to do. I’m always open to new routes, more stairs, or even an extended trail run.

    Please know: my greatest fear is losing you. All paces welcome–I’m happy to take it at any speed (except really, really fast. Josh, just go ahead.)

  • Meet a Royal: Ethan Wieselthier

    Why do you run?

    The reason I run? Years ago I sprained one ankle and broke the other, and after that I did nothing. Absolutely no activity, I just never put the effort in to fully recover and became a bit of a blob. Then, I moved in with Anna and she ran all the time, mainly in the mornings. Unfortunately, this would wake me up and I just couldn’t fall back asleep. So eventually I decided I might as well just get up with her, try this out, and have a productive morning rather than lying in bed.

    I started with the Couch to 5K plan and got moving. By the end, I was pretty proud of myself for doing something I didn’t imagine I’d be doing. It was just a 5K, but at the time it was a marathon. At first I enjoyed the fitness and energy that came from running. Now I really enjoy getting out and running to places with Anna, and the sense of accomplishment every time I run a race better, further, and faster. It also makes me feel better about my weekends when I just bum around ;-).

    What’s your favorite thing about running?

    My favorite thing about running is when I run when traveling, more specifically, being able to truly discover new cities. Races in other places are fun, but just getting out, seeing a town or city in the early hours, going down streets and through landscapes I might not normally pay attention to, and seeing things just by running there myself is generally my favorite thing that has come from running. It’s pretty crazy how far you can go on your feet. It’s great to take a whole place in and live in that moment.

    Why did you join CHRC?

    The reason I sought out CHRC is to meet people in the neighborhood and make some new friends to hang out with. I moved to Brooklyn over the summer and I loved the neighborhood, but many people I know are not casually close to just spontaneously hang out as often as I’d like and enjoy Brooklyn with me. So now I’m meeting people at runs and at meet ups and look forward to getting to know everyone more.

    What’s been your favorite CHRC run/event/activity and why?

    It’s going to sound cliché, but the new member run in January was great. Not only was it a nice day out, but it was also the squirrel run which added some extra intrigue to the run, especially when we went on the trails in Prospect Park where I don’t normally run. But most of all, we ended up at Berg’n and had time after the run to hang out, which was a good time.

    What’s something you love to do when you’re not running?

    When I’m not running, I’d say you can typically find me buried in a comic book; I’m a bit of a Marvel comics addict at the moment. If not there, I’m trying to be creative in some way. Whether it’s searching for inspiration at a gallery / museum with Anna or trying to let out my creativity through photography (aspiring) or cooking a new type of food. I’m just always trying to be around something interesting and new. But if people just want to hang out and chill, I’m all for a board game and some friendly competition.