Trail running can be intimidating, even if you are already an experienced runner.
When Gina Lucrezi first moved from track to trail, she approached a steep Colorado climb with the same stride and expectations she had as a 10-time NCAA Division III All-American. It didn't take long before she was forced to walk while a more experienced trail runner pitter-pattered past her. It was a humbling introduction to one of trail running's most important lessons: you have to let go of pace and learn a different way to move.
Today, Gina is the founder of Trail Sisters, an organization dedicated to increasing women's participation and opportunities in trail running through inspiration, education, and empowerment. What began in 2016 as an online journal with contributions from seven of Gina's friends has grown into a community that includes local running groups, retreats, races, and educational resources.
In this episode, Gina and Scott talk about the confidence gap that keeps many people from trying trail running and why building confidence is a daily practice. Gina explains how no-drop groups help runners feel welcome, why hiking is absolutely part of trail running, and what road runners need to understand before making the move to the trails.
They also cover the practical side of getting started, including choosing the right gear, planning and downloading routes, staying aware of your surroundings, and preparing for changing weather. Gina shares advice from her experience as a trail runner and member of her local search and rescue team, including why hypothermia can be a concern even during warmer months and what to do when lightning or storms move in.
In this episode:
- How Gina went from elite track runner to trail and ultrarunner
- Why she created Trail Sisters and how it has evolved over 10 years
- Confidence as one of the biggest barriers to trail running
- Why no-drop groups make the trails more accessible
- Letting go of road pace and learning to run by terrain and effort
- Why walking and power hiking belong in trail running
- The gear beginners actually need
- Route planning, offline maps, and trail awareness
- Preparing for weather, hypothermia, and lightning
- The Trail Sisters Half Marathon and 10K in Buena Vista
- Finding purpose through community involvement and service
Whether you are curious about trail running, preparing for your first trail race, or looking for a more welcoming community, this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to be fast or experienced to belong on the trails. Sometimes you just have to take a bet on yourself.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and guest background
(01:01) Gina's origins and move to Colorado
(04:04) What inspired the creation of Trail Sisters
(08:33) Trail Sisters' 10-year journey and growth
(13:21) Evolution of Trail Sisters' programs
(16:36) Community and inclusivity in trail groups
(20:48) Key lessons from building a community
(23:48) Overcoming fears and mindset for trail beginners
(27:11) The beauty of trail variability and troubleshooting
(32:36) Gear essentials for new trail runners
(35:35) Safety tools and strategies for trail running
(40:11) Weather considerations and safety
(43:30) Upcoming Trail Sisters race event
(45:25) Favorite trails and local adventures
(47:38) Favorite races and post-race treats
(48:35) Gina's hobbies and community involvement
(57:24) Closing thoughts and future plans
Learn more about Gina and Trail Sisters
