It’s been over two weeks into this new adventure and while there are a bevy of items to highlight and plenty of missing home tears, I wanted to share a new first that I’m sure will be getting more of my time soon.
You see, Portland has a unique way to provide all of the amenities of a big city, yet the uniqueness of nature being out your back door…literally. For now, I’ll speak specifically to the 70+ miles of trails and the “Did I just step into another country?” place that is Forest Park.
The park, no, no, forest, is nothing short of enchanting. With 5,000+ acres of towering green trees that transport you to somewhere cool, shaded and foreign, it’s no wonder local runners rave about it. It’s one of the largest urban forest reserves in the country and the trails go on for days.
My once Internet friend and now IRL friend, Jen, has been nothing but amazing and instantly invited me to dinner, a birthday party and a run… all without every actually meeting me in person. She juuuuust might be the most welcoming person I’ve ever met. I’m sure you’ll be seeing her a lot more on this blog.
I confessed to Jen at dinner that I had actually never gone trail running. I know, I know, but I lived in the Bay Area?! Didn’t I do any of those amazing runs that Aron, Jojo and Jess always did? Sadly, I didn’t. After my ankle injury, I was too afraid to go trail running and risk re-injuring my ankle. It was all roads for this Ironman hopeful.
But now that Ironman is over and this epic forest was literally at my back door, I knew I had to go. So Jen picked me up, I nervously asked her how to ensure my pack was tight and she generously explained the inner-workings of Forest Park and its trails.
Without further ado, we made our way onto the popular Wildwood trail and like that, I was on my first-ever trail run. I cautiously followed behind Jen, watched how her feet navigated the trail and introduced my still recovering legs to all of these little hills (which I have a ton of work to do on). We chatted, I followed and she even taught me the rules of politely using nature as an emergency restroom.
After five miles, Jen asked if I wanted to lead. I usually prefer to let the experienced folks to go before me, but she promptly encouraged me and frankly, left me no choice. To be honest, I was just afraid that I would trip, fall, re-sprain my ankle and quickly prove that the trail and I were not meant to be.
But just like every new first I’ve ever experienced, I psyched myself out far too much. I quickly got comfortable and before you knew it, I was lost in my own little trail world talking to one of the nicest people ever and boom…10 miles done.
It was a great run (my longest post IMCDA), on new trails, in new shoes, with new friends, in my new city.
Hey random stranger, next time, let’s take photos that are in focus. Thanks!
As always – new adventures never seem to disappoint. Gone on any good ones lately?
Happy Running!
I loooove Forest Park. Definitely gonna run there a lot in August (come with meeee!!)
I can’t believe you haven’t run trails—I love when I can finally get out of where I normally run and hit the trails (especially in the summer when it is also cooler on the trails!). Oregon is definitely the place to run some amazing trails…you’re going to be spoiled now!!
be still my heart. when i visit, you will be showing me this park. <3
I love Portland, and although I’ve only enjoyed a few frolics in that park..they were fantastic. Glad you found a friend to show you around. Prepare to become a trail running convert…
This weekend, I took my initial spin instructor certification course. That was an adventure, for sure ! The spin bike seat and my butt got to spend a lot of quality time together – and a learned a bit about myself as an athlete, and as a coach. Despite seeming a bit intimidating at the start, ultimately, the experience was awesome. (In other words, exactly like your trail running experience!)
Wow, that trail system sounds awesome! I am so jealous. I completely agree, I am always worried about tripping when trail running too. Good thing you have a great guide!
Yay for trail running!!! Careful, you’re gonna get hooked =).
I am obsessed with trail running and recently ventured into the ultramarathon world just so I could get more of my fix in. We also moved to a new apartment that was much closer to some trails that I could run.
Last week I got back from a 2 week trip to Colorado (where I grew up) and it was jam-packed with hiking, trail running, kayaking and backpacking. It was definitely hard to get back to the daily grind last week, but I eased my way in with some more kayaking this past weekend.
Those trails look awesome! How nice of Jen to show you around (IMHO, Jen’s are often very awesome people – haha). I’m glad you got a chance to lead — there’s nothing quite like the feeling of running down single track, just you and the woods. It’s also great training for the hills and the footwork/balance.
Just finished crewing and pacing at the Vermont 100!!! My husband, brother-in-law and a friend all ran it and finished! It was awesome to be a small part of their success, and fun to be on the other side of events like that since in the past I’ve always been the one running the race!
Running in Forest Park is pretty incredible. I ran a 10K trail race put on by Portland Running Co a couple of years ago that was a lot of fun. I think it was in July, but don’t remember the exact date. Fun 10K, all women.
Glad you are enjoying one of my favorite cities as much as me!
Trail running is the BEST! you know in Bend we have thousands of miles of trails – even a half all on trail this august 11 – Haulin Aspen bc it goes thru so many aspen trees. Just in case you are feeling like 13 =)
I too have recently taken up trail running. I, unfortunately, don’t have anyone to run with me. Guess I need to come out to Portland.
wildwood trail is great!!! but make sure to keep focused on the ground, because i have rolled my ankle more than once on it!
This sounds amazing! I went trail running twice at Endurance Camp last weekend and I loved it! I can’t wait to visit and we can run on these trails! Probably better than visiting for a race so we can actually drink all the yummy craft beer that weekend and not worry about it!
That looks so beautiful!! I’ve been wanting to take up trail running too, but am also nervous about it just because I’ve never really done it. It looks so fun though! I also just finished reading a book that takes place in Portland called Wildwood by Colin Maloy. It’s a fantasy, talking animals kind of book but it was really good. So watch out for those talking Cayotes in uniforms while you’re out there!
It looks amazing and good fun. I run in the woods when it is hot here and love the different challenge it gives me. Great to hear from you too. xx
The trails look beautiful! I am shocked you never ran trails before! I think they’re my favourite thing, and it might be what I focus on next year!
That’s awesome you found someone to run with already.
I LOVE the Wildwood Trail! There’s a half marathon on it every summer (if I’m remembering correctly). Hope you’re loving Portland, I miss my native state.
My goodness I’m late on blog comments…but I’ve heard Forest Park is amazing and so jealous you got to meet Jen!!
I can tell how much you love Jen! I’ll pass it on!