“Who goes on Aspire trips?” It’s a question we hear often. The truth is, the runners who show up for our trips come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of running and mountain experience with them to the trails. We all relate to mountain spaces in unique and personal ways. We are excited to add some depth to our response to the “Who?” question with a series of Aspire trail runner profiles. We enjoyed hitting the dirt and building friendships with these runners on our trips, and we think you’ll enjoy hearing their stories!
Name: Mario Scalcucci Age: 33 Hometown: Westfield, Indiana
Which Aspire Trip(s) have you participated in?
Wonderland Trail 2020
What is your favorite trail snack?
Peach rings
Describe your experience, background, and enthusiasm for running and/or wilderness and backcountry experiences?
I’m very new to the sport of trail running, love being outside, and away from heavy traffic. Being supported makes these remote trips doable.
What questions, concerns, or unknowns did you have going into your trip? How were they resolved?
Ha! Our unknown was Covid-19. Resolved our worries with professional guidelines and procedures. Campsites were also up in the air and again, Aspire rolled with the changing reservations and made it work. All we had to do was run/hike to the next campsite.
How did you prepare for your trip? Given your experience would you prepare differently, if so how?
I prepared for this trip like any other long distance run. With the amount of elevation gain and distances each day, it was important to be ready. But the support we had put us at ease if a long day turned a bit longer.
What story or description would you give to represent the group dynamic on your trip?
As a person with a quiet personality, it was out of my comfort zone to camp with a group of people who I’ve never met before. But with everyone sharing the same enthusiasm for the outdoors and adventures we all fit in quite well.
What was the most difficult moment from your trip?
Leaving at the end after celebratory drinks and an amazing dinner.
What advice or thoughts would you offer to someone considering signing up for an Aspire trip?
This is a must try for all adventurous people. The amount of support received was above any expense we put in.
“Who goes on Aspire trips?” It’s a question we hear often. The truth is, the runners who show up for our trips come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of running and mountain experience with them to the trails. We all relate to mountain spaces in unique and personal ways. We are excited to add some depth to our response to the “Who?” question with a series of Aspire trail runner profiles. We enjoyed hitting the dirt and building friendships with these runners on our trips, and we think you’ll enjoy hearing their stories!
Name: Gerald O’Keeffe Age: 53 Hometown: Arlington Heights, Illinois
Which Aspire Trip(s) have you participated in?
Wonderland Trail 2020, North Cascades Traverse ’22
Describe your experience, background, and enthusiasm for running and/or wilderness and backcountry experiences?
After running a number road marathons, I started getting more into back-country experiences like backpacking and wilderness camping. I did a trail run and immediately realized that trail running combined my love of running and my desire to spend more time in wild and natural places. I was hooked.
What questions, concerns, or unknowns did you have going into your trip? How were they resolved?
Mainly, I was concerned about the vertical gain. I live in Illinois and it is quite challenging if not impossible to run in nearby areas and get significant vertical gain. Every week, I traveled to Wisconsin to run in the hilly terrain of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and also supplemented with incline runs on the treadmill but the treadmill runs ended once the pandemic hit and I couldn’t go to my health club. Fortunately, I did do a lot of training in the heat and humidity that is typical for the Chicago area in summer. Then, my partner Christine and I did a 55 mile backpacking trip on the Northern Loop in MRNP the week prior to the run. This was extremely helpful in terms of familiarizing me with the terrain and getting my legs ready.
How did you prepare for your trip? Given your experience would you prepare differently, if so how?
I used a six month 100k training program from Training Peaks and also ran a 54 mile ultra in the Colorado mountains three week prior to the WT run. The ultra was at average elevation of 10,500 feet and had about 8,500 feet of vertical gain, so once I finished that, I was more confident that I was in good enough condition for the 93 mile Wonderland Trail. If I were to do this again, I would find a way to spend more time running in the mountains, maybe do a few 50k races in the months leading up to the Aspire stage run. I would also be more disciplined about doing core and strength work as part of my weekly running program. I did some core work but could have done more. Last, I would do more back to back long runs. I typically did my long run on Saturday and would then do a 5-10 mile recovery run on Sunday. I never managed to do something like a 25 mile run on Saturday followed by a 20 mile run on Sunday. Given this, I did wonder whether I would be able to handle multiple days of ultra distances on the Wonderland Trail.
What story or description would you give to represent the group dynamic on your trip?
The six of us were all pretty evenly matched in terms of our running ability. We didn’t all run together but we weren’t hours and hours apart, either. This was nice because it was possible to visit with different people at various points throughout the day of running.
What was the most difficult moment and/or a surprising episode from your trip?
On day 2 we ran from Mowich Lake to White River via the Spray Park route. It started raining a few hours into the day and even though I was wearing a long-sleeve Smartwool shirt, I was worried about getting a chill. I put on my windbreaker so I had another layer but everything was soaked with the rain. Fortunately, my legs were feeling surprisingly strong and I was able to keep cranking at a good pace and this helped me stay warm. Getting to the heated Aspire tent at White River was quite wonderful!
What advice or thoughts would you offer to someone considering signing up for an Aspire trip?
Spend time talking with your fellow runners and Aspire guides and getting acquainted with them. They are interesting people! Go with the flow, stop and at any waterfall or glacial stream you find interesting and take in the moment by splashing your face or soaking and resting your feet. Water is a very prominent and awesome part of the Wonderland Trail. Most important, enjoy the journey.
Describe your experience, background, and enthusiasm for running and/or wilderness and backcountry experiences?
I grew up backpacking with my family. As soon as I could walk I carried my own diapers in a backpack. High school cross country is when I first found a love for running, and it wasn’t until my late 20s when I began trail running. Back in 2011, I started running ultramarathons, and have since run several 100 mile trail ultramarathons. For me the races are just an excuse to put in hours of training and spend all weekend roaming through the mountains.
What questions, concerns, or unknowns did you have going into your trip? How were they resolved?
My biggest concern going into the trip were the water crossings. I sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2015 and still have a lot of vertigo. Crossing a log bridge with water rushing underneath is far more daunting than standing at the starting line of a 100 mile ultramarathon.
How did you prepare for your trip? Given your experience would you prepare differently, if so how?
The trip was part of a big training week for a fall 100 miler, so I really didn’t change anything. I was already doing 60-70 mile training weeks at that point.
What story or description would you give to represent the group dynamic on your trip?
Everyone was out there for different reasons, and we had a variety of fitness levels and speeds. Some folks were more social than others, but everyone was supportive.
What was the most difficult moment from your trip?
The suspension bridge on day 1 was very difficult for me. I had to stop for 10 minutes once I got across so I could stop shaking and get my heart rate back down.
What advice or thoughts would you offer to someone considering signing up for an Aspire trip?
I would recommend training and preparing like you would for a race, so you can enjoy the trip as much as possible. You can get by with less training, but if you want less suffering and more vacation, train more. The heated dining tent, hot showers, and amazing food was far beyond anything I had expected.
Last year, Aspire received a call from @teamseepossibilities about doing a custom trip around the Wonderland Trail for blind runner Dan Berlin and his guides. Their team goes on epic endurance challenges never done by a blind athlete, inspiring individuals, with or without disabilities, to go beyond perceived limitations.
Fast forward this month, when Dan and his team of guides faced the challenges of the Wonderland Trail head on. This is their trip report.
In the early morning of August 2, 2021, we strapped on running packs and set out on the Wonderland Trail. With over 23,810 feet of elevation gain and 5 major river crossings, the Wonderland Trail is a series of long, rugged ascents and descents around the circumference of Mt. Rainier just below the glacier line.
The goal: Complete this grueling, 93-mile trek in 3 days.
The inspiration: If successful, Dan would become the first known blind athlete to complete this extreme endurance challenge. We hoped to inspire people with disabilities to set ambitious personal and professional goals. We were also raising money for Team See Possibilities Global Scholarship fund, which supports students with vision impairment with financial scholarships, peer-to-peer support, and monthly mentorship by Dan and other successful blind professionals.
The problem: In addition to the obvious physical challenge of trekking the circumference of Mt. Rainier, the narrow, often rock-strewn trail presents particular problems to a person who is blind. Even with Brad and Charles calling them out, Dan often tripped on protruding roots. His ankles rolled uncomfortably on the uneven terrain with the ever-present threat of a major sprain. The many loose volcanic rocks gave him a strange sensation of vertigo from their constant shifting movement under his feet. Overhanging tree branches and foliage hitting his face disoriented him. And drop-offs along the trail presented an ever-present risk – often, one of Dan’s guides nudged him to safety just before he took one wrong step into a serious fall. Brad and Charles found it exhausting to stay ever alert, and realized the techniques that had worked on previous adventures were falling short. To stay safe, we had to move cautiously. As a result, the first 34-mile section of the trail took over 21 hours to complete. Arriving around 4 a.m. at the Mowich Lake campground, we discussed our options and decided that the combined physical demands and mental strain made the risk of injury too great to continue. A kind volunteer from Aspire Adventure Running drove us out of the wilderness. It’s always disappointing when you fail to accomplish a goal, but sometimes the most disciplined option is to stop. And if you never fail, you are certainly not setting your goals high enough. We were gathering data throughout those 34 miles, and realized it wasn’t prudent to continue. As a result, the Wonderland Trail Challenge became 21 hours traversing 34 rugged miles and climbing 10,000 feet on a stunning mountain.
Taking on endurance challenges like the Wonderland Trail is analogous to the experiences of the Team See Possibilities Scholars we support. A student who is blind going to college for the first time is both excited and intimidated. There are few role models to follow, few peers to connect with. You must learn to ask for help and work as a team. Your resourcefulness and ability to adapt are tested constantly. You are unsure of the outcome, but you proceed anyway. Sometimes things go as hoped. When they don’t, you learn from the experience, then set your next ambitious goal. A great way to go through life is to do physically challenging things in nature with people you like, and link it to a meaningful cause. And that’s exactly what we’re going to continue doing. Team See Possibilities will take on more endurance challenges. We’ll continue to provide scholarships to students with vision impairment. And we challenge everyone we meet with this simple piece of advice: go beyond your perceived limits.
Team See Possibilities inspires and empowers young people with vision loss to thrive and excel. Learn more about their mission and vision at www.teamseepossibilities.com.
If you can dream it, we can crew it. Learn more about Aspire custom trips.
“Who goes on Aspire trips?” It’s a question we hear often. The truth is, the runners who show up for our trips come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of running and mountain experience with them to the trails. We all relate to mountain spaces in unique and personal ways. We are excited to add some depth to our response to the “Who?” question with a series of Aspire trail runner profiles. We enjoyed hitting the dirt and building friendships with these runners on our trips, and we think you’ll enjoy hearing their stories!
Name: Laurn Rock Age: 35 Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Which Aspire Trip(s) have you participated in?
Wonderland Traverse 2020
What is your occupation?
Architect
What is your favorite trail snack?
Inka corn and Swedish fish
What questions, concerns, or unknowns did you have going into your trip? How were they resolved?
I had done perhaps a bit too much research on the Wonderland Trail and totally psyched myself out about the many river crossings. I had read that the log bridges are often and unpredictably washed out, forcing runners to ford rivers and deal with varying water levels and currents. Not having much confidence in my balance, I talked through my anxieties with Abram in advance of the trip and felt better knowing that my fears were out on the table.
As it turned out, all of the river crossings during my trip featured beautifully in tact log bridges, thanks to the wonderful National Park Rangers. To kick things off on the right foot, the very first river crossing we got to, I believe it was Kautz Creek, had just been outfitted with a brand new log bridge. Meaning, there was fresh sawdust and rangers still finishing up the repairs, when we crossed. The second big win, was easily crossing the South Mowich River using a network of log bridges at the end of Day 1. After that, my anxiety was lifted and I could just enjoy the trail!
How did you prepare for your trip? Given your experience would you prepare differently, if so how?
I love training, following a plan, and having an excuse to spend long days out in the mountains. Especially during COVID, with everything else being cancelled, I loved having this trip on my calendar as something to work towards, and a training plan as the one constant in my summer. I roughly followed the 8-week training plan that Aspire sent out in terms of mileage, and tried to get in as much vert as possible while living in the city and only being able to get out to the mountains on weekends. I peaked with a few 50+ mile weeks. I enjoyed many trail training adventures with my friends Sarah and Cathleen who also joined me on this trip.
In terms of gear, I don’t typically run with poles, but they seemed like a good idea, so I brought them along attached to my pack each day. I ended up only using them for about 30 minutes total, on the last day as we were going across the snow near Panhandle Gap in extremely foggy conditions. Probably not necessary, but they were a nice security blanket.
What story or description would you give to represent the group dynamic on your trip?
Fun and supportive! Everyone on our trip had varying strengths and weaknesses, so while we didn’t all stick together each day, it was fun to pass or get passed by each other, often multiple times during each day, and exchange some words of encouragement and camaraderie along the way!
What info/advice/thoughts would you offer to someone considering signing up for an Aspire trip?
Aspire is a terrific organization with the best people. You are guaranteed to have a blast, meet incredible people, and enjoy some delicious food! The Wonderland Trail is really something special. I can see Mt. Rainier from my house and I am so inspired looking at it and reminding myself that I actually ran around it in 3 days. It makes me excited for more big adventures!
“Who goes on Aspire trips?” It’s a question we hear often. The truth is, the runners who show up for our trips come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of running and mountain experience with them to the trails. We all relate to mountain spaces in unique and personal ways. We are excited to add some depth to our response to the “Who?” question with a series of Aspire trail runner profiles. We enjoyed hitting the dirt and building friendships with these runners on our trips, and we think you’ll enjoy hearing their stories!
Describe your experience, background, and enthusiasm for running and/or wilderness and backcountry experiences?
I am relatively new to the ultra trail running world. After seven years running road marathons, I was burned out and not enjoying racing. In 2017, I signed up for my first trail 50k and was instantly hooked. I love being in the outdoors and especially enjoy the challenges presented in an ultra distance and while running on trails. Mountain trails are my favorite, perhaps because I grew up in Idaho. There is something very peaceful and nostalgic about returning to run in the mountains.
What questions, concerns, or unknowns did you have going into your trip? How were they resolved?
I was anxious about the Wonderland trail due to my lack of back country experiences and my ability to train for so much elevation. I went on the adventure with my training partner as a way to ensure that I would not get lost or drown in a river. Experiencing the trail with my training partner was an incredible experience and gave me the confidence to go on the trip. I did learn that the sweeper with the Aspire crew is also always available to accompany the last runner, so that is a great option for others who may lack confidence to run the trail alone due to lack of experience.
How did you prepare for your trip? Given your experience would you prepare differently, if so how?
My training included weekly treadmill workouts at 15% incline and every Sunday I went to the local hill and ran up and down to hit my weekly mileage. I felt like I was reasonably prepared, however, next time I would do twice a week treadmill incline workouts as the other runners in the group who lived in the area were substantially better at the climbs. I also bought a book about the Wonderland trail and read it multiple times to prepare for everything I might encounter. I was very happy with my gear selection and found the course packet incredibly useful for packing.
What story or description would you give to represent the group dynamic on your trip?
I fully expected to be intimidated by the group, however, they turned out to be just like me…other runners setting out to accomplish an exciting (and a little scary!) first time goal. I loved the mix of multi-sport athletes, runners who had never done the mileage before, and runners coming back after breaks.
One moment that the group made very special for me was at the end of day two. I had not expected the day to take us so long, so as we arrived at camp after dark to the cheering of our group, it brought tears to my eyes. Our new friends that had been strangers a day ago were genuinely happy to see us and share stories about our shared adventures. The camaraderie created with the people we shared the trail with was very powerful.
What was the most difficult moment and/or a surprising episode from your trip?
The last day I was unexpectedly running alone, and as we had seen four bears on the trip up to that point, I was anxious about being a solo female in the wilderness. It was a foggy morning and I crossed a river after getting through Summerland Camp and for the life of me, I could not find the rock stacks to mark the trail. Nothing looked like a trail. Just rocks and more rocks. I wandered aimlessly crying for 10 minutes before I found the trail. Ten minutes later the Aspire crew caught up to me and I was so happy to see him, more tears came! It was scary in the moment but empowering to overcome the unexpected and finish the adventure.
What advice or thoughts would you offer to someone considering signing up for an Aspire trip?
Don’t hold back! Train hard and have confidence. There is something very special about these trips that is unlike any race you will ever run. The beauty about the Aspire trip is that you have all the options in the world to make the adventure magical for you. Whether you are speedy or come in every night with the sweeper like me, you will have the VIP treatment and support along the way to accomplish your goal. Read reviews and blogs. Check out pictures. You won’t regret it.
We welcome any insights or perspectives that illustrate the diverse people, abilities, and backgrounds that describe our community and how people experience our trips.
Our group had such a wide range of individuals from guys who had run many challenging mountain races and 100 milers, to me, the newbie mountain runner from Chicago who never ran more than a 100K, to an individual in his 60’s who had never run more than 34 miles, but had lots of back country experience. Some runners in our group were winter sports athletes who only ran in the summer. Some had only run 50Ks in the mountains but trained on the Wonderland trail. The group was very diverse in age (33-64) and location (Indiana, Illinois, Washington).
Also, we greatly enjoyed the tent rental option. I love to camp, but my experience is a bit limited, so the assistance from the Aspire team to set up and take down our tents made it great to not worry after a long day about how to prepare for the night.
“Who goes on Aspire trips?” It’s a question we hear often. The truth is, the runners who show up for our trips come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of running and mountain experience with them to the trails. We all relate to mountain spaces in unique and personal ways. We are excited to add some depth to our response to the “Who?” question with a series of Aspire trail runner profiles. We enjoyed hitting the dirt and building friendships with these runners on our trips, and we think you’ll enjoy hearing their stories!
Name: John Kolman Age: 65 Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Which Aspire Trip(s) have you participated in?
Wonderland Circumnavigation 2020
What is your favorite trail snack?
Almost anything (and everything) I start healthy and progressively eat junkier food as the day goes on.
Describe your experience, background, and enthusiasm for running and/or wilderness and backcountry experiences?
I have had a reasonable amount of backpacking and back-country experience. I also have a good amount of running experience, but not at the ultra level. Until this year I had never run more than 26.2 miles. I like running, and I like the backcountry, it was nice to bring these two things into unity.
What questions, concerns, or unknowns did you have going into your trip? How were they resolved?
First, I was concerned the trip would be cancelled. As the pandemic raged on I found it hard to motivate myself to train for a trip that probably wouldn’t happen. Once I was convinced the trip was a “go” I was worried that I didn’t have much (any) hill training. I was sure I could do the mileage, but the vertical was worrisome. I really only got comfortable when Abram put out the estimated completion times for each segment. I just had to avoid setting a new “slowest” record. I felt I could do that.
How did you prepare for your trip? Given your experience would you prepare differently, if so how?
Doing it again, I would up my mileage and especially try and get some more vertical either through traveling to a hilly region to train or purchasing a treadmill with a good elevation controls.
In terms of gear, I would totally and whole heartily endorse getting the “full package”. Even though I own 3 different tents and various sleeping bags and pads it was great having Aspire handle those logistics
What story or description would you give to represent the group dynamic on your trip?
The back of the pack group had great stories. We needed them as we were on the trail for a lot of hours :). (There were) many wide ranging discussions that made the miles almost fly by. I still think about my discussions with Ian (Aspire staff) about the nature of time.
Even though, by its nature, the activity is a solo event, I found the group to be super supportive and friendly.
What was the most difficult moment or a surprising episode from your trip?
My most difficult moment was the last part of the first day, hiking up to camp in the dark, in a cold light rain. It was followed by my most wonderful moment, when I got into camp and found dinner and drinks waiting in a HEATED!!! common tent. Totally awesome!
“Running” into 4 bears on 3 separate occasions kept the days interesting.
What info/advice/thoughts would you offer to someone considering signing up for an Aspire trip?
Train as much as you can, then come and enjoy the scenery. It will all work out!
“Who goes on Aspire trips?” It’s a question we hear often. The truth is, the runners who show up for our trips come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of running and mountain experience with them to the trails. We all relate to mountain spaces in unique and personal ways. We are excited to add some depth to our response to the “Who?” question with a series of Aspire trail runner profiles. We enjoyed hitting the dirt and building friendships with these runners on our trips, and we think you’ll enjoy hearing their stories!
Name: Monica Burnside Age: 48 Hometown: Mercer Island, Washington
Which Aspire Trip(s) have you participated in?
Wonderland Traverse 2020, Cypress Island 2021
Describe your experience, background, and enthusiasm for running and/or wilderness and backcountry experiences?
I’ve run my whole life, but only starting running ultra distances in the past few years since I stopped working to be home with my kids. I squeeze longer runs in when they’re in school or at activities. I started out only running trails close to home, but have quickly gotten more brave about exploring less-traveled trails with each ultra race I’ve completed. I am NOT fast, but my husband says my super-power is the ability to just keep going and going! That said, I really enjoy stopping when I want to put my feet in lakes or take pictures. Usually I run by myself or with my dog– I enjoy the solitude and quiet. As for camping, I learned how to set up my tent the night before I left for my trip!
What questions, concerns, or unknowns did you have going into your trip? How were they resolved?
I had no idea how fit or fast everyone would be, or if I would be anywhere close to others with my own fitness and speed. I was! I was also concerned that everyone would come with a partner/buddy and I would be a constant 3rd wheel. I was thrilled when everyone on my trip came solo, too.
How did you prepare for your trip? Given your experience would you prepare differently, if so how?
I averaged 40 miles/week for the months leading up to our trip. I did one 50k and several 20+ mile runs. Approximately 4 weeks before my trip I did back-to-back longer runs. If I had to do it all over again (and I definitely want to sign up for another Aspire trip) I would replace some of my runs with steep hikes or weight-vest hikes. Wonderland, at least for me, involved a lot of hiking! In terms of gear, I felt like I packed perfectly following the guide Aspire sent me.
What story or description would you give to represent the group dynamic on your trip?
There were only six of us because of COVID. We ranged in age from mid-30’s to maybe mid-50’s. During our three days of running I spent about half my trail time on my own and half with others. Everyone was warm, funny, friendly, interesting, and just really lovely to be with. My favorite times were when we were all warm, cozy, and swapping trail stories while eating dinner together. I also loved how close we all became with one another and with our fearless leaders by even the end of day one!
What was the most difficult moment from your trip?
About 20 miles into day one I started suffering from altitude sickness. My head really hurt and I got nauseated. I was on my own with only liquid and gels for energy, but those were just not staying down. I kept moving (slowly) until Ian (Aspire guide) came upon me and gave me solid bars from his pack. These helped me get over my nausea and continue on to camp at mile 34. Ian, you are my hero.
What advice or thoughts would you offer to someone considering signing up for an Aspire trip?
Do it! My family had to hold me back from immediately signing up for the North Cascades trip that left two weeks after my Wonderland trip. The feeling of running on gorgeous trails with kind folks knowing that each night I would get to eat TONS of delicious food– does it get any better than that?
“Who goes on Aspire trips?” It’s a question we hear often. The truth is, the runners who show up for our trips come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of running and mountain experience with them to the trails. We all relate to mountain spaces in unique and personal ways. We are excited to add some depth to our response to the “Who?” question with a series of Aspire trail runner profiles. We enjoyed hitting the dirt and building friendships with these runners on our trips, and we think you’ll enjoy hearing their stories!
Name: Doug McKeever Age: 73 Hometown: Bellingham, Washington
Which Aspire Trip(s) have you participated in?
North Cascades Traverse 2020
Describe your experience, background, and enthusiasm for running and/or wilderness and backcountry experiences?
I’ve been a trail runner since 1986, when nearly all runners were sticking to the roads. I enjoy introducing runners to the trails. Have finished lots of ultras including Hardrock (1993) back when we really didn’t know if it would kill us! Grand Slam finisher in 1994. Co-founder and original co-director of Chuckanut Mountain 50 km. Honored as a ‘Living Legend of Trail running’ by Trail Runner Magazine in June/July 2001 issue, not because of my race prowess but due to being a pioneer in wilderness trail running in Washington. Volunteer at Rainshadow Running events and many others. Climbing instructor and guide, with 79 ascents of Mt. Baker as of 2018. I enjoy sleeping on summits and visiting existing fire lookouts and sites of former lookouts.
What questions, concerns, or unknowns did you have going into your trip?
Will I be able to finish each day’s stage at my advanced age.
How did you prepare for your trip? Given your experience would you prepare differently, if so how?
Training daily with gradual buildup, but not trying to ‘compete against the past.’
What is your favorite trail snack?
Salmon jerky and RX bars!
What story or description would you give to represent the group dynamic on your trip?
I was the slowest of the group…not surprising since I was the oldest by a decade and a half….. but everyone in the group had absolutely no ego. The camaraderie and supportive attitude was so good! Also, everyone in our group was very fit and had no apparent trouble doing one big day after another. If someone wasn’t used to big downhills, he or she would likley be stiff and sore the next day.
What was the most difficult moment or a surprising episode from your trip?
I have run the Hannegan/Chilliwack/Copper Ridge loop five times previously (decades ago), but I forgot how rocky the trail going from the Chilliwack valley-bottom woods emerging onto the Copper Ridge subalpine is! Same with the descent from Whatcom Pass to Graybeal Camp….. it isn’t a smooth easy path! Either the trails have gotten rougher, or I was a lot faster 30+ years ago, or both are true (yes!)
What advice or thoughts would you offer to someone considering signing up for an Aspire trip?
Do it! The North Cascades Traverse offers spectacular scenery and challenging trails. Aspire as a company is absolutely first class in every way.
We welcome any insights or stories that illustrate the diverse people, abilities, and backgrounds that describe our community and how people experience our trips.
As far as encouraging each other, on the final 7 or 8 miles of the last day a woman in her 30s in our group was mildly expressing her disapproval of “one more hill” to climb, followed by yet another. But when we reached a long downhill she disappeared ahead of me, and I am (or used to be) a good downhill runner. When I remarked to her in camp, admiringly, how she had taken off after muttering earlier, she gave ME credit for her motivation. How so? During the seemingly endless rolling hills on Copper Ridge when she was lagging a few steps behind me, mildly complaining, I said “If an old geezer like me (in my 70s} can make it, a ‘youngster’ like you certainly can!” (I used the term ‘youngster’ not in a derogatory way, but simply for encouragement). She said that encouragement is why she took off like a rocket on the home stretch.
That’s how this trip went. We were each mutually supportive while doing a challenging thing.
“You Have More to Give, Doug”
Editor’s Note: Doug is the subject of a comeback film titled “You Have More to Give, Doug“, documenting his return to racing after a 10 year hiatus. Watch the film by Nick Danielson and 8 other inspiring trail running films at the Trail Running Film Fest‘s Year End Show. Tix available here!
“Who goes on Aspire trips?” It’s a question we hear often. The truth is, the runners who show up for our trips come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of running and mountain experience with them to the trails. We all relate to mountain spaces in unique and personal ways. We are excited to add some depth to our response to the “Who?” question with a series of Aspire trail runner profiles. We enjoyed hitting the dirt and building friendships with these runners on our trips, and we think you’ll enjoy hearing their stories!
Name: Aaron Davis Age: 45 Hometown: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
What is your occupation?
Heavy Equipment Sales – Latin America & The Caribbean
I also served in the Idaho Army National Guard from 2002 until 2010 as an artillery officer, ending my service at the rank of Captain, and after serving in Iraq in 2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
What Aspire Trip have you participated in?
Wonderland (Longmire to Mowich Segment 2015)
What is your favorite trail snack?
Chipotle peanuts, bacon, oatmeal creme pies
Describe your experience, background, and enthusiasm for running and/or wilderness and backcountry experiences?
I always tell my wife that my dream “job” would be to just clear and build trail all day and run! I wasn’t much of a runner growing up in Boise, Idaho; however, I did do a lot of backpacking, hiking, and camping as a Boy Scout which I loved. In fact, my Eagle Scout “project” was organizing trail work and camp site restoration and clean up on the trail from Chinook Campground into Loon Lake in central Idaho (which for any ultrarunners out there who have run the IMTUF 100-Mile, you ran as part of the race course, albeit many years after I was swinging a Pulaski there with my fellow Scouts…). From my teen years until derailed by a hand injury in my mid-20s, my passion was rock climbing. When injury forced me to explore other activities, I made a goal to run a marathon.
Long story short, I got hooked on running (and marathons in particular), and even did a stint on the All-Guard Marathon Team while in the Army National Guard—my one and only experience at being somewhat of a “pro” and actually getting paid to run – “thank you” to you all tax payers out there 😊.
In 2015, when I was going to turn 40, I set an outlandish goal to break all my PRs in all the more established distances between the 400m and the 100-mile. There were many I’d never really run before, so several were basically “if I finish–I PR!” And though I had dipped my toes into the trail and the ultra world on occasion previously, my only ultra finish before this year was the 2013 Trail Rail Run 50-mile near the Idaho/Montana border. There were a few races I didn’t get to run that PR year, and a few more that I ran but failed to beat the PRs I’d set in my 20s; but it was an awesome year and was also when I really became a born-again trail/ultra runner.
That year, which also included my epic Wonderland trip with Aspire, I ticked off the longest runs of my life, including a sub-30-hour 100-mile finish at IMTUF, which I’ve since gone back to do twice more since.
This crazy COVID year of 2020, I branched out even further and got into fast packing. I spent hours in my wife’s kitchen scale weighing gear and trimming 1/8s of ounces here and half ounces there as I poured over my packing list. This culminated with a 100-mile, 4-day/3-night fastpack trip with a 23.5 pound pack in the Sawtooth’s of Central Idaho with a running buddy of mine.
I also spent much of 2020 with my trusty Rogue Hoe 70HR54 cutting and benching in my own trail system on the wooded hillside behind my house—I’m up to 4-miles with 1,000ft. of vert if you run all 10 x concentric loops. 😊
What questions, concerns, or unknowns did you have going into your trip?
I had a few questions about logistics, format, etc.–I think it was Aspire’s first year (2015), and I was relatively new to big days in the backcountry on this type of running trip. BUT, all those concerns were easily resolved with a couple e-mails and it was an AWESOME experience (and the food was SOOOOO GOOD!!!)
How did you prepare for your trip? Given your experience would you prepare differently, if so how?
I was actually training a lot before the trip, and spent a fair bit of time in the backcountry hiking and backpacking as a kid, so I was fairly prepared and in pretty good shape when I showed up to run with the group. The Wonderland is a pretty tough trail, so it’s definitely going to enhance the experience if you are prepared to enjoy it (and not slog through and suffer too much…)
What story or description would you give to represent the group dynamic on your trip?
I honestly kind of liked that it was a “solo while part of a group” type experience. I was out there for stretches on my own, which totally suits me. But, there were also stretches were I was with one or two others, which was also nice, as we could each take pictures for each other and experience an epic place with others who share a similar passion for the outdoors.
What was a difficult moment or a surprising episode from your trip?
I can say without a doubt it was coming around a corner and bombing down toward a meadow about half way through the run and looking left to see a good sized black bear about 200 feet away bolting out of the meadow as fast as he could. Needless to say, I was glad he didn’t stick around to wait for me!
What advice or thoughts would you offer to someone considering signing up for an Aspire trip?
DO IT!!!! I suppose like a race, it is a significant amount of money to put down to spend a day or more in the mountains; BUT, an Aspire trip is so much more! It’s different than races or other trail running experiences you’ve likely done, and is so worth it.
And the food – man, my wife thought it was worth it just for the culinary experience. I’m not kidding! It’ll leave you wondering how on earth it could be possible to have such amazing food in the outdoors without a full kitchen. Unreal!
Not to mention, there just aren’t races that can take you to some of the places that Aspire can. It really is an amazing experience start to finish, and I can’t say enough good things about it (especially the Wonderland!!!)
It was just a great overall experience, with a good group of people – participants and Aspire staff alike. A great time and a great memory (that I need to repeat in the near future!)
