“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?
