Member Spotlight: Marian Schmidt
Marian started Trail Roots in January of 2019 and has been an active and consistent member of the group. Her high energy and positive attitude is magnetic. It's impossible to have a bad day when she's around. Coming from a figure skating, soccer, and cross country background, Marian started running as a way to find time for herself and now has taken trail running to the next level. She competed in her first 50K this past January at Bandera. When Marian is not running you can find her studying the ecology and evolution of microorganisms that live in fresh water or advocating for racial justice and human rights. We wanted to ask Marian a few questions about her journey with Trail Roots.
What inspired you to start running?
Running was a way for me to escape life at home and have some time on my own to be in my world. Growing up, I lived a few blocks away from a really special lake, Lake St. Clair, which had a beautiful view of Canada and connects two of the largest lakes in the world: Lake Huron & Lake Erie. All the freighters that go deep into the Great Lakes Region move through Lake St. Clair and I would often stop on my run to wonder where in the world they were from and what they were carrying to or getting from their destination.
What’s your favorite post-run snack/meal?
Chocolate Milk
What’s your dream run?
I once did a run on the North Country Trail (NCT) in the upper Peninsula of Michigan and it was absolutely magical to run along Lake Superior. Like Coree Woltering, I don't think the trails in the midwest get enough love/appreciation and I'd love to run more parts of the NCT! I'm especially excited about the segment in Minnesota near the boundary waters and the western side of Lake Superior. I'll be moving to Ithaca, NY at the end of the year and am looking forward to running and exploring the Finger Lakes trail!
Do you have a race ritual? Do you have a race mantra?
Ever since 2011, I have always eaten toast with peanut butter, banana, and honey before a race. In the race, I try my best to remind myself to go easy in the first half so I can save it for the end. In the first half, I try to connect with my surroundings by taking in views and observing the flora and fauna. I've been lucky to see scorpions and several ring tailed cats during some Texas night races! This connection to my surroundings helps me to stay calm and to be grateful for the moment. And, I always appreciate myself when I've saved the energy to finish!
What’s your favorite trail with Trail Roots?
I love Slaughter Creek and Dump Truck loops!
How have you motivated yourself to keep training during the pandemic?
At the beginning of the pandemic, my focus was to build confidence running alone. Then, I worked up to running alone on the trails and finally at night. There was a lot of pushing through and processing fear - of running alone as a petite woman - but the hard work paid off as now I feel comfortable running any time by myself! I celebrated this accomplishment by doing two night time 30 km races in the Tejas Trails Capt'n Karl's series last summer, which I hope to do again this year!
“The group has encouraged me to run more consistently, taught me the Austin trail system, and helped me gain more knowledge about running.”
How has training with a group helped you? How did your running change after beginning to train with Trail Roots?
The group has helped me so much! The accountability of others ensures that I get out of bed for my runs, especially when I'm not feeling it. The group has encouraged me to run more consistently, taught me the Austin trail system, and helped me gain more knowledge about running. On the days that I am really struggling to get out on my run, I'll check Strava and see all the amazing runs and workouts that folks in Trail Roots logged and it inspires me to get out and move my body, too.
What was it like doing your first 5oK? Did you learn anything?
My first 50 km at Bandera helped me to build an immense appreciation for and connection with my body. I cried during much of the last mile because I was so grateful and proud that I could push my body for so many miles. Thinking back on the race, I am still in awe that I did it and that my legs and feet got me across the finish line!
What’s next for you?
Since Bandera, I've enjoyed relishing my first 50 km and running without a goal. Although, this week I'm looking forward to running up Emory Peak with folks on the Trail Roots Big Bend trip!