Member Spotlight: Augusta Hemann
Augusta Hemann came to Austin by way of D.C. to take a new job in August 2019. She has been a long-time adventurer and runner, traveling all over the world in search of tough hikes and memorable life experiences. During the day, Augusta works as an Acquisition Program Analyst and is an Army Veteran. When she’s not in the office, you can find her at the 5:30am road workouts during the week with her tribe, the Sidewiders. She rarely misses the Saturday trail run and also recently joined us on our annual Big Bend Runcation. We wanted to ask Augusta a few questions about her journey with running and Trail Roots.
What inspired you to start running?
I really have two phases of my running life, for this second phase I actually thought about doing trail running on and off for a year before I started. I told myself that once I moved to Austin I would purposely spend more time outside and once things started to cool off in Austin, I started running on my own in December of 2019. The main reason for it, was to be able to spend more time outdoors and see more places.
Why did you join Trail Roots?
It was a slow and steady progression into running here. I initially started running a couple times a month, then once a week and then twice a week. The pandemic hit and by the time 4th of July came around, I realized I felt really lonely and isolated. I was used to spending the summer traveling and doing things and especially over the 4th of July I normally was with family. I had thought on and off about joining a group and decided I really needed one to break the isolation.
How did your running change after beginning to train with Trail Roots?
Running with a group has done several things for me, for one I am running a lot more. I never thought I would run on the road again, but I have found that I actually like it and I can see really nice routes and enjoy the scenery, which is really important to me. It has also brought me companionship and community. It is really hard to move somewhere as an adult and then have a major world event like a pandemic occur. I’m introverted, but this was extreme. I realized I am a very social introvert.
I have a personal theory that closeness and community isn’t only defined by the amount of time you spend talking to someone, but by the amount of time spent in each other’s presence. Running in the early morning with the same group of folks over time builds bonds whether you are having conversations or not. I think the consistency of coming to those early morning runs and seeing the same people builds a closeness and familiarity that helps make you feel connection. I think connection is important to our physiology and the pandemic really highlighted that. In the beginning of the pandemic it was so stressful, my life centered around survival and interactions were all business transactional for that period. I think when you’re not around people distrust develops, a sense the world was falling apart and no idea when or if this way of living was going to end. It really helped to get up early in the morning, meet a group of people and become familiar to each of their individual idiosyncrasies and reconnect to the dynamicness of being. Last summer was definitely a low point in our society and having a group to connect with really helped. I think Jacque has done an excellent job of bringing the group together in the early mornings and I really appreciate her commitment to keeping us going.
What’s your favorite post-run snack/meal?
Breakfast tacos and a donut…is there any other kind? (insert Jack Nicolson’s voice)
What’s your dream run?
Oooh, I have so many places I want to explore, but definitely mountains with alpine lakes, cliffs along the ocean, fjords in a bay and definitely very few people. I’m all about finding the places that aren’t overrun yet, if I can.
Do you have a race ritual?
I generally have a set amount of liquid I drink in the morning regardless of anything I do. I actually have a set morning routine in general. Wake up, go to the bathroom, oil pull (swish coconut oil in my mouth), make tea, pour a glass of water, get rid of oil, brush teeth and scrape tongue, drink glass of water, drink tea (usually with collagen), do pranayama (breathing exercises), meditate, do 5 minutes of core, get ready. Unless I’m traveling, I don’t deviate from this schedule that much. I was a hard core Ashtanga Mysore style practitioner for 9 years, so I have a lot of morning rituals engrained in me.
“Trail Roots offers support in so many ways. I have individual coaching with Erik, Jacque’s direction and spirit during the week, encouragement from my tribe, support from people from the larger group and multiple bonding experiences. I think the more you are able to become involved, the more you can soak up that group support.”
What’s your favorite trail with Trail Roots?
Ooh, probably right now I would say Joel’s Loop, I like that section of the Greenbelt in general, it’s diverse and has lots of places to dunk in the water. I like the flexibility of the Greenbelt in general, you can have a lot of options and distances. I also like Steiner Ranch and Lake Georgetown as well.
How have you motivated yourself to keep training during the pandemic?
I essentially started during the pandemic. I find with most things, if I incorporate a battle rhythm, it becomes engrained in me and I really don’t have a hard time motivating myself. When I keep a steady schedule it becomes almost like brushing my teeth, I’m not going to forget to brush my teeth. My body and mind become used to the consistency and I think it is healthy. Being in the military is very much a team-oriented and collaborative organization. I have learned to always think in the plural and not about what I’m personally doing. The fact is, you never really do anything alone. Someone or a group of people have always assisted you in any of your accomplishments whether you are cognizant of that support or not. Yes, you definitely have to carry your weight and take actions on your own but the results of those actions are a mixture of your own and support from others. Trail Roots offers support in so many ways. I have individual coaching with Erik, Jacque’s direction and spirit during the week, encouragement from my tribe, support from people from the larger group and multiple bonding experiences. I think the more you are able to become involved the more you can soak up that group support.
What was your experience like being on the Big Bend Runcation?
It was my first time going to Big Bend and it was a bucket list place for me, so I really enjoyed everything about the experience. I was really glad to go with a group of people I know and it made me feel young!
What’s next for you?
Mountain running and racing. I will be in Western Colorado in Ouray and Telluride in late August on a running vacation that culminates in a mountain race at the end. I have to sign a lot of paperwork because of how dangerous it is and I’m a little nervous but excited. I really want to have the experience of running at altitude. There are many high altitude places I want to run eventually and I need to start experiencing it. I also really want to see this part of Colorado. Wish me luck!
What advice would you give someone who is interested in trying trail running? I would say look for places you would enjoy running. I think it’s important to actually enjoy the experience, otherwise it becomes a chore. Also – join Trail Roots!