Member Spotlight: Adam Elliott
Adam Elliott is one of the Trail Roots OGs, he’s been with the group since May of 2015. His trail experience combined with extensive plant knowledge and genuinely happy spirit; makes him a person you want to spend time with on the trail. He’s always game to keep someone company on their long run, volunteer at a race, or travel around with the group on one of our Runcations. By day he works in business development with AI/ML startups, but he comes alive when he’s spending time outside with friends. We wanted to ask him a bit about his journey with running and Trail Roots.
What inspired you to start running and why did you join Trail Roots?
What got me into running was the need to “exercise some demons” when I went through a divorce in 2001 and wanted to find a healthy outlet to work through it. I found myself gravitating towards trail versus road running. I was introduced to coach Erik by a co-worker (Stephen Bush) back in 2014. He told me Erik had created his own trail running group and the rest was history.
How has running with a group helped you?
Since joining the group my running has changed a lot. I’ve learned how to listen to my body better so I can keep the party going. I went from not being able to run a mile after back surgery in 2014 to completing a marathon in 2016 with coach Erik’s training program. Over the years I have achieved many goals I don’t think I could have done on my own like getting to the top of Mt Yale and Emory Peak. I also gained a great appreciation for the many trail friends I’ve made along the way.
What’s your favorite trail with Trail Roots?
My favorite trail is probably the “Rattlesnake Loop” in Barton Creek. It includes some pretty technical sections in a more secluded portion of the Greenbelt.
You’ve been on several of the Trail Roots Runcations, which has been your favorite and why?
This is a really tough question, all of the Runcations have been a blast! My favorites were the Buena Vista, CO trip because I was able to summit Mt. Yale and the Santa Fe trip which was the first time I’d ever been whitewater rafting. Sure the races were spectacular, but it’s the people and incredible fun times that make these trips so special.
You’re just back from Big Bend. What was that trip like, and would you recommend it?
I always have a great time on the Big Bend trips and I’ll keep going back. I would highly recommend going if you’ve never been. It’s an enchanting place with epic views of a martian-like landscape during the day and amazing stargazing at night.
What is your favorite part about the Runcations?
The Runcations are amazing because Erik and the volunteers take all of the work, planning, and preparation out of it, which creates the perfect environment for true rest and relaxation. One of the best parts of these Runcations besides the beautiful destinations are the friendships that are formed.
What’s your dream run?
Any place without poison ivy! I think my dream run would be an ultra on the soft-wooded trails somewhere in the Northwest. I do love all that the Central Texas trails bring to the table, so in many ways I’m already running the dream, but cooler weather and smoother trails are welcome!
You’ve been putting in the work lately, how has your running changed since you’ve had more time to dedicate to running?
I’ve been able to run longer distances more comfortably, but I’d say the biggest change is that I have a lot more fun and for me that’s what it’s all about. I was 3rd place in my age division in the Switchback 10K last year which was a boost of confidence and 6th place in my age group in this year's Switchback half marathon. That’s progress!
What goals (running or non-running) do you have this year?
My goal this year is simple. Keep showing up, stay injury free, and give back to the community that has done so much for me.
“Trail Roots is an open and accepting community to explore what trail running is all about. It’s more than running in nature. It’s quality time spent around awesome people sharing magical moments. Among all the roots and rocks you’ll also find a lot of support and smiles. For any folks looking for a solid introduction to trail running, the right place with the right pace is the Wednesday morning Discovery group.”
What advice would you give people who are new to trail running and want to join a group?
My advice to anyone wanting to give trail running a shot is to throw on some shoes and jump on in! Trail Roots is an open and accepting community to explore what trail running is all about. It’s more than running in nature. It’s quality time spent around awesome people sharing magical moments. Among all the roots and rocks you’ll also find a lot of support and smiles. For any folks looking for a solid introduction to trail running, the right place with the right pace is the Wednesday morning Discovery group.