Member Spotlight: Jaime Orf
Jaime Orf joined Trail Roots in 2022 when she was looking for new places to run. As a long time trail runner and Austinite, she’s developed strong ties to both communities. Being a professional massage therapist for 11 years, she often sets up booths at races around central Texas giving post race massages to tired racers, and helps many athletes with their recovery and injury prevention on a daily basis.
After hanging out with the TR crew at the Bandera trail race in Jan of ‘22 she heard Erik’s music selection of Tyler Childress and some good ole country jams and realized she could fit in with this crowd. Jaime started off coming to our Discovery trail class and after establishing her goals to become a police officer, she hired coach Erik to help her reach her goals. She was recently accepted to the APD police academy, and we couldn't be more proud of her. We wanted to ask her a few questions about her journey with running and Trail Roots.
What inspired you to start running?
I was tricked into it. My husband told me it was easy, just left right left right.
Why did you join Trail Roots?
My friend, Lise invited me. I wasn’t interested in joining a group and thought group running was not for me. I enjoyed running alone. Well that’s what I thought until I visited a few times. I immediately felt welcomed and included. I still struggle getting up early but I now look forward to running with the group. I now have running peeps and don’t enjoy running alone. Weird!
Has your training changed since joining a group?
I am more consistent and I enjoy running a lot more. It’s so much easier to get up early on a Saturday to run when there’s a group of people that will be out there ready to go.
What do you love about running?
I love that I can start out tired, negative or grumpy, and by the end I’m joyful and happy. It’s a great way to shut out the craziness and free the mind.
What is your favorite trail to run with Trail Roots?
Forest Ridge is my favorite. I also like Deception. We have a love/hate relationship.
“I wasn’t interested in joining a group and thought group running was not for me. I enjoyed running alone. Well that’s what I thought until I visited a few times. I immediately felt welcomed and included. I still struggle getting up early but I now look forward to running with the group. I now have running peeps and don’t enjoy running alone. Weird!”
— Jaime
You have run many trail races, what’s your favorite and why?
Big Bend. It’s a beautiful park and a great race atmosphere. I also like Palo Duro Canyon, it’s gorgeous!
Since you work with many runners, what is one thing you wish all runners did to help them with injury prevention and recovery?
Don’t just stop exercising when you have an injury, it makes it worse. Drink more water, hydrated muscles recover faster and are easier to massage. And no, I don’t care if your feet are dirty or you haven’t shaved your legs.
What made you want to make a career switch to become a police officer?
I’ve wanted to do this for a few years but it just wasn’t the right time. There’s a high need right now and I think I will be a good fit. I have a ton of compassion for people and the ability to kick some rear if needed.
How has your running and fitness changed since you made this decision? How does working with a coach help you?
When I made the decision to go for the police academy, I was not in shape to pass the PT push-up/sit-up qualification test. With some hard work, little by little each day, I was able to conquer the big bad push-up. At first I couldn’t do but 3 push ups without having to put my knees down or take a break. Working with coach Erik has helped me stay focused, set higher goals, and has given me the direction and encouragement I needed to pass. Within about 3 months I went on to do 15 push ups in a row!
Do you have any other races or goals that you’re working towards this year?
I have no races on the calendar. I have been accepted to the Austin Police Academy and start on September 11. My goal is to complete the 8 month long academy.
What advice would you give people who are new to running and want to join a group?
Trust me, running with others is so much better. Don’t worry about pace, there’s someone for everyone.