Member Spotlight: Andrea Butler
Andrea joined Trail Roots in 2023 when she saw a post about a Pride Run being led by Lindsay Lege, who is a longtime friend. As a former competitive soccer player and all around sports-lover, being an athlete is in her blood. From cycling to workout classes, she found trail running 20 years ago as a UT undergrad, when someone introduced her to the Greenbelt. Since joining the group, she now attends 2-3 runs a week consistently. Recently coming off of a 22-mile run in the Grand Canyon, her next goal is the Big Bend 35k. Andrea is a believer in community and often volunteers at Trail Roots races and in her other Austin communities. We wanted to ask her a few questions about her journey with running and Trail Roots.
What inspired you to start running?
Soccer! I played a position that required a lot of running. I started taking soccer really seriously around middle school and running was part of training. I tried track for a minute, but found out I liked chasing a ball and pushing people while running more.
Why did you join Trail Roots?
Peer pressure! I initially got connected through Lindsay leading the Pride Run. Before she moved away, she convinced me to come try the Discovery run. I had been feeling burned out on cycling, and was leaning more into trail running again already, so it was nice to add in more structure and community.
“I like the variety of where we run and I especially like that there is a combination of structure and freedom.”
Has your training changed since joining a group?
It has increased and become more regular. Lindsay said I would end up running further and faster than I thought I could, and she was right. I started to learn about fueling from people like Amy, got a coach, and opened my mind to longer runs. Previously I had run around on the trails with my dog or just at random without too much thought.
What do you love about running (and fitness in general!)?
I love being in nature the most. I love seeing the city or a trail by being on/in it on my feet, my bike, or being in or on water. You can take in so much more and learn the intricacies of places. With things like moving my feet as I run over rocks, being on my bike, or playing soccer – I love muscle memory, trusting that my body is going to know how to move, lean, balance, and it’s better if I don’t think too much about it. Sometimes I wish I could feel that sense of ease in other parts of my life
What do you think is special about Trail Roots?
People showing up and caring about each other and what we are doing. I like the variety of where we run and I especially like that there is a combination of structure and freedom.
What made you want to run the Grand Canyon and what was it like?
I had never been there and thought that would be a really rad way to experience it. I also hadn’t really tried to do an adventure which required more focused and organized training and was interested in seeing if I could do it and how it would go (also realized quickly I needed a coach to help me figure it out). It was great to meet back up and do it with Lindsay and Erin (former TR members) as they have both moved away from Austin.
How do you organize training with a busy lifestyle?
I just eliminate some hours of sleep each week… trying to fit those back in.. I have my schedule tightly packed with clients, training, and social/volunteer activities and have to be efficient. I also think of training as a given, not an optional extra. Sometimes it means showing up at a volunteer meeting pretty sweaty from a workout (they don’t complain too much about it).
Community seems to be important to you, from your neighborhood to HRC, what do you find fulfilling about nurturing community?
I think partly it reminds me of the comfort of coming from a big family. I feel energized by people and interested in knowing them. It feels empowering to be joined or led by people who also are willing to show up and care. My neighborhood community feels safe and welcoming. My queer and ally community, especially where I volunteer with the Human Rights Campaign, has given me a source of hope and pride. We feel powerful when we show up, laugh, connect, and work even when the climate around us can feel bleak, unaccepting, and unsafe.
What are you looking forward to at the Big Bend Ultra?
Running in a new place! And not having to carry all my fuel and water with me.
What advice would you give people who are new to running and want to join a group?
I think it’s super helpful to join one that has a range of levels and to try out a few to find where you feel the most comfortable. And ask questions! I skipped Saturday runs at first when I joined Trail Roots because I didn’t ask anyone if we really had to run as far as the app said.