Member Spotlight: Annette Villarreal
Annette joined Trail Roots in 2015 after a friend recommended that she join. As a long-time runner and avid traveler, Annette has run all over the world including Morocco, Germany, Spain, and France. As a sports enthusiast (she was even her High School mascot!), she embodies an energetic and fun-loving personality. Being a long-time Austinite, she finds community and motivation within Trail Roots and enjoys Tuesday night and Sunday morning workouts as she prepares for the upcoming Woodlands half marathon. When she has a goal, nothing will stop her from accomplishing it. We wanted to ask her a few questions about her journey with running.
What inspired you to start running?
I wouldn’t say “inspired”; it was non-negotiable. My mother put me in summer track during the summers of middle school which led to basketball, track, and cross country throughout secondary school. In college, I started running 3-5 mile distances a few times a week as a stress reliever; that’s probably when I started looking at it as a good habit for life. When I moved to Austin, I saw it as part of a lifestyle and started running 5ks and 10ks around town. It wasn’t the sport I loved nor cared to do when I started but it's changed my life and brought me more in life than I ever expected.
Why did you join Trail Roots?
I was burnt out on road running and love the outdoors so I enjoyed running through the greenbelts in Austin on my own, yet was ready for more. I knew Erik from Rogue and heard about the community he was building from friends that had joined. After a short break, I was convinced to run the first Switchback (my first trail race) and truly enjoyed being out in this environment; it felt so invigorating! At the race, I chatted with a couple of familiar faces (including Sally), saw what the community embodied, and joined the group. It just made sense.
Has your training changed since joining a group?
I’ve learned so much about running and conditioning for races or just everyday runs. It really changed my eating habits and the exercising I do. It's a great way to stay consistent, have guidance and structure and really accomplish that goal! I like having a training schedule, to just show up and get the work done.
What do you love about running?
Funny, I’ve never said “I love running” even though it's been a constant staple in my life. The sense of freedom I have when I’m out there; it washes away work or life. The fact that a 30 min run can boost my mood and change my mental state. It requires minimal equipment so you can run anywhere you go and I do. The challenges, it pushes and teaches me that I can do hard things. I never liked running long distances yet I’m still out there testing myself each time. Oh yeah the runners high, that adrenaline is quite nice; makes you feel like you can conquer anything. Lately, the thought of "when the ability to run is taken away, what will I do” has me pondering; it's a scary thought for me.
“I think we have a great group of people at all paces and ages so you definitely have someone to run with easily. No matter the race, distance or goal, the support of the group helps you achieve it and you will find motivation in it. You create these bonds when running together because you find that common ground that is relatable. ”
What do you think is special about the Trail Roots community?
The people. I think we have a great group of people at all paces and ages so you definitely have someone to run with easily. No matter the race, distance or goal, the support of the group helps you achieve it and you will find motivation in it. You create these bonds when running together because you find that common ground that is relatable. I’ve found good friends for life here and I love our trail talk which mainly consists of documentaries, serial killers and documentaries about serial killers. I love that the majority of the TR race volunteers are the runners in the group; we are here to support each other.
As a passion outside of running, you help encourage women to try solo travel and to live abroad. What was the inspiration behind this and why are you so passionate about it?
Since childhood, I have dreamt of exploring other countries, indulging in their cultures, and learning languages. An aunt of mine did just this, and instilled in me how important it was for yourself. However, I got caught up in the blueprint of corporate America. By my late-30’s, I was burnt out from work, family, life and ready for change. At this time, I met a friend that was well-traveled and about to move abroad. She guided me through how I could do the same. I quit my job, rented my home and traveled all through the EU and Asia on my own. I said I’m hitting refresh on my life… in that my friend and I started a community for women called She Hit Refresh. She has taken it to the next level and coaches women on how to move abroad or travel solo. It's pretty incredible considering how it started. That year of traveling taught me to trust myself, take risks, be open to different views and perspectives and to find myself again. Your life doesn’t have to look like everyone else's. I think sometimes we get caught up in society's views of our roles or the blueprints of life that we were brought up in. It was important for me to start leading the life I wanted and also be an example to others that it can be done. I mean we only have this one life, I think, how do you want to live it?
You’ve run several races and have done running trips all around the world. Where is your favorite place to run and why?
This seems like a trick question…. Running in my favorite city, Nice, France; I have the best of both worlds, run in the mountains or by the beach then get my cappuccino and pain au chocolat. And of course, Austin, nothing is better than running in my backyard with my friends at any time you want. You go get lost away from the city in the greenbelts and unfortunately, we do. Also I ran 10 miles through the Sahara desert then camped overnight there with Rogue Expeditions back in 2014. That was an incredible experience I’ll always remember.
Do you work with a coach when you have a big goal?
Absolutely, I am competitive with myself; I always want to improve for the next race. I need that discipline and accountability to focus on each aspect of the goal. The coaches have the knowledge to get me to that goal and beyond what I think I can do. They give me the motivation and confidence I need at times to accomplish it. I’ve trained under both Erik and Rachael for several road and trail races like Berlin Marathon, Bandera 25k, and Blue Ridge Ultra 15k which was really a half. 2023 was a hard year of family losses so I decided to train for the Blue Ridge Ultra, which terrified me because of the elevation (3000ft) and I had not run in a year. Rachael was so instrumental in guiding me through each aspect of the training and race; the mental game was the main struggle. I needed the challenge to remind myself I can get through hard things or times. I did finish better than I imagined; it was a huge accomplishment for me and such a fun race! Yes I would do it again!
“The coaches have the knowledge to get me to that goal and beyond what I think I can do. They give me the motivation and confidence I need at times to accomplish it.”
Do you have any other races or goals that you’re working towards in 2025?
I want to do two half marathons and I'm already training for one in March. The Ibiza trail half marathon in October… My Spanish friends planted the seed a few years ago so I think this is the year to do it! Plus I’ll get some travel out of it.
What advice would you give people who are new to running and want to join a group?
Hydrate, this Texas weather is no joke. Start easy, run at your own pace. It takes time to find your cadence and build a foundation. Run with others, it boosts your energy! So join our community, we have so much fun! Come join us for a Wednesday discovery run or Saturday run. Some days some people run and some hike so there is something for everyone!