Member Spotlight: Caitlin Sconce
Caitlin joined Trail Roots in 2023 when she was looking for trail running experience and a new coach. She loves to train hard and gives every workout her all. Whether it’s long miles in the middle of the night or lifting heavy weights at the gym, she has no quit in her. With the goal of running her first 100 miler, in August no less, when she puts her mind to a goal, she attacks it and builds confidence along the way. In her late twenties, she is already topping the women’s podiums at trail races and works with coach Erik to keep her focused and dialed in. Her work ethic and success is inspiring and contagious. We wanted to ask her a few questions about her journey with running and fitness.
What inspired you to start running?
I started running when I was introduced to CrossFit in 2021. The small spurts of it in workouts made me want to try running for longer amounts of time! I loved the ritual of it and how I felt after.
Why did you join Trail Roots?
I joined Trail Roots because I was looking for an intro into legitimate trail running. Trail Roots was the first group I found. After talking to Erik about coaching and following it up with my first group run, I knew it was the right fit.
“I’ve struggled my whole life feeling like the black sheep, and the trail running community helps me embrace being different instead of shying away from it. I found my running group at a time when I felt very alone and it was truly a blessing.”
Has your training changed since joining a group?
Yes! I take things pretty seriously, and when I’m training solo it’s easy for me to get in my head and overthink. Running with the group tends to make things a bit lighter, and even when it gets tough it’s nice knowing you have someone suffering with you. It’s great hearing other people talk about their training regimen or life in general for a refresh of perspective.
What do you love about running and fitness?
I love the hardships that both things present. I can feel the change happening in me after I go through something mentally and physically challenging. I love working towards the edge of wanting to give up and then pushing through. It’s fun seeing everything our bodies can handle and essentially feeling “limitless”. I’m a big music nerd so it’s therapeutic for me to get some good music going and hit a run or some time in the gym. It always alters my mood and I end up feeling great for the day ahead.
When did you start doing ultra runs and what made you want to go beyond the marathon distance?
My first ultra was a 50k Leadville qualifier! It was only a couple miles more than a marathon. My first 100k was Bandera, and it was an experience like no other as it was so new to me. When I did my first marathon in April of 2023, it didn’t seem like a big deal to me. The thought of doing another marathon seemed too conventional. I saw Nick Bare’s Leadville documentary and that was the first time I’d seen what doing an Ultramarathon entailed. I got goosebumps even thinking about it, and that told me this was something I needed to go after.
Not only are you a runner, but you also compete in fitness races. Can you explain what that entails and how you got into it?
Yes! I am a Hyrox athlete as well. Hyrox is a race that has 8 different exercises in between a 1 kilometer run. It totals 5 miles/8 kilometers of running, so it’s a lot different from ultras. This series of fitness racing originated in Germany and is all over the world. The gym I used to train at was a Hyrox affiliated gym, I learned a lot of my training there. I train for Hyrox on my own now, with some programming help, and it’s definitely a new challenge for me! The workouts are tough, but they build both strength and stamina. Although I’m not into road marathons, Hyrox is my sport that keeps me fast. I won my age group and qualified for world championships this past summer in Anaheim but had to hold off on accepting my invite due to planning purposes. I’m excited to continue to show up to Hyrox races and have a time that is undeniably competitive.
“It’s an accomplishment just to finish an ultra, and I’d have to say it feels really good exceeding that with a podium spot.”
It seems like working with coach Erik has helped you get several podium finishes. What do you like about coaching and how has it changed your fitness?
I’ve always hired a coach when I want to be competitive and be the best I can be. I like having someone else look inwards at what I’m doing and how I’m training as it’s hard to do that alone sometimes. I am someone that tends to overtrain, and when I have a specific program to follow I have boxes to check off instead of a never ending list of work. There’s always room for improvement and it’s helpful to have someone else break things down and look at what needs attention. We program my running around Hyrox races and Ultras, although the way Erik programs my runs have made me a more resilient runner. It’s an accomplishment just to finish an ultra, and I’d have to say it feels really good exceeding that with a podium spot.
How do you remain mentally tough for some of these longer races?
I train with music, so I run my ultras with different playlists ready to go! It helps me get into a flow even when I’m in pain. When emotions come up I let myself feel them instead of avoiding them. You have to be okay with embracing being in the pain cave. I’ve noticed that’s the best course of action during a race in order to keep going. When the self doubt starts to creep in and I start overthinking, I focus on moving my feet. I end up having a moment with myself where I say to myself out loud “you’re going to finish this race”.
What made you pick Habanero Hundred as your first 100 miler? It’s a bold choice!
I’m so excited for this race! After I saw the course, being a 6 mile loop I’ll do 16 times, it seemed like a good way to cover 100 miles for the first time. As I’ve heard more and more things about how challenging this race is, I’m happy I chose it. I love running in the heat so this will be a true testament of that. I never take the easy route, I like to go out in flames :)
What is one of your ultimate goals as an athlete beyond the 100 miler?
I have a lot if I’m being honest. It’s hard to even narrow it down! Recently I’ve been obsessed with the 100+ mile races. After seeing the coverage on Instagram of Cocodona 250, I do have completing the Grand slam of 200s on my bucket list. In closer proximity, I’m actually headed out to the Atacama desert in Chile next March to conquer the Atacama Crossing! It’s 250km, 155 miles, through the desert over 6 days. It’s going to be a surreal experience.
What advice would you give people who are new to running and want to join a group?
Do it! It’s motivating being around other people who enjoy doing the same thing. I think it’s so fun to geek out about running with other runners! Although, I heard road running groups are the new form of dating apps? Haha. I’ve struggled my whole life feeling like the black sheep, and the trail running community helps me embrace being different instead of shying away from it. I found my running group at a time when I felt very alone and it was truly a blessing. My life has changed in ways I couldn’t even have imagined a year ago since joining Trail Roots. I would say no matter where you are on your path, it’s great to open yourself up to new experiences.