Member Spotlight: Joel Stanford
Joel is a Trail Roots OG, starting back in 2012. He even has a famous Austin route that he created called Joel’s Loop! As a long time runner, Joel joined Trail Roots after Erik persuaded him to try it and has been a consistent member since. He’s no stranger to marathons and ultra distances and often marks and leads some of our Saturday group runs. Joel likes the finer things; be it shoes, running clothes (hello Satisfy), and EV trucks, but his calm and approachable demeanor and friendly personality welcomes all who join the group. You won’t find him at the early morning workouts, but he’s a consistent Tuesday evening and Saturday morning runner and is always quick to step up to lead. We wanted to ask him a few questions about his journey with running.
What inspired you to start running?
I took a running class in college where I got up to something like 2 miles, and moderately enjoyed that, but it never really hooked me. I would occasionally run a couple of miles with a roommate, but never ventured beyond that. In the Fall of 2009 she asked me about training with her and her cousin for the Austin Half Marathon. It seemed a formidable task, but she was convincing so I accepted the challenge. It ended up being life changing. Running is something where progress is very easily measured - be it in miles covered or paces. Something about that is addictive and incredibly satisfying. I remember getting through 4 miles, then 6, then 8… Each milestone felt incredible and like I was really accomplishing something tangible. I crunched through the training cycle with the two of them and finished the race in 2:02. As soon as I crossed the line I couldn’t wait for what was next.
Why did you join Trail Roots?
I met Erik at the old Rogue Running shop in east Austin, and he would invite me out to open access events with the trail running group he headed. At that time I was a fierce and dedicated lone wolf, racking up big miles and starting to get into nerdy science-informed training plans. I really thought I had no use for a group. I was mistaken! Erik’s affable nature and the social interaction these group outings provided started to tempt me. I finally gave in and signed up for a month. The very first run was in the southern greenbelt on the trail called Creek to TC, over to Hill of Life and back via Powerline. I had never been in these trails, and having all of the fantastic people to run with and talk to combined with the opportunity to learn new trails hooked me as a lifer. I quickly realized that doing things like speed workouts solo had been a chore compared to having a real person next to you - working with you and encouraging you. The structure of the group also “forces” you to get out there and do the run, even if you would have been tempted to sleep in otherwise.
Did your training change when you joined?
I had already been doing a steady mix of trails and roads, but the group structure and scheduled workouts combined with having people to work with absolutely improved and honed me as a runner. When I’m training for something, having access to multiple workouts per week is a game changer. I have also learned all kinds of crazy trails around Austin which I would have never even knew existed had it not been for the group.
What do you love about running?
There are so many things! The clock as an arbiter and judge of your training plan, the highs and lows when preparing for a race, and the thrills of executing a workout or race on pace… Running is also a social tree like few other things, and you grow deep and broad relationships with people from so many walks of life and different stages of it. Trail running in particular is a magnet for high quality, very kind, very tenacious, non-judgemental people. Experiencing and meeting these people while making yourself better, fitter, faster, and harder to kill is just the icing on the cake of life. Oh, and did I mention the gear that you can enthuse over? The technologies in shoes? The joy of high quality fabrics on your skin?
What is your favorite trail to run with Trail Roots?
It’s so hard to pick one! Any of the routes south of Barton Creek are always just incredibly beautiful and varied. It’s why I created a loop out there! Also, the Southwest Parkway trails provide a shortcut to leg strength and I greatly enjoy them for the challenge aspect.
You’ve been in the group for a long time, what keeps you in the group?
1,000% the people. There are a core of wonderful humans in Trail Roots and Erik is the sunny individual that we orbit around. Newcomers, temporary stayers, and rare drop ins all add to the exciting and vibrant community that the group represents.
Running is also a social tree like few other things, and you grow deep and broad relationships with people from so many walks of life and different stages of it. Trail running in particular is a magnet for high quality, very kind, very tenacious, non-judgemental people. Experiencing and meeting these people while making yourself better, fitter, faster, and harder to kill is just the icing on the cake of life.
— Joel
What’s the scoop behind Joel’s Loop? How did it get popular?
After joining Trail Roots and doing the loop that Erik had on the western perimeter and coming back through Power Line, I wondered about all the trails in between those extents. I slowly and methodically started exploring them and found what I viewed to be the most exciting and varied trails in the county. It took a very long time and a lot of getting hopelessly lost, but I eventually figured out a way to do 6-7 miles reliably with very little overlap. Once established I started to show it to friends, out of towners, and anyone who would join in. I think Erik got wind eventually and we incorporated it into the mix. I have a second loop I’m very proud of on the Southwest Parkway trails, but the original is still my favorite.
You’re not afraid to put in the work, often pushing yourself in workouts, where does this work ethic come from and how do you stick to your goals?
Injury over the past few years has greatly muted my work ethic, and fear of it has reduced me as a runner compared to my old self. These days I’m consistent at the 40 MPW life (I’m a terrible natural athlete and don’t really gain fitness on this), but have been skittish of really ramping like I used to (60, 70, 80, even 100 mpw). I’ve gotten past most of that and have healed a great deal, so I think my work ethic will be allowed to kick back in. As to maintaining it? I view each week’s mileage and every workout as a goal to accomplish. Accomplishing it is rewarding and addictive. I think most runners are similar in that there is a sense of pride and satisfaction in the grind.
Do you have any races or goals that you’re working towards in 2024?
I’m considering some of Erik’s fall races, as the first return to racing in a very long time. It’s been ages since I’ve been injury free, but I think mine are subdued, duct taped, and tossed off the side of the ship enough that I can train for and execute something I could be reasonably proud of.
What advice would you give people who are new to running and want to join a group?
First - shoes matter! They can be the difference between pain, injury, and actually having a good time and enjoying yourself. Don’t buy them from Amazon because you like the looks. Give a local running store your business and choose what feels best and most fun underfoot. Don’t be afraid of carbon or nylon plates in daily trainers. Once you’ve learned brands and their tendencies the process becomes easier and you can expand to ordering things online for products you can’t find locally. I have strong, constantly updated opinions on what constitutes a good shoe and what brands are currently killing it, so come see me or reach out if you want advice!
Second - groups are so very worth it! My life has been incalculably enriched by being in Trail Roots. You’ll get fitter, you’ll find new running haunts and paths, and you’ll meet all kinds of amazing people.