Member Spotlight: Jonathan Bell
Jonathan joined Trail Roots in 2024 when he was looking for a running group to expand his horizons on trails around Austin. New to trail running, he started out with our Trail Discovery class and today has a Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim run and a 50k under his belt. He took to trail running and has been a consistent member, often showing up well before the runs start to get extra miles. Committed and hard working, he has switched gears to focus on road running as he trains for the Twin Cities Marathon and CIM relay with fellow Trail Roots members. We wanted to ask him a few questions about his journey with running and Trail Roots.
What inspired you to start running?
I first started running just over 15 years ago, doing a marathon fundraiser with Team in Training. I continued to occasionally run on and off for a long stretch after that, but it didn't really stick until I was caring for a family member. That was when I started prioritizing my own health, and it turned out to be the best way to clear my head.
What do you enjoy doing outside of running?
Outside of work, running, and family these days I try to do tabletop gaming in the rare blue moon I get a chance. I have also always loved hiking, scuba diving, and recently I've been trying my hand at pinball.
What do you love about running?
I've found running to be great for my mental wellbeing. Early morning runs really set me up for the day to come. I also love that with trail running I can cover trails I used to hike, only faster.
Why did you join Trail Roots?
I was just getting into trail running and wanted to expand my horizon on what trails I could run around Austin. I also had never joined a run group before and wanted to challenge myself to commit to one fully.
Has your training changed since joining a group?
What hasn't changed! When I first started I was prioritizing strength training, I ran maybe 3 times a week for less than 5 miles. Now I often run 6 times a week and 7 miles is my usual minimum. The idea of doing another long race hadn't even entered my head, and now my perspective has completely shifted where I'm looking to challenge myself to longer races.
What do you think is special about Trail Roots?
Definitely the people! I've met some great fellow runners, made some friends and everyone is so full of encouragement to try and do bigger things. Most of the big runs I've trained and done were because someone encouraged or invited me to do it.
“I’ve met some great fellow runners, made some friends and everyone is so full of encouragement to try and do bigger things. Most of the big runs I’ve trained and done were because someone encouraged or invited me to do it.”
What was it like running your first ultra? What did you learn?
My first ultra was the 50k at Dos Senderos in March of 2025. I got off to a rocky start right off the bat when I forgot to fill my water bottles at the start. When the heat started to rise I really fell behind on my hydration. Also that was the first race I started developing a Morton's neuroma. It got so bad that at the halfway point I was going to call it quits, but Erik found me and encouraged me to finish, and what do you know, I did!
What did I learn? Never let yourself fall behind on hydration, drink early and often, make sure you eat more than you think you'll need, and when things get tough and painful you just need to keep moving forward and you'll eventually pull through.
What has kept you committed to running and reaching for new goals?
The same thing I mentioned earlier, other members encouraging and inviting me on new challenges. Also, proving to myself I can accomplish something makes me want to try to go even further the next time.
What race do you have next and why did you decide to try something different?
I'm doing my first road marathon in over 15 years with the Twin Cities Marathon in October, then the CIM relay in December with Marla. I could say it's because after doing several trail races I wanted to try road again, but really it's because Suzanna encouraged several of us to sign up for the Chicago marathon with her, and when none of us got through the lottery we switched to Twin Cities since it was around the same time.
What advice would you give people who are new to running and want to join a group?
Be open minded and willing to try. It's always tough joining a group and running can be hard at first. But if you keep going and have a yes attitude it can be very rewarding.