Member Spotlight: Ramona Finos
Ramona joined Trail Roots in 2024 when Rogue Trail ended their long run and she was looking for a new group to run with. Erik Stanely was her first trail coach with Rogue, so it felt like a full-circle decision to join Trail Roots. As a friendly and bubbly presence in the group, you can’t have a bad day around Ramona. Her joy and love for trail running and people is contagious. As a long-time runner, Ramona toes the line at several Trail Roots races including Big Bend Ultra and the Rogue Trail Series. As an Event Coordinator for the City of Austin by day, Ramona also loves film, music, traveling, exploring arts and culture, and spending time with her husband and two (now grown) kids. We wanted to ask her a few questions about her journey with running and Trail Roots.
What inspired you to start running?
I came of age when running was called “jogging” and it was sweeping the nation :-) It was an easy way to get out the door and burn some calories. Growing up in Sonoma County, the country backroads beckoned, always offering a beautiful view of wildflowers, orchards, vineyards, forests, creeks, and mountains.
What do you love about running?
Not gonna lie, I don’t always love running. It’s not easy for me. There are times when I want to give it up, but I keep going because there is a freedom to it – getting out on a trail, listening to the birds and the rustling of leaves, breathing in all that good oxygen – it is soul-nourishing and a form of therapy. I also love the conversations you have while covering the miles, another form of therapy.
Why did you join Trail Roots?
In 2024 Rogue Trail ended their long run and I was looking for a new group to run with. The timing was perfect as I had been considering crossing over to Trail Roots, but was loyal to Rogue. Erik was my first trail coach with Rogue, so it felt like a full-circle decision.
Has your training changed since joining a group?
Yes, because Trail Roots coaches provide a lot of structure, training options, and encouragement, something I don’t have running on my own. I definitely push myself more in the workouts.
What do you think is special about Trail Roots?
Oh gosh, the community. The support of the coaches and members is phenomenal! Erik and Jacque do an exceptional job of fostering community and creating a family vibe, enhanced by their stellar team of coaches.
“Trail Roots coaches provide a lot of structure, training options, and encouragement, something I don’t have running on my own. I definitely push myself more in the workouts.”
“The support of the coaches and members is phenomenal! Erik and Jacque do an exceptional job of fostering community and creating a family vibe, enhanced by their stellar team of coaches. ”
Do you have a favorite race?
Well, the Rogue Trail Series is special to me because it was the first trail race I ever ran. The last race out at Reveille Peak Ranch in early June was a tough one. Sky Island in 2019 was a special experience because my daughter, Helena, rode out there with me and we had a great weekend together. It was also the longest race I had run and I was proud of myself.
What’s something unique about you that many people don’t know?
I have traveled to 9 countries, some multiple times, and lived in South Africa for a year.
How have you kept your passion and love for running alive over the years?
I would have to say being part of a running community keeps me motivated and inspired. I get to run with some pretty extraordinary humans. And my family! They tell me they’re proud of me and that keeps me going.
What other hobbies or interests do you have outside of trails?
I love live music, crafting, quilting, cooking, camping, film festivals, good journalism, and defending our democracy.
What advice would you give people who are new to running and want to join a group?
Jump in! You will get so much out of it.