Welcome Kyle Jones to Trail Roots
We want to welcome Kyle to the Trail Roots team. He has been a member with us for many years, but after a stint in Colorado, he returned to Austin looking to connect deeper with the trail running community. You’ll see him coaching Tuesday night workouts, leading the Wednesday evening community run, and helping out at races. He is a wealth of knowledge and has been an ultra runner and coach for many years. He also used to manage a running store in Colorado and knows tons about shoes and gear! We are excited to add him to our roster and want to help you all get to know him better.
What got you into trail running and how long have you been running?
Way back in 1996, I was such a terrible swimmer that I gave up triathlons. Road marathons didn’t interest me so I entered a trail race—the Monument Valley 50 Miler. Boom!
What do you love about running?
Two things…..1) The simplicity—all you need is a pair of shoes and you can pretty much do it anywhere at any time.
2) It’s hard—no doubt about it…running is HARD.
What’s your favorite race you’ve ever done?
The Bear 100 was my first 100 and was on an amazing course with a great race vibe.
I also loved The San Juan Solstice 50—the views out of Lake City, CO up high in the San Juans are hard to beat.
What do you think is special about Trail Roots?
The community, there are so many different people with different goals and objectives but we all share a love to get off the beaten path and onto the trail.
Why did you want to join Trail Roots as a coach and run lead?
To share my experience and love of running and help cultivate, encourage and foster that with others. It allows me to surround myself with like-minded people.
What do you hope to bring to the group?
Stoke. Energy. Enthusiasm.
“Everyone is welcome at Trail Roots…all paces, all goals, all people. You have to start where you are and Trail Roots allows you to feel comfortable at that level. ”
What is your goal with the community Wednesday night social run?
1) To run with and get to know the other members of the Trail Roots community without breathing overly heavy from running up a hill or around a track or in single file line on a trail
2) To create a space for the new or potential member to get to know our community and what we are all about!
If you could give advice to someone new to running, but is afraid to join a group, what would it be?
That’s the great thing about trail running…it’s NOT about time or pace. It’s about being out in nature and enjoying moving your body. If you share that desire, you’ll fit right in! Everyone is welcome at Trail Roots…all paces, all goals, all people. You have to start where you are and Trail Roots allows you to feel comfortable at that level.
Join Kyle every Wednesday evening for a casual, no drop, social run around Town Lake. Meet at the Rock at 6pm. Details.