The First Steps: Finding Freedom in Running

I started running after a few health issues — high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and feeling far from where I wanted to be. After I got the hang of it (and got past the shin splints), running gave me the freedom to just step outside and move. I ran a few half marathons and eventually completed a full marathon.

A Single Run That Changed Everything

Trail running came while I was living in Arkansas. I got invited to a group run and didn’t think much of it at first — but that single run changed everything. The dirt, the challenge, the community, the quiet — I was all in. Eventually, I took over leading the community trail running group and started exploring deeper: 25Ks, 50Ks, and even the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim. Now, I’m slowly working my way through every state, discovering the natural beauty this world has to offer, one trail at a time.

The Lessons of the Trail

What I found through trail running was more than fitness — it was a community, a connection to nature, and a mindset shift. The first miles weren’t easy. I didn’t have the right gear, I got lost (more than once), and I doubted myself. But every run made me stronger, more grounded — and more drawn to the trail.

Our Commitment to the First-Timer

That feeling of showing up without the right gear? I remember it all too well. It’s a feeling that can make you want to give up before you even start. That's why the products we've carefully selected for On Trail are designed as a perfect starter package for the newer runner. We've taken the guesswork out of what you need to feel comfortable, confident, and ready to take on your first trail—so you can focus on the run, not the gear.

Why On Trail Exists

I started On Trail to help others experience that same spark — whether you’re heading out for your first trail run or chasing your next summit. Our gear is built to support the journey, from your first mile to your wildest adventure.