I took up running when my kids were 4 & 7 and I needed a way to exercise that was not tied to a gym, studio or schedule. Running gave me the freedom to lace up whenever the family’s schedule made sense and just head out for how long or short I wanted. I signed up for my first 10k trail race just because running in nature sounded great. That is how I first learned of ultra running and was hooked. I ran my first 50k in the fall of 2019. Along the way, we have run 5ks as a family and have been greeted at the finish line and cheered on by my kids at many races. Having 2 neuro-atypical children drains every ounce of energy I have. Trail running is my secret for recharging my batteries. A brand-new surprise baby in 2021, 10 years after the last is slowing me down a bit but I look forward to having her gorgeous face added to my cheering squad at my next race.