Have you tried running trails yet?

During our recent time away in Napa Valley, our running friends who met us there (all original members of WOOT), expressed some concern about WOOT's diversion from trail running. It's true, we had strayed from our true passion and have been running far too many paved routes lately, but last weekend took us back to the trails and we were quickly reminded of how much we love them. In fact, we had such a great time that Anna and I have decided that unless the weather conditions keep us away, you'll find WOOT back out on the trails most weekends!

Here's an old post I dug up, in the hopes of enticing you to come and run some trails with us!

Anna Boom

Ahh, spring is here. And with spring comes changes in clothing, changes in mood, and sometimes changes in routine. Getting out of bed in the mornings somehow seems a little easier. So maybe now is the perfect time to try something new, switch out of the old - and come out on trail.

For new women trail runners, here are some tips on what, where and how:

WOOT runs trail. Good thing that is part of our name, eh? The terrain we cover ranges from


Paved road - Kadena and Futenma Habu trail

Farm road - Yomitan farmer roads, Top o The World

Random paths - Zakimi Castle ruins

True trail - Paintball, Yamada Castle Ruins, Spider Loop, Mt. Nago

On all of these, except for paved roads, there is uneven terrain. There are loose rocks, branches (both fallen and hanging), and roots. There is clay, what Okinawa is built on, coral rock covered in red clay. During the rainy times, the clay is slick. We often run through puddles and mud too (white sneaks don't stay white for long!). 

Thanks Kirsetn and Julie

If this is the first time you have run on uneven terrain, be prepared to go a bit slower. You will have to watch your footing and concentrate a little more on where your next foot fall will land. During and after your trail run, your feet, ankles, calves, and buns will need some time to adjust to this new challenge. Trail running takes you to a new level of challenge, mentally and physically.


There are plenty of resources backing this up. Just do a search for training and trail running to find the 1001 links. From my own experience, I have had my best races since running with WOOT. And more than that, I have had met my best training partners and friends. There is something that we share, a common bond: waking up early to run, maybe getting lost, finding a new path. It is something unique and quite odd.

The beauty of running along trails, grass, and farm roads is that the scenery is always so pretty

So how about the when? Every Saturday morning, as the sun rises, you will find WOOT'ers out climbing, running, laughing and challenging ourselves to a whole new plateau.

Come out and join us soon!