How Trail Running Transformed My Life

How I Went from Corporate Burnout to Trail Running Enthusiast

Ever found yourself sitting on a flight, exhausted, overstimulated, and thinking, “There’s got to be more to life than this”? Well, that was me—Head of a Risk Management Consulting Team for a national distribution company. My job was intense: leading a team that worked with financial advisors, helping them find products to protect their clients in retirement. I loved what I did, and I was proud of the success we had—watching my team and the advisors thrive was incredibly rewarding. But let’s be real: it was demanding, mentally draining, and often left me feeling like I was just surviving.

So, there I was on a flight home from a conference. I was over-indulged, probably hungover, and I was watching a documentary about one of the world’s greatest living explorers. As I stared at the screen, something clicked. I realized that, outside of my work achievements, I was capable of so much more. Physically, mentally, and spiritually, I was ready to challenge myself. I wanted more. I needed something that would push me outside my comfort zone and help me grow in ways my job simply couldn't.

Now, let’s be clear: I was never an athlete. Running and I were not friends. Sure, I had tried a few times before, but my ADHD brain couldn’t handle the monotony of road running. I’d get bored, frustrated, and eventually quit. But this time—something was different. I knew I needed a challenge, so I started thinking… What about trail running?

I’ve always loved hiking. Being in nature has always had a grounding effect on me. And when I thought about it, I remembered a time hiking the Appalachian Trail, where I came across a trail runner who zipped past me—first on his way in, then on his way out. He looked so… happy. Fit. Not out of breath. Just pure joy in motion. That was the moment I thought, “That’s what I want.”

So, the next day, I did it. I laced up the random pair of sneakers I owned (definitely not trail shoes) and hit the trail. Now, let’s be honest—it wasn’t a glamorous start. I can’t remember how far I ran (probably not far at all), and most of it was a mix of walking and running. But you know what? I came out of that run feeling alive. Refreshed. Energized. Like something had shifted inside me. I had found my thing.

Trail running calms my ADHD brain in a way nothing else does. I think it’s the constant focus it requires. Every step matters—watching my feet, navigating rocks, dodging roots—every movement requires attention. There’s no room for distractions, which means no room for anxiety or stress. It’s just me, the trail, and the challenge.

That first run changed everything. It shifted the entire trajectory of my life. From that moment on, I was hooked. Trail running became my escape, my release, and my way of thriving. I found not only physical strength but a sense of mental clarity I hadn’t experienced before. And, as it turns out, I was capable of more than I ever thought possible.

Fast forward a couple of years, and I’ve gone from a beginner to an ultrarunner—something I never would have imagined. And if I can do it, you can do it too. Whether it’s running, hiking, or something else entirely—don’t wait for that “perfect moment.” Take that first step, and let nature and movement show you what you’re truly capable of.

So, that’s how it all started. My journey from burnout to trail running has transformed my life in ways I never expected. And now, I want to share that journey with you. I want to show you how movement in nature can help you thrive, too. It’s not just about running—it’s about discovering your strength, pushing your limits, and connecting with something bigger than yourself.

If I can do it, I know you can too.