“Who goes on Aspire trips?”
It’s a question we hear often. The truth is, the runners who show up for our trips come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of running and mountain experience with them to the trails.
We all relate to mountain spaces in unique and personal ways. We are excited to add some depth to our response to the “Who?” question with a series of Aspire trail runner profiles. We enjoyed hitting the dirt and building friendships with these runners on our trips, and we think you’ll enjoy hearing their stories!
Name: John Kolman Age: 65 Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Which Aspire Trip(s) have you participated in?
Wonderland Circumnavigation 2020
What is your favorite trail snack?
Almost anything (and everything) I start healthy and progressively eat junkier food as the day goes on.
Describe your experience, background, and enthusiasm for running and/or wilderness and backcountry experiences?
I have had a reasonable amount of backpacking and back-country experience. I also have a good amount of running experience, but not at the ultra level. Until this year I had never run more than 26.2 miles. I like running, and I like the backcountry, it was nice to bring these two things into unity.
What questions, concerns, or unknowns did you have going into your trip? How were they resolved?
First, I was concerned the trip would be cancelled. As the pandemic raged on I found it hard to motivate myself to train for a trip that probably wouldn’t happen. Once I was convinced the trip was a “go” I was worried that I didn’t have much (any) hill training. I was sure I could do the mileage, but the vertical was worrisome. I really only got comfortable when Abram put out the estimated completion times for each segment. I just had to avoid setting a new “slowest” record. I felt I could do that.
How did you prepare for your trip? Given your experience would you prepare differently, if so how?
Doing it again, I would up my mileage and especially try and get some more vertical either through traveling to a hilly region to train or purchasing a treadmill with a good elevation controls.
In terms of gear, I would totally and whole heartily endorse getting the “full package”. Even though I own 3 different tents and various sleeping bags and pads it was great having Aspire handle those logistics
What story or description would you give to represent the group dynamic on your trip?
The back of the pack group had great stories. We needed them as we were on the trail for a lot of hours :). (There were) many wide ranging discussions that made the miles almost fly by. I still think about my discussions with Ian (Aspire staff) about the nature of time.
Even though, by its nature, the activity is a solo event, I found the group to be super supportive and friendly.
What was the most difficult moment or a surprising episode from your trip?
My most difficult moment was the last part of the first day, hiking up to camp in the dark, in a cold light rain. It was followed by my most wonderful moment, when I got into camp and found dinner and drinks waiting in a HEATED!!! common tent. Totally awesome!
“Running” into 4 bears on 3 separate occasions kept the days interesting.
What info/advice/thoughts would you offer to someone considering signing up for an Aspire trip?
Train as much as you can, then come and enjoy the scenery. It will all work out!
Facebook: John Kolman