“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: Mario Scalcucci Age: 33 Hometown: Westfield, Indiana
Which Aspire Trip(s) have you participated in?
Wonderland Trail 2020
What is your favorite trail snack?
Peach rings
Describe your experience, background, and enthusiasm for running and/or wilderness and backcountry experiences?
I’m very new to the sport of trail running, love being outside, and away from heavy traffic. Being supported makes these remote trips doable.
What questions, concerns, or unknowns did you have going into your trip? How were they resolved?
Ha! Our unknown was Covid-19. Resolved our worries with professional guidelines and procedures. Campsites were also up in the air and again, Aspire rolled with the changing reservations and made it work. All we had to do was run/hike to the next campsite.
How did you prepare for your trip? Given your experience would you prepare differently, if so how?
I prepared for this trip like any other long distance run. With the amount of elevation gain and distances each day, it was important to be ready. But the support we had put us at ease if a long day turned a bit longer.
What story or description would you give to represent the group dynamic on your trip?
As a person with a quiet personality, it was out of my comfort zone to camp with a group of people who I’ve never met before. But with everyone sharing the same enthusiasm for the outdoors and adventures we all fit in quite well.
What was the most difficult moment from your trip?
Leaving at the end after celebratory drinks and an amazing dinner.
What advice or thoughts would you offer to someone considering signing up for an Aspire trip?
This is a must try for all adventurous people. The amount of support received was above any expense we put in.
Facebook: Mario Scalcucci