Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 27 DESIRE. is is where it all starts. For the Ridge Run, I make those who want to run the length of the Bridger Range write a short essay ex- plaining why they want to do it. e standout essays capture the spirit of what can happen when running in the moun- tains. Most explain why they want to train hard and achieve a difficult goal. A common theme is a yearning for healing of some kind, from a broken relationship, to overcoming cancer, to honor a close relative or friend who just passed away, to regaining a sense of purpose in life. One could say that the more difficult the per- sonal challenge, the more one will come away with something very meaningful. So, figure out a concrete reason you need a good challenge— one that guarantees plenty of exhilaration, deep meaning, and a connection with the roots of your life. GET THE BODY READY. is can be tricky because it deals with one's self-image. Many of us have an image of what a mountain runner looks like, and if you don't fit the image, why try? e real lesson here is to start slowly, getting active every chance you get. Start going around your neighbor- hood. How about that sidewalk outside your house? ink long term—don't be in a hurry. If a trailhead is nearby, use it as often as possible. As you slowly increase your time out on a path of any kind, the activity will mold the body to handle what you're asking it to do. EQUIPMENT. What should you wear and carry? Use what you already have. If fancy or trendy shirts/pants/shoes will make you "feel" like a trail runner, fine. Just remember the sportswear industry loves to find ways to make you buy their products. Be aware of the possibility of feeling "not good enough" if the product doesn't work its magic. You don't need a $150 pair of running shoes just because the industry says these are the best for trails. e trail doesn't know what shoes you're wearing. Remember that! Figure your gear out yourself from your own experiences on the trail or local sidewalk. HYDRATION. I know of very few people who have the same method of carrying liquid. Bladders with tubes dangling near your mouth are handy, but having a little fanny pack with a reused pop bottle is fine until you need an upgrade. Friends of mine who run the Ridge Run regularly prefer holding a little bottle in their hand the whole way. What could be simpler? Just experiment with what you already have, and improvise as you move along. e main thing is to have your favorite liquid within easy reach. FOOD. Only you know what you like to eat! e time spent out on your outings will make it obvious what foods to bring or what not to bring. Experi- ment. I'm constantly changing what I take, based on what I see others doing, such as peanut butter sandwiches with a heavy dose of honey on one side, or a flask of Peppermint Schnapps in hot chocolate on a frigid outing in the winter. Yes, the longer the outing, the more weight conscious one becomes, but take whatever you know is good for you…and forget the weight. WEATHER PROTECTION. If you're slowly adding mile- age and distance to your outings, you'll know what you need. On hot days, still pack a lightweight windbreaker. On cold days always have extra dry layers. On long outings, consider slather- ing Vaseline on the friction areas (feet, underarms, crotch, nipples). Never wear tight-fitting footwear; I always wear a ½ size above my normal shoes. Consider carrying a roll of athletic tape, apply to heels or toes when they start getting hot, before a blister forms. Waterproof clothes don't breathe, so avoid them. A simple hat of any kind is a must. On hot days, wear lightweight long sleeves and pants to avoid sunburn. Following the trail at Bridger Peak I 'LL BE UP FRONT: I REALLY WANT TO GET YOU INTO OUR MOUNTAINS. To enjoy them, there's a natural step-by-step process in getting the body, mind, and spirit ready. To do so is not only possible, but rewarding enough it will literally change your life. Long ago I became the race director of the Bridger Ridge Run, a trail run along the ridgeline of a mountain range. I love convincing anyone who'll listen that running is possible for every- one, no matter what "shape" they're in. So, if you've ever wondered what it takes to run our mountain trails, here's some advice, broken down into ten areas. by DAVID SUMMERFIELD photos by DARRYL BAKER 1 2 3 4 5 6 Meet the Wind Drinkers www.distinctlymontana.com/ridgerun183 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL CONTINUED

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