Hitting the Trails

Running their courses: Whether you’re new to running or pushing your boundaries even farther, here are some local runners, EMILY LYONS, CARESS CLEGG, and ANDERSON DIBBLE, sharing their advice for how and where to get moving.

ANDERSON DIBBLE has enjoyed running since she was a kid, but it wasn’t until a few years into her service with the Marine Corps that she got into ultramarathons and trail running.

Advice that’s helped you for others wanting to run trails? “Start slow. Seriously. Trails are unforgiving, and you need to build up your strength and endurance gradually. Don’t be afraid to walk! There’s no shame in hiking the hills, especially when you’re starting out. Invest in good trail shoes – your feet will thank you. And most importantly, listen to your body. Don’t push through pain; learn to recognize the difference between discomfort and injury.

Beyond the physical, find a trail-running community. The camaraderie and support are invaluable. Most importantly, hard work always pays off.”

Local running spots: “North Carolina and Virginia are a trail runner’s paradise! Here in North Carolina, Uwharrie National Forest is my go-to for training. It’s got a great mix of challenging climbs, technical trails, and beautiful scenery. It’s where I really build my strength. For something a little different, Pilot Mountain State Park offers stunning views. Then, a short drive up to Virginia and Shenandoah National Park is incredible.”

What’s been a running challenge and how did you overcome it? “There have been a few! But one that really stands out was during the MST 100-miler (a mountain-to-sea course in North Carolina). Around mile 70, I hit a low point. Physically, I was exhausted, and mentally, I was questioning everything. It brought back some tough memories from my deployments and life in general – that feeling of being utterly depleted and wanting to quit.

But I remembered my ‘why.’ I remembered the people I was running for, the message I wanted to share about resilience. I broke the race down into smaller, manageable segments, focused on one step at a time, and relied on my crew and pacers for support. I also practiced some of the mindfulness techniques about staying present and remembering how hard I have worked.

It wasn’t pretty, but I kept moving forward, and eventually, I crossed that finish line.”

Upcoming trail races to check out:

Good Hops 5K Beer Run, June 14, Carolina Beach State Park

Fuzzy Peach 5K Trail Run, November 1, Jacksonville

Carolina Beach State Park Half Marathon, January 3

To view more of photographer Madeline Gray’s work, go to madelinegrayphoto.com.

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