Episode 236 - Kristi from the Trail Sisters Catskills

[00:00:29] The bushwhacks were some of the worst days I've ever had in the mountains, or life really. Whereas Pantsy Mountain is totally opposite, it's a mountain on top of a crater. I think the weather challenges on this incident were particularly difficult. It is really the development of New York State. Catskills will respond to it.

[00:00:52] Listen to Inside The Line, the Catskill Mountains Podcast. Episode 236. Tonight Kristi from the Trail Sisters Catskills will be joining me. Yes me, just me. I'm lonely.

[00:01:24] Tad unfortunately has work obligations, so it'll be just me. So I'm just gonna crack this open when I get the... There it is. Hold on, hold on, hold on. Here we go. Just like the old days. I know people love hearing that. That's a different taste. Interesting. Um, so yeah, it'll be just me tonight. Sorry, unfortunately, Tad won't be joining us. So...

[00:01:53] But Kristi will. And Kristi has an amazing group called The Trail Sisters Catskills that she's going to talk about tonight. And it's just a phenomenal group of ladies in the Catskills running, hiking, just even walking, getting together. And it's a great episode, so stay tuned. Also, next week, so far, so far, we are taking a week off next week. So there won't be an episode.

[00:02:20] So far, it might come up that we do have something going on and we want to talk about something. But it might take a week off. So... depends. Once again, stay tuned. So, we'll start it off with a local rescue. The only local rescue that we had in the town of Shandaken, Ulster County, on August 27th, 6.30pm. Ray Brook Dispatch, received a call about a hiker lost on Friday Mountain.

[00:02:50] Forge Rainer Comerford and Martin, located the 56-year-old from Port Crane in a drainage. Rangers hiked the subject to the Moon Hall Trailhead and the incident was clear at 9.15pm. So, looking at this map, this can be two different places. Now, unfortunately, both places suck. I've been in the drainage of both of those places. You know, we go down to the drainage to the kinda east, the southeast of Friday.

[00:03:21] And I think that's the actual Moon Hall Creek. Let me... I gotta pull out the map to get that. Alright, so we are over in the Moon Hall area. So... It doesn't name the creek. I think it's the Brook... Maltree Book? Maltree Hollow. Maltree Hollow. So...

[00:03:47] That is a crazy drainage because it has massive boulders. We... Most of us... Some of us know that there's a plane crash down in there and it gets nasty. So... If you was over there... Once again, that was a three-hour rescue. Two hours and 45-minute rescue. So... Um... And then you're over on the other side to the north... Uh... Northeast of Friday. When you're below Cornell where the Friday slide is. That is a nasty area as well. So...

[00:04:15] I'm just very glad that this hiker was in the drainage, called for help. Because both areas kinda suck. And just being lost on Friday Mountain alone kinda sucks as well. Because, you know, it is a rugged place. As we all know when we go up the... The curvature of the rail trail, they kinda call it the rim trail. That... It kinda gets a little nasty on both sides.

[00:04:43] You can see going up to your right that you have these steep ledges of Friday. You're going down and it's just the massive cliffs of Friday Mountain and Balsam Cap. And it gets... Crazy nasty. And if you've ever been over on the Friday side looking at the Friday... Slide area... It's pretty steep. It's pretty messy. It's just got a lot of objects in it. And, uh... Once again... Kudos to this person for calling out a rescue.

[00:05:11] And to get that clear at 9.15pm. They were in the dark. But it just needed to be common for the Martin. So... Kudos to common for the Martin. Great to hear you guys again. Kicking ass. And... Taking names of the people that are out in the trails that need to be rescued. Moving on... Uh... 91 year old Dale Greybeard Sanders completes the AT.

[00:05:35] Sets the new record as the oldest person to hike the AT at 91 years old. So... He... Set the record... 2017 at the age of two... 82. Four years later, his 83 year old friend... Marja... Uh... MJ... Urban Heart... A.K.A. Nimblewool Nomad took the title. But later on within months, Sanders announced his comeback plan. So... Uh...

[00:06:02] Sanders' first journey said when he did it in 2017 was definitely easier than expected. And he was, uh... In great condition to do it. And that was, once again, 81 years old. So... Or 82 years old. So nine years later, he returns. And he did six months of training. And he said he wasn't in the greatest condition to do this. So 91 years old, he completes the Appalachian Trail. 2,160 miles.

[00:06:30] And he said, definitely should have been in better shape. But he is 91 and he blazing new ground hiking long distances. If you've seen the stuff on Instagram, you've seen the stuff on Facebook, or whatever social media you have, this guy is killing it. But he comes into one of the areas. I don't know where it was. It looked like a hut. Dancing his face off. Uh... At 91 years old, I want to be doing that. I want to be ripping it up. So he was descending Killington Mountain.

[00:06:57] And he had very many falls and stuff like that. So... I remember seeing something that he had like 71 falls or something. Uh... Let me see. Uh... He was coming down Killington Mountain in central Vermont when he fell forward in a boulder field, scraping his legs, arms, and hands. So I didn't go on that side. I know what part they're talking about. It's pretty steep. Nothing was broken, but he was definitely banged up and he didn't rub the blood off. He just kept hiking. Weeks later, his left arm went numb and ended up at a main hospital.

[00:07:27] What doctors initially feared was a stroke turned out to be a pinched nerve. But he thought his soon-to-be-cleared hiking and he considered actually giving up. He returned to his home in Tennessee in early August to be with his wife, whose mother had just passed away. Uh... And he had to press on. Saunders was... His best days were in Pennsylvania, Roxylvania, where he enjoyed well-maintened trails and treats delivered by trail angels. His social media following has gained, of course, as well.

[00:07:57] He said he wanted to get it back at 91 years old. He said, right now is the most important thing. And one of those things that surprised me is that people are motivated and given encouragement by my efforts. So once again, he's out in the trail. You see a 91-year-old pushing it. And you get that motivation to be like, God damn. Can I do this at 91 years old? Should I be doing this at my age of 44 years old? Why am I acting like a wuss? And this guy is just killing it.

[00:08:25] Meredith Ewinson, who met Sanders in June while leading the hike in New Hampshire for ten other women, said that he embodied not just the idea that anything's possible, but the journey matters the most. He said that he got there at noon and the next morning she and others cheered Sanders, performed a victory dance before getting off again at Katahdin. They blazed him later on by having a gray beard logo on his t-shirt and realized who he was.

[00:08:54] They caught up with him that night at the Appalachian Mountain Club Hut, arriving around 4 p.m. Saunders was born in Kentucky in 1935, two years before the Appalachian Trail was completed. Holy shit. Yeah. 1935. Bullied as a child very small age, he gained confidence in solo sports like aerobatics and swimming. Later he served in the Navy and retired in 2002 after a long career in parks and recreation.

[00:09:21] He holds numerous other records like becoming the oldest person to paddle the entire length of the Mississippi on an 87 day trip he started on his 87th birthday. Unbelievable. On his later adventure on his latest adventure, the Appalachian Trail, he tackled obstacles, down trees, steep scrambles, and he was a bit wobbly toward the end of the 12 mile day up Katahdin.

[00:09:49] He laid down on the trail, said he needed a power down and briefly fell asleep. Two minutes later, he got up hiked. He said he had very many hard falls, but that didn't stop him. At 91 years old, he was truly amazed by the support he had from social media. He'd never really gotten to social media and he never really knew how many people were following him.

[00:10:12] But as he found out from the finish and from the amazing people that just reached out to him afterwards, he said that his heart is full at 91 years old and that he can continue on having the journeys that he had. So once again, as Dale Greybeard Sanders does at 91 years old, you are not too old to do something and you can do it. If this 91 year old can do it, we all can.

[00:10:41] So keep pushing on everybody. Kind of like this next story that I had to bring up. This was brought to my attention by my buddy, Darren White. So this guy, his name is Cody Taylor. He did the long trail in Vermont out and back. So think of that. Usually once again, Dale just completed the Appalachian trail going from one end to the other, not back.

[00:11:11] This guy went from one end of the up of the long trail in Vermont up to the top, I think, and then back. So he went. Sorry, looking to get this a go. Once again, I should. I should. Blah, blah, blah. But anyway, he did it in 17 days, eight hours and 42 minutes.

[00:11:34] So going up and back 550 miles, 135,000 feet of vertical gain and zero help. Did it all by himself. But he did the fastest on time, 17 days. The long trail stretches 272 miles from Massachusetts and the Canadian border and traverses the largest mountains in Vermont and features 68,000 feet of vertical gain. Taylor started his journey at the Northern Termina.

[00:12:03] So he started up at Canada, went back down to Massachusetts and then back up to Canada. Sorry, I had to take a drink. Hell yeah. Taylor had to carry everything he would need on his back. He could not use any resupplies or outside help. He slept in his tent all along the way and filtered his own water. In his Africa 2 report, he said the first few days were the toughest. His packed weight over 50 pounds at the start of his journey.

[00:12:31] He said that his weight decreased by almost two pounds per day as he went through his nutrition. He did not go through all of his planned food for the first eight days, which said helped him over the last days of his attempt. He faced a lot of adversity on his ways as it rained for much of his journey as he nearly became hypothermic at one point. He definitely dealt with blisters, cuts, back chafing and definitely more. And he frequently fell because of the slippery conditions on the trail in his heavy backpack.

[00:12:58] If you've ever been on the long trail, you will know that it is very, very, very, very similar to the Catskills. But they do have that granite limestone rock that does give you a little bit more grip. So he started an attempt on August 3rd, finishing on August 21st. And it just came after a month of completing his out and back and fastest known chime of a challenging Adirondack traverse.

[00:13:27] So he completed the Bob Marshall traverse out and back in 40 hours, 52 minutes and 56 seconds. The Bob Marshall traverse is a 32 mile traverse that runs from John Brook Lodge to the Mount Joe Trailhead, neither other other Adirondack Lodge summits 14 Adirondack high peaks. So him and his friend did that in 40 hours. So eight hours under two days.

[00:13:52] So once again, Cody Taylor doing the long trail in 17 days, eight hours and 42 minutes. And then we got Dale Graybeard Sanders doing it at 90, doing the Appalachian Trail at 91 years old.

[00:14:09] Amazing accomplishments that, once again, should keep you kind of motivated to keep kicking ass like we're doing and taking names at even our old ages. So 44 is not that old. I don't find 44 that old. So, but anyway, that was just shooting the shit. Good old 13 minutes of shooting the ship on myself. So it feels like the good old days. Yeah.

[00:14:37] So anyway, like to be give a big shout out to the monthly supporters. Chris Garibian, Eric Rosario, Scott Oneskos, John Comiskey, Mike Yes, Desert City Radio, Henry Burmeister, Vicky Ferreira, Jeff Jotz, Betsy A, Denise W, Vanessa and Jim C, and David Oliver, who finally caught up on the episodes. So thank you guys so much for supporting the show. Greatly appreciate it.

[00:15:06] I also greatly appreciate the sponsors of this show like Camp Catskill in Tannersville. That is your ultimate hiking store. You can find top quality gear, apparel and accessories for all your outdoor adventures. Our expert staff is here to help every hiker from beginners to seasoned pros. We also carry a variety of unique Catskill souvenirs and gifts. Visit us online at campcatskill.co or in the store to gear up for your next journey.

[00:15:34] Adventure starts at Camp Catskill. Also, another amazing sponsor of this show is Another Summit. You need to embark on a transformative journey with Another Summit. Another Summit is dedicated to serving veterans and first responders with free outdoor activities. Activities like walks in nature, paddling, hiking and even backpacking. Join our supportive community to rejuvenate in nature's embrace. Experience commodity, adventure and healing at no cost.

[00:16:04] Take your next step with Another Summit and extend to new heights of resilience and joy. Apply today on anothersummit.org So, what am I drinking tonight? So, I am having to celebrate Broke Trail Hiker that was recently up in the Adirondacks and did a hike and had a summer sangria.

[00:16:30] My sister got me a summer sangria, awestruck summer sangria. So, really cool to have. It's very delicious. And then, I cracked open another one, a Hudson North Cider Donut. It's a little crazy going from the summer sangria to a cider donut. I kind of regret it, but I gotta finish it. So, yeah. So, the big question besides what I'm having to drink tonight, which I gotta take a sip of this.

[00:17:00] Give me a sec. Feels weird being alone, but it's like the good one. I did 120 something episodes with this. So, are you really outdoors? If you mention the podcast on one of your hikes through social media, we or I will chat about it on the show. Tag us by typing at ITLCatskillMTM Podcast on your post.

[00:17:20] So, want a big, do a big huge shout out to Todd Teapold Outdoors for completing his 46er challenge on Mt. Skylight. So, amazing. Once again, Todd Teapold Outdoors finished on an amazing peak. Open 360 views. I can't wait to do that. And then they went off. They did a whole huge excursion and it was absolutely insane. A lot of people joined.

[00:17:49] Once again, it's great to see the podcast people and the podcast getting together for this. And we'll definitely talk about that in a little bit. Oh, excuse me. God. Todd with Todd was also joined by several other people. So, Jeff Jotz and Orla did 7.5 miles in the Sterling State Forest. Steve, for Environmentality, was up on his favorite place that has nettles or not.

[00:18:18] And that was Halkett. And then went to enjoy Eastern Devil's Path with Sean, Scott and Zorro.

[00:18:50] And then went to start. Now I'm going to go. I'm going to get this wrong. I'm going to get this wrong. Stinkhorn and Myatherum Resolium on a trip with Ted to Balsam Lake Mountain. Once again, Sean's going to be laughing at me. So, thank you. Samantha, a.k.a. Broke Trail Hiker, did Dial Nippletop and had a delicious, awestruck summer sangria afterwards. Cheer. Having this one right here. Just finished it.

[00:19:20] Tom Vanderbilt did Thomas Cole in Black Dome and is halfway through his 3500 list. Get going, Tom. Good job. Awesome. 8. Now, Henderson Hikes was up with the gang celebrating Todd's 46er finish on Skylake, as was Joe J.K. Plough. Jim seeded an 8-mile run on the Catskill Scenic Trail and followed it with a run up Mount Lunciatha.

[00:19:50] The Sloth Tramps did a backpacking trip on the Blackheads, and I think that included Tom Vanderbilt. Antti, a.k.a. Brownski, did some paddling in the Hudson Valley to basically lifeguard on the Hudson Lighthouse Swim. I suggest you check out Brownski's post on that one. That was pretty neat. As people were swimming from one side of the Hudson to the other. Absolutely insane. I would never want to do that.

[00:20:15] I'd never want to brush up with dead bodies up against me or the thought of like some seals coming in and biting my leg or something like that. I know it's not like that, but that just freaks me out. Kate also posted about doing Grey Skylight and Marcy for 21, 22, and 23 of her 46er list. So she's halfway through. Congratulations, Kate. Danielle, a.k.a. Witch in the Wilderness, was up at Minniwaska State Park enjoying the Pitch Pines.

[00:20:44] And Joe J.K. Plough had a great time in the Adirondacks. He was there to celebrate. Todd's 46er finish. He hiked eight miles in, then did Grey and Skylight, and had a long, lonely ten miles back to Upper Trailworks. Joe had a great post about that as well. And once again, Todd, congratulations on your 46er finish. And congratulations and thank you for everybody who tagged us in the show. So, really great to hear that people are getting together. People are out enjoying.

[00:21:13] Catch these last, I can't say the last day of the summer because summer is starting to be over, I guess. And it's depressing to hear that we are on September 2nd. It's September. I see some leaves changing. So, thank you all for tagging the show. So, if you think we're doing a good job and you want to support the show, buy us a hard cider on buymeacoffee.com. Also, if you think we're doing a good job, rate the show.

[00:21:42] Go on to any of your platforms and rate the show. Five stars is preferred. If you don't like the intro, still put five stars. And I probably won't change the intro because I think it's pretty epic. So, Hudson North is pretty good. The Siner Donut, it's just a weird transition. So, all right. Previous hikes. So, I guess you can all guess what I did. I had very limited time on Tuesday. So, what do you think I did?

[00:22:12] Any guesses? Bramley, you're right. You're right. Correct. Yeah. So, Bramley, once again, is 31 minutes away. It is a 1.9 mile hike if you go up the quarry trail. And a 1.8 mile hike if you go up the regular trail going up to the top. And both offer around 900 feet elevation gain, which is pretty good. I got to admit, it's actually pretty good.

[00:22:39] So, on Tuesday, I had to go get my car repaired in Albany. I had to drive all the way to Albany. My trunk closed one day and something slipped. Luckily, it didn't hit the glass, but it poked up by like three inches. So, the other day, we had some crazy rainstorms. And I opened my trunk to see that there's a leak in there.

[00:23:03] And the bottom of the trunk, you know, kind of where the extra tire goes, the extra wheel goes for when you have a pop. There was around three to four inches of rain in there and water. And I was like, ah, shit. So, I had to go up to Albany, get that repair to come back. And they did an amazing job up at Keeler. So, if anybody needs a collision repair, definitely go up to Keeler. Awesome place.

[00:23:29] But I came back and I was just like, damn, it's like 12, 1 o'clock. I can still run to Bramley and hike up and enjoy the view. So, that's what I did. Packed my pack that's probably like 40 pounds and threw some water in there and a little bit of food. And I didn't run up Bramley, but I did a pretty good time up Bramley. I think I did it in 31 minutes. So, it's probably the fastest known time as I know. So, I might as well post it.

[00:23:59] I just got to put it on Strava. But then when I got to the top, I did do the fastest known time of chugging a hard cider at the top. And it was seconds. I got to admit, I should have recorded it, but I didn't. So, it doesn't count. I guess I'm going to have to do it again, which I don't mind doing. Several times, actually. I got to the top.

[00:24:21] Got to go up and enjoy the beautiful views of Bramley that just offers 360 views of, you know, the northern Catskills. We're talking about Mount U to the southern Catskills of Baltimore Lake, Slide Mountain, Mount Pishka, Panther Mountain. Balsam Mountain, Eagle. Just, and then you go over to the west and they have part of the Reservoir Peaks, you know, Touch Me Not Mountain. A bunch of others over there.

[00:24:50] I can't wait to do the, I'll be up there for the Lightning of the Fire Tower event. So, if you're going to join me this Saturday, once again, join me at Bramley or go to another place and tag the show so I know that you're there. Or send me a message so I know that you're there and I can bring a high-powered light to kind of single to you. So, I enjoyed 360 views and then when I was on the top, I saw that there was some rain coming in.

[00:25:16] And I looked on my map and I was just like, man, I probably got around a good 30 minutes. So, let me get back down and start back on the trail. So, I got down, packed everything up and then I started going down the trail. I clocked in, I forgot, it was probably around an hour and 31 minutes doing the full trail because I was up in the fire tower for a very long time.

[00:25:44] I enjoy that fire tower very much. And then also, once you get up a tree line, you can dry off. So, it's very, very fun. So, on my way down, not even 500 feet from the trailhead, it starts pouring rain. I'm just like, yes, I'm so glad I missed this. And it only poured for probably around two minutes. Then later on that night, we got some crazy rain over towards Oneonta area.

[00:26:11] We had at least three inches of rain in a matter of an hour and a half. And it was flooding like crazy. My street, which usually does not flood, was flowing with water down in. And I heard that places up higher had just some massive flooding. They had to actually bring snow plows out to push the mud and the dirt away. It was absolutely craziness. And you could still tell today of where the mud is and stuff like that.

[00:26:41] So, everything's, there's a couple roads closed, but it was crazy to see. And then that Sunday, Jessica left me off the, let me out of the basement, cut my chains loose, and I got to go to Bramley again. I was just like, oh, well, I'll just run up to Bramley. Did this, this. Once again, I went up the regular trail, got up there, and it took me a little bit longer because I talked to a couple people. I saw our good friend Jeff Setterman doing a Catskill center hike.

[00:27:11] So, congrats. Good to see you, Jeff. If you listen to the show, cool. Good to hear from you. Good to see you from me again. I got a good hug from him. And then continued up, met the trail, the stewards up there. Very sorry I forgot your name. I think it might be Mike. Once again, me with names is horrible. I remember dog names, and that's about it. And the names of summits, and that's about it.

[00:27:38] I do apologize, but I introduced him to the podcast. Hopefully he enjoys the podcast. Once again, thank you for volunteering, for being in the summer, coming all the way from the show. He's from Brooklyn. It was crazy. He enjoyed it. He was educating people. And I greatly appreciate your volunteering and had good conversations with him about the Catskills, about the fire towers, about what's going on, about Lori's project that she has with the FFLA.

[00:28:06] And it's great to see Bramley. Once again, it's only 30 minutes from my house. I'm very grateful. And on the way back down, I got a little tiny bit of rain. And luckily, I'm hoping somebody, I went back down the quarry trail, which is a great trail. It's very Catskill-ish. Got a bunch of little places that has some steepness, some dirt and mud, some loose rock. It just reminds me all of Catskill stuff. So it's good to be out there. So I love it.

[00:28:36] If you have a chance, go to Bramley. I would say go up the quarry trail, because that's very, once again, Catskill-ish. And then you go down, I would say down the kind of like the regular path, the fire tower path. And it's a typical fire tower path of just a road. And it's very, very nice. I mean, if you want to go back down a quarry trail, it's awesome.

[00:29:05] With the quarry trail, it has a great first start of kind of like a mile of nothing but flat. And a little bit of elevation gain, then you hit the hard elevation gain. That's not hard, but it's nice. It's fun. It reminds you of the Catskills when it's not crazy. It's 3.6 miles. It's fun. So those are my previous hikes. Hoping to get out this Sunday. I will be out once again Saturday evening to enjoy Bramley Mountain.

[00:29:30] If you want to enjoy it with me, I know that Jessica might be coming, my friend John, and Darren might be coming as well. So if you want to enjoy it with me, get a hold of me. I'll get the details. I know that the sunset, it looks so far, the weather looks fantastic. So on the My Sunset app, which is not working on my freaking phone. Awesome. Let me, My Sunset. Let's see.

[00:29:58] The My Sunset app says that Saturday at golden hour to 6.50. Ooh, let's change. 6.51 p.m., there will be a 79% chance of a good sunset. And then 80% chance of a good sunset as well at 7.28 p.m. They light the fire towers at 8.30, and they end it at 9, and then some places extend until 9.30. So I'll be up at Bramley.

[00:30:26] If you're in any other fire tower, let me know, and I will try to signal you. So, Catskill News. Volunteer New York, New Jersey Trail Conference, 3500 Club Catskill Trail, True Clatskill Mountains Club, Visitor Center, Jolly Rowers Trail Crew, and any fire tower you can do. Definitely volunteer.

[00:30:49] Also, once again, sign the petition that I have out for the Catskill Vistas that we have that I would like to get a little bit more attention to because we are losing our vistas, our viewpoints at a rapid rate. So, I have it on the podcast page, the Facebook and the Instagram page, so check it out. I do a story once in a while.

[00:31:13] And also, there's a Wilderness First Aid course on Sunday, November, Saturday, November 7th, and Sunday, November 8th, 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. Two-day Wilderness First Aid course hosted by the Catskill Preventative Search and Rescue Committee, PSAR, and the 3500 Club.

[00:31:43] So, once again, I will have that link. Contact somebody on the PSAR at catskill3500club.org. All right. So, while I take a swig of this, let's break it into the inaccurate weather forecast. Here is your weekend weather forecast, sponsored by you guys.

[00:32:13] Thanks for supporting the show and keep listening. Really appreciate it. We'll see you next time. We'll see you next time. This time is closing. All right. We'll see you next time.

[00:32:40] Friday with morning temperatures in low to mid 50s in the valleys with around the mid 40s in the summit. Mostly sunny skies are definitely expected with light winds and a little chance of rain. Afternoon temperatures will reach in the 70s in the valleys and upper to low 50s up in the high peaks. Another day for solid hiking in the Catskills. On Sunday, September 6th, definitely might be the best day to be out. Cool morning temperatures with low 50s in the valleys and 40s on the summit with skies

[00:33:09] being mostly sunny with light winds and little chance of precipitation. Expect low to mid 70s in the valleys and upper 50s to low 60s in the higher peaks. Definitely a great day to get outside. Once again, when you're out there, meet and greet people, clean up trash and also be safe, be prepared and don't become tomorrow's rescue story. Back to you Stash. Two swings to that, sorry.

[00:33:38] You got to drink to an inaccurate weather forecast because we don't know what we're going to get this weekend. We can only hope for the best and prepare for the best. So, let's get on to our last set of sponsors and then we'll bring it on to Christy with the Trail Sisters Catskills amazing group. So, capture your love story and gets breathtaking backdrops with Outdoor Chronicles Photography. Molly specializes in adventure couple photography and she'll immortalize your moments amidst the

[00:34:07] stunning landscapes of the Cascals, Adirondacks and the White Mountains. She'll craft timeless images that reflect unique bond in nature's grandeur. Embark on an unforgettable photographic journey with Outdoor Chronicles Photography. Don't hesitate to get a hold on every single social media platform or just the web. Also, discover the wilderness with Trailbound Project.

[00:34:34] Their expert-led hiking and backpacking education programs offer unparalleled outdoor experiences. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned adventurer, join us to learn essential skills, explore stunning trails and connect with nature. Start your journey today with Trailbound Project and unlock the wonders of the great outdoors. All right, so let's get on to the guests of the night. Let's go!

[00:35:00] So, Christy from Trail Sister Catskills joins me tonight to talk about her organization that she started up in the Catskills called, of course, Trail Sister Catskills. So, welcome to the show, Christy. Thank you. Thanks for having me tonight. I'm super excited after meeting you on the Blackhead Range coming down Thomas Cole, well, Colottles Hill. So, that was pretty cool. There was how many of you on that one? Like seven? I think, yeah, seven or eight sisters doing the loop. Just a fantastic day.

[00:35:30] We've got really spoiled this summer. We've got some cooler weather being out in the mountains. So, great group. I know Kelsey was very excited to see you coming up towards us. Kelsey. Oh, I love her. She's so much fun. She's awesome. So, Christy, how about you give a little background about yourself? Just go like deep, go as far as you want. And, you know, then we can pick it up from there. Of course. I think this is always the hardest question. But, okay.

[00:35:58] So, Christy Confortin, I am currently back in New York. I grew up on Long Island and always enjoyed moving my body and playing sports when I was younger. My parents always had us outdoors. So, kind of led me into my profession, which I am a wildlife biologist. So, just really always been outdoors.

[00:36:27] Love the curiosity of nature and what's around us. I am a daughter, a sister, a partner. And I really just enjoy building community and giving back locally to, yeah, to the community. So, you're perfect for this podcast episode. That's what it's all about here.

[00:36:54] That's what I love doing is connecting people to the community and stuff like that. So, that's your perfect for this podcast. So, this is good. So, how did you get back up involved into the Catskills? Like how, I'm guessing down in, you know, Long Island, once again, you said you love to move your body. So, I'm guessing you were like at least somewhat hiking or trail running or running down in Long Island and such. Yeah, great question. So, I played field hockey and lacrosse growing up.

[00:37:23] So, always was an active kid, always had a lot of energy. And my parents were like, go outside and come home when it's dinner. Like play the sports. You know, we were really fortunate growing up. My family had a cabin right outside of Middleburg in Broome. So, always driving up from Long Island and seeing the Catskill Mountains and like always just, they're so magical, right? They're always just welcoming.

[00:37:51] And I also went to SUNY Cobleskill for my undergrad degree. So, really got to get out and hike and start exploring the trails here. And I knew when I had the opportunity to return home that the mountains would be there. And now just learning about trail running and the ventures you can have running instead of hiking and going a little further.

[00:38:18] The trails are just, they're just great here. Rugged, but great. Rugged is the word. That's, I mean, that's a typical term for Northeast. And that's what we like. I mean, if you hike constantly up here, then you like rugged. And that's what it is. So, now, when did you start like trail running? Did you, is that more recent or have you been into that for a while? I mean, trail running and easy in the Catskills.

[00:38:48] Yeah, great question. So, as I said, I'm a wildlife biologist. So, I had the opportunity to move around the country a lot. And when I was living in North Carolina, went into a local running store to get sneakers. Always knew about, obviously, hiking and just walking on trails. But they kind of were like, oh, you live in Asheville, North Carolina, and you don't trail run? And I was like, I didn't even know that was like a thing.

[00:39:17] Please explain more. I was so intrigued, right? So, fast forward five, six years, just going and supporting a local store, getting running sneakers, learning, getting the courage to join a running group, and learning about trail running. So, been in the sport for five years. But the best thing about our sport is there's always room to learn and grow.

[00:39:45] So, even though it feels like I've been in it for a while, I am always growing as an athlete. Well, yeah, the different terrain and stuff like that kind of expands your knowledge. You first, once again, start out when you're hiking. Then you start to be like, ooh, I can move a little bit quicker on this. And to me, sometimes it's just like, ooh, I can get to the viewpoint a little bit faster and then enjoy it longer if there is any viewpoints. So, I mean, that's pretty cool.

[00:40:13] So, in North Carolina, you were hiking. Was it rugged like here or were you more in the flatter terrain and stuff like that? Like, no, North Carolina is part of the Smokies, correct? Correct. Yeah. So, we were right outside of the Smokies where I lived and like the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nice. Yeah, yeah. So, just a hub for trail running and anything outdoors.

[00:40:38] You know, the Nana Hala and just Montreat, the Black Mountains. So, just really got involved with the community there. And that's kind of how I just learned about Trail Sisters, right? Like, there was women in the trail running groups. And they said, hey, why don't you come out and join Trail Sisters? And I was like, ooh, what is that?

[00:41:05] And like, how can I, you know, be involved and learn and grow from other women in this space? Nice. So, I mean, that kind of, well done, well done. It evolves into the next question. So, how did you start Trail Sisters Catskills? Yeah. So, that's a great question. So, Trail Sisters is an organization that's across our country and into Canada.

[00:41:29] There's over 150 local groups, which is really neat because like we have a sister here locally. She goes home to Nebraska and she joins their running group. So, each local group is ran by volunteers. Our Trail Sister group actually grew really quickly. We just celebrated being a year old in April. Congrats. Thank you. Yeah, it's really exciting. I say we have a leadership circle.

[00:41:58] So, there is six of us as leaders. When I moved back and Trail Sisters being such a big part of my life in North Carolina. And then when I moved to Alabama next, I started a group there. And we'll touch on this later. But just the friendships and the true sisterhood that comes out of this group is just so beautiful. So, when I moved home, I was like, all right, let's try this here, right?

[00:42:25] Like, I think there's definitely runners in the Catskills. But I think having a space for women and being able to connect women on these trails was needed. And it really has grown. We have over 180 Trail Sisters on our group, on our platform. And I would say some of our largest events have been over 20 sisters. So, it's really fantastic just the reach of it so far.

[00:42:54] So, you say you have six different people. I'm guessing it's kind of like strategically located so you can have different parts of the Catskills. So, one person like you doesn't need to be in all sectors of the Catskills at all times? Yeah, that's a great question. So, our leadership circle, we try to be really diverse with our leadership.

[00:43:13] You know, there's women that are experienced, you know, like myself, who enjoy going further, you know, whether that's 50 to 100 miles or beyond. We have leaders that are hiking-focused only. We have, you know, leaders that are younger, older, different levels.

[00:43:36] So, we can meet and communicate, right, with the community at all levels that women come to us at. So, I think, yeah, we are spread around, you know, the Catskill region, but also want to be mindful of being diverse as leaders as well. That is fantastic. So, it's all over the place. Like, it should be, as it should be. It shouldn't be categorized as one.

[00:44:00] So, now, I mean, before we get, like, deep into the Trail Sisters Catskills and stuff, what is the best way to connect with you guys? Through Instagram, you know, .com, or do you have a specific email or something that we could post on here or something that could connect them, like, to make it bigger than 180 people? Yeah, thank you for asking. So, we are on Instagram.

[00:44:23] We're Trail Sister Catskills, and this is just really where we post photos, recap our events, share upcoming events. But if you want to become a part of the community and RSVP to our events, go to trailsisters.net. And this is more than just, like, a group platform. You also can tap into articles written by sisters around the world.

[00:44:51] There's women films. There's Trail Sister Approved Races. So, it's really a resource center, but also host our local group. So, trailsisters.net, and then you would join the Catskills group. Rock on. That seems pretty easy. And I'm guessing, you know, with connecting with Instagram, everybody's always chatting and encouraging each other and stuff. And just you guys have a great connection with each other on social media and such.

[00:45:21] Thank you. Yeah, it's great to see. It's great to see, once again, all the posts that you guys do, all the connections that you make. And, you know, we get to see what's going on in the Catskills. As you guys, I've noticed the Trail Sister Catskills is always at every kind of run that's going on in the Catskills, correct? Yeah, we try to support other groups, partner with other groups.

[00:45:44] We've really tried to connect with local race directors and make them aware of becoming Trail Sister Approved with their races. It's free to do, and it really encourages women to come into the sport and feel like they can be at the start line as well. So, it's been really great to kind of make those connections both in other groups and with local race directors. Fantastic. That is so awesome.

[00:46:12] Once again, it's great to see, you know, the females come up and do these challenges and actually win them. I live, won that, the Climate for Climate run. And we sat there, like, we were sitting there and we're like, what the hell's going on? Like, we hear some bells going on. And then all of a sudden, she's sprinting down the mountain. And I'm like, I'm not to be, like, judgmental, but, like, I'm like, is that a woman? I'm like, holy shit, she's flying. And all of a sudden, she's finished.

[00:46:40] And then, like, we're just like, all right, she won. Like, did she really? Like, we're looking around to try to get some confirmation of, like, because it came out of nowhere. And then she just prints past us going off and does her little, like, what is it called? Like, a D-run or something like that. Oh, yeah, cool down. Cool down, yeah. She goes and does her cool down. And we're like, oh, I guess we're not getting an interview this time. But she came back. And we were just like, wow, it's great to see the females kicking ass.

[00:47:09] You know, we have Julie McGuire out there. Amy with The Running Kind. Kim Levinsky with Sasquad. Like, this is an Kumi who just set the longest long path. It's just, it's freaking awesome. And I love seeing it. And, you know, with that, you know, we're talking about all, this is mostly trail running. You guys do other activities other than running, correct? Yeah, yeah. Thank you for asking that.

[00:47:34] So, other than running, you know, not everyone wants to run or can run. So, we want to be a community that's really inclusive. So, we actually offer hiking at maybe 90% of our events. We have a hiking option and a running option. And we also started just hiking options as well. And we also do socials. So, a lot of holiday socials. We did a vision board for New Year's Eve.

[00:48:05] A sister opened her home and we had sisters giving is what we called it. So, just, and we do educational events. We had a local physical therapist. She specializes in pelvic floor health. We had a menstrual cyclist on virtually. So, just really, you know, Trail Sisters' mission is to inspire, empower, and educate. So, we really want to make sure we're covering those three pillars, right?

[00:48:34] Or those three, the mission. And really just allow women to come and go with what they need, right? Like, not every day maybe someone wants to run. But they can hike. They can walk. We did a silent book club, which was very hard for me because I love to talk. My Italian side, right? So, like, sitting down. You can explain that. Wait a minute. A silent book club. What is that, please? Yeah.

[00:49:01] So, a silent book club is you all are in the same room and you all bring your own book. So, then you just are kind of accountability of slowing your mind and being mindful and reading. Okay. But there's no talking. So, it's very hard for if you enjoy talking like myself. Yeah. I got ADHD, as you can tell, like with this podcast. I definitely have ADHD. So, I'd be like looking around and be like, ooh, I love this. This is great. And everybody, shh.

[00:49:30] Yes, yes. But it's fun because we shared like a minute or two in the beginning about what the book you're reading. We brought snacks and we kind of made it, you know, and that's just a space where you're connecting. But it was interesting to see the sisters that came there because it's definitely different from your sisters that you have, you know, running up, you know, Blackhead or Thomas Cole or something like that. So, yeah.

[00:49:56] It seems like as you've moved along, you know, with the people that you've gained, 180 people in your trail sisters, like it has expanded more. Like a silent book reading and then, you know, like I remember you doing like a sunset or something like that and such. Like it just are these like suggestions that people come along and then it blossoms into a great time. Yeah, we're always welcome to feedback.

[00:50:24] I know having such a diverse leadership team and everyone just has these amazing and creative ideas. We did our first camping trip this summer in the Catskills. We had another summer social, you know, just in someone's backyard where you can bring your wife, your husband, your partner, your kids, a dog, right? Like so we want to really foster a community out of trail sister Catskills.

[00:50:51] And yeah, we get feedback from sisters like a lot of sisters are working on their grid. So we try to make events that will hit their grid or, you know, sisters that are training and they want to, you know, be on a flatter trail or whatnot. So we really, any feedback is welcome and we're always looking to try something new with our events. I hear grid and I think of Kelsey. Yes, Kelsey and Sam.

[00:51:20] You can't forget Sam. Okay, Sam's, it's Sam Cash, right? Yeah. Once again, she's been on the show. So it's crazy. Sam's one of our leaders, our long-term leaders. Yep. I believe is, yeah, where she is. Okay, crazy, crazy.

[00:51:40] So in the beginning, you know, once again, women kind of getting into hiking alone and hiking and such has a bunch of different, like I would call it barriers and stuff like that. Do you like hear like anything from women that, you know, is a barrier for them to join the outdoor community to, you know, hike, to trail run and stuff like that? Do you run into those? What have you run into with that?

[00:52:07] Yeah, I think, you know, I think our sport and has grown over the last several years and it can continue to grow. But I think what we hear most is women just, we all start somewhere, right? So we actually have a lot of women that come to the trails for the first time. So they just don't know, you know, what they're capable of. So it's like, come with us.

[00:52:32] Like, we'll take it at your pace where you are that day and we can show you that you can get to the top of this 35 or you, you know, can do this loop or. So it's really, I think, getting them the confidence, which I know will lead into a future question. But like, really just showing them like trails aren't scary.

[00:53:25] And then we're going to be doing different wildlife. So really just getting us to meet women where they're at. Mm hmm. Mm hmm. Once again, like, you know, connecting them with nature if they've never been with nature. And then you also with your your leaders and the other people in the group being confident of what you're doing. Mm hmm.

[00:53:44] Really, really boosts someone's like morale and, you know, like I said, confidence to join a group or to go by themselves and go explore themselves. But, you know, with many times when joining a group and stuff like that, it's they don't want to leave. They want to keep enjoying it with you guys because you're such a good company. Yeah. And I think another thing is, like, I think gear, like sometimes gear gets overwhelming to women.

[00:54:12] They don't know, especially with social media and just so much overflow of like what's out there. So just like breaking down the basis and saying, like, this is really what you need and don't spend too much money on this. Just focus on like a sturdy pair of shoes. Right. Like good athletic clothing, a pack. Like, you know, we're right.

[00:54:36] We always prefaces our events with tips and tricks to get them out there now that, you know, the weather's changing, like have a change of clothes in your car. So when you get done, I think, you know, as women wearing sports bras, like we get cold afterwards. So it's just like little things like that that can go a really long way. Definitely. Good. Keep going. Oh, no, just I was just going to say, and hopefully it allows them to come back.

[00:55:06] And like you said, join us again and try to do something bigger and more challenging next time. Yeah. Kind of like evolve, you know, they evolve from like regular walking to hiking to now trail running, like what you guys do a lot. So now as, as you, once again, you, what, what are sort of things that you guys besides, you know, packing gear and stuff, what boosts their confidence?

[00:55:34] Have you seen a lot of like ladies come into the trail sisters with like low confidence? And then I would say after the first hike there, their confidence is like, I'm signing up for the next one instantly. Yeah. I think what's really unique about trail sisters is we're no drop. And we really mean that. So no drop is no sister is left behind.

[00:55:55] So I think, you know, women or any runner can really get focused on a pace and feeling like they can't keep up or they're not fast enough, but knowing that we start together and we're going to end together. So whether that's like buddying up beforehand, like, Hey, like you may be similar pace or meaning at that trail intersection, or we always have at least two leaders at an event.

[00:56:23] So we always have a leader in the front and back. And I think just really being mindful. We kind of always do introductions at the beginning of our events. We always have a fun question. So it's like, really, it's a space where these women can be themselves and like, break down maybe like, you know, we share a lot like on the trail hiking running like anything goes right.

[00:56:51] Like you make some of your closest friends out there. Sure. So I think just really allowing women to come as they are like, oh, we have a lot of mothers, we have a lot of women that, you know, have been through some yucky stuff in life. And it's like, we're not judging you and the trails aren't judging you. So just come and be who you are. And you let us know what you need. Like there's no set pace.

[00:57:16] And I think women really need to hear that to get that confidence. And instead of like a total screening and guys, anything comes in, we'll, we'll help you out and we'll make you one of our sisters. Yeah. All right. So if I, this, this sounds great, uh, by the way. So if I show up with like, like long hair and just be like, Hey, I'm, I want to join. Well, I'd be denied. We do allow anyone that identifies as a woman.

[00:57:46] Okay. So I'm sorry. Sorry. This sounds like it just, it sounds like so much fun. Once again, like, it seems like, like once again, the, the, the women connect a little bit more than the men, men, we like to be kind of assholes to each other and stuff. And, you know, like, uh, you know, stop being a wuss or something like that. And, you know, I don't know if that boosts our confidence, but it seems like you guys, the trail sisters and the women connect a little bit more.

[00:58:15] And that's, that's what makes it great. Now, like, do you see, did you, how did you, when you started out in groups, what was your, like your numbers wise? And then how has that evolved? Like, were you like three people? And then all of a sudden, like it was eight and stuff. What do you see with, when, when you do the grouping and stuff like that? Is it all over the place? It's all over the place.

[00:58:36] I think it depends on location, season, uh, what, you know, sisters are training for what they're looking for. It was, it's interesting. Cause when I moved to Alabama and I started a group, it was two or three people. And I would get so devastated. I'm like, come on. I know there's runners here. I know there's hikers here, but it's like. Like being mindful that like whoever shows up that day, they needed just as much as you.

[00:59:05] If that's one other person, if it's nine other people. And, you know, we really want to be mindful of parking, right? We try to encourage car pulling to a lot of these trailheads where we know there's limited parking or just kind of plan ahead in case we do have a bigger group. And we always try to get our events a month out so we can kind of prepare for that. But it's really interesting.

[00:59:28] Like some, some are a hit, you know, we did a hike in Cornell and Wittenberg and we had a huge group, which I mean, not huge, but you know, 13 sisters hiking. And it's like, that's what it's about. So trail sister cats, catskills grew a lot faster than I thought. I'm located over in Stanford, which a lot of people, you know, Stanford, New York. And I'm like, yeah, it's actually called queen of the catskills, right? Like we're on the outskirts of the mountains.

[00:59:58] But when I moved home, never did I think I would have eight to nine sisters in my backyard, literally down the road. We are, we meet every Wednesday at 530 all year long. And it's just like rain, snow, darkness, sunshine. These sisters are showing up and it's so beautiful to see that.

[01:00:23] And, you know, I'm just so fortunate for Gina LaCruzzi. She is the founder of trail sisters and trail sisters is 10 years old. So really just to see how much growth it has been in the whole community and now have that here in the catskills. Like it just keeps me smiling and it really keeps me accountable and motivated in my own training and goals. Yeah, I see.

[01:00:52] In Stanford, I'm from Oneonta. Oh, you're right there. I'm right next door. I mean, it's only 40 minutes away, but a lot of people that listen to the podcast are located, you know, down in the Hudson Valley, Long Island, New York City area. And they don't get to come up here to the beautiful northern part of the Catskills that we get to enjoy all the time. Like I love going to Platic Hill, to Bear Pen, to all that stuff that's right next door.

[01:01:18] You know, I could probably tell you some good secret places that you might be able to go. I'll have to give you some good secret spots because I know those northern area like no other. So that's cool. That's awesome. So 530 Wednesdays, I guess I'm going to have to drop my wife off there and then go to Sundays and you guys can do your thing. We would love to have her. Yes, that would be great. Just did Bear Pen and Vly this weekend with my best friend, actually.

[01:01:47] So that was really wonderful. And we have a sister. We don't have a trail sister group in New Jersey. So hopefully if sisters in New Jersey are listening to this, but we have one that comes up now regularly. You actually ran into her when you saw us. Her name is Julie and she is just great. And it's so nice that she takes the time to come up on the weekends and to join us.

[01:02:13] So looking forward to Long Island and city sisters to come up and join us as well. Hell yeah. Hell yeah. So sign up and stuff. I mean, we're not even done yet. So this is this is it sounds like we're just trying to wrap it up. Hell no. So why does this, you know, when when you're doing a trail sisters gathering and stuff like that, when you run, what makes it different than just a regular group run?

[01:02:38] Are you guys like chatting all the time or, you know, what's what makes it so different to be with the trail sisters? I think there's this level of when women are together and we're truly supporting and empowering and listening and sharing, you know.

[01:03:01] So womanhood and what women go through, if that's like our cycles, is that being a new mother, is that losing or taking care of a parent? Is that, you know, whatever that looks like, we're having those conversations on and off the trails. Right. So it's like you're coming to an event and you may connect with someone on that and then you're checking in on that sister two to three days later.

[01:03:28] And I think that, you know, that's what I love about it the most. It's like the connections off the trail is really just as strong and beautiful as when we're on the trails. And yeah, we're definitely chit chatting or teaching each other about what's around us or setting new goals. Right. It's like, oh, well, you did a marathon.

[01:03:53] Let's let's get you up to your first ultra and do a 50K or I really want to get a 5K on the calendar. So it's really just keeping each other accountable and and being being a sister at the end of the day. Like it, it is a sisterhood and that's what I, you know, I grew up with a brother.

[01:04:14] So to have like and to talk all this stuff about just being a woman on, you know, in the day to day life, but on the trails, it's really great.

[01:04:24] So with this being the trail sisters being like a little over a year old, have you seen somebody come in with just absolute no knowledge of the mountains and then transform into someone like you or Kelsey, you know, just taking over and dominating the mountains and stuff? Yeah.

[01:05:15] Like, we don't feel comfortable leading you on the event today. Please meet. We were meeting after for breakfast. And so we're like, just meet us there. You can still, you know, connect and enjoy the event. But then to see her come back to the next event with that gear and poles and, you know, ready to go. It's like, oh, my gosh, like I started there and I had nothing. And, you know, I still can learn about, you know, winter hiking and running and whatnot.

[01:05:45] And so that's just one example. And then the second example is, you know, we have women in their 50s and 60s and they're like, well, that was behind me. And now they're like going to Kim's, you know, Kim's races by themselves and doing a 10K and a half marathon and posting about it afterwards for Metal Monday. And it's just like, yes, queen, like that is that is what we want.

[01:06:14] Like, we just want women to see that they can really do more than we ever thought they thought was possible for themselves. Yeah. And, you know, once again, we talk about confidence. That's like I know that. And then also that takes our also courage for that one lady to come back.

[01:06:36] Like, I got to admit being like turned down and you're like, ah, but you also probably understand with safety, like your feet are going to freeze. You're going to get frostbite or you're going to you're going to totally regret. It's going to be a bad like experience. And then you're not going to want to come back. But having that that lady come back and to do it again and then to kind of fall in love, you know, with what they're doing is just is what we're here for.

[01:07:02] You know, that's that's what I try to do with my friends when I take them out and stuff like that. They want to go hiking and they're in vans or something like that. I'm like, listen, man, you're not going to have a good time on those rocks. This is this is not a paved area. This is slippery stuff. And then for them to come back and be like, look at these shoes that I got. I got some marils or I got some of this this stuff, you know, I'm like, all right, let's go. Let's go. Let's next next lesson.

[01:07:32] You know, maybe a group of eight, everybody's got a different like kind of kind of not goal, but like, you know, a pack or something like that. Something different. Somebody might use poles. Somebody might not. Somebody might have trail runners. Somebody might not. So the diversity helps out a lot. So, you know, I don't know what you use for. Do you use trail runners? Are you regularly like a not trail runner person? Like what like what do you what do you teach and preach?

[01:08:00] Yeah, I think that's a great question. I enjoy running in hocus. I enjoy speed goats to a certain level. And then, you know, when I run further, I kind of transition into ultra. I'm just that wider toe box is really helpful for me when feet start to swell and whatnot.

[01:08:22] But, yeah, I think but, you know, if I'm out with a hike with the dogs or, you know, with other sisters, I'll put on, you know, a boot as well. But I think the trail runners have come a really far away. So I think that is great that they're so versatile now. Nice. Nice. Yeah. It's just once again, like transitioning from one to another is always a good thing and always cool to see.

[01:08:51] You know, I've I've transitioned from God, I'm trying to I've always gone with Merrell's Merrell's for some reason. But I used to have no ankle Merrell's. And I wondered why I was like frickin rolling my ankle every five feet. And then I finally got into boots. So they're heavy as heck, but they're they're fantastic. So keeping up with you guys, I would never be able to do because like my boots are so damn heavy and my pack as well. You should probably ask Kelsey how how heavy my pack is.

[01:09:19] She probably has heard how many pounds I carry. So I'd never be able to run. So being that on me being a guy, you know, this is a question, you know, I guarantee like not all men think of. But what is, you know, something some kind of like questions or stuff like that that men misunderstood about ladies being in the outdoors?

[01:09:44] Like it's it's tough for us to understand to ask somewhat. So it's it's kind of I got to fan myself off right now asking that like like what what do you think they can understand more about ladies running and kind of like being outdoors? Yeah, thank you for asking that. I think. Again, the sport has grown.

[01:10:11] And I think this year with Rachel Eckeson, I may be pronouncing her last name incorrectly, but her winning Coca-Dona 250, I think really just truly highlights how far and capable and strong women are in this sport and moving on trails.

[01:10:30] So I just hope that men and they are we have men that are very respectful and go out of their way to encourage women and passing on the trails or during races, you know, they step aside and let us by.

[01:10:45] But I think what's really great about trail sisters as a whole is I kind of mentioned the trail sister approved races is one of the five things that is required is having menstrual products out at eight stations. And, you know, it's awesome. Yeah, I've never nobody has ever talked about that ever at eight stations.

[01:11:10] I've heard of like water pickle juice, but I've never heard of menstrual stuff. That is fantastic to hear. That's once again, you're evolving. That's incredible. Yeah. So to have it out and openly at eight stations so women don't have to ask, you know, going even, you know, shorter distances, you don't know what your body's going to do. Another thing is encouraging women to start at the front of the start line. Right.

[01:11:37] It's like, yeah, the sport does have more males at the start line. But like May, I think her name's Maeve, who won the climate, climate for climate. Encouraging women to start there also, because no offense, not all those men are going to take first. Right. So it's like, let's let women get up there and let's try to have the women push the pace. So I think just educating men and listening to them, too. Right.

[01:12:04] Like we need to be able to listen and grow and learn from each other. But those are just some things that I think trail sisters are taking down the barriers. Right. Again, a lot of mothers. So having races that allow for pregnancy deferrals, some trail races are starting to offer grants for women to come and run to cover child care.

[01:12:28] So it's like, you know, just making the space more open to women and making sure they do feel comfortable and not getting getting supported by the men. We like to call them trail misters. Right. Like we're all out there doing what we love. And hopefully we can do that together hand in hand. Listen, I got an idea for you guys to win more races when you're coming up on the guy and they're not letting you pass.

[01:12:57] But you're not going to let a lady go first. How rude. And then they're like, oh, I'm sorry. And then you run in the race. That's that. I wonder how that Maeve did it. She's probably just like, you're not going to let a lady go first. How dare you? And they're like, oh, I'm so sorry. And then she sprints past him. Ha, sucker. That's probably that's a great that's a great way to do it. So that's that's cool. That's amazing.

[01:13:19] Like, once again, evolving, you know, out of this this male dominating, you know, stuff to now the females are coming in and crushing it and just like killing it. And then you have the trail sisters group with the supports. You could just have a great support system that that I hear of right now. Like I've once again, I, you know, I'm not a woman. I can't join, but I would love to like just like be on the outskirts and just listen to the great stories.

[01:13:47] So once again, not being a woman and stuff like when you're out on these hikes and these like these trail runs, do you guys like ask questions to kind of ease the, oh, excuse me, ease the ladies into kind of like being more comfortable with the group?

[01:14:04] Like, like, like, you know, I don't know if you have like background checks of like, oh, who recently had a baby and they're getting away from, you know, like trying to get out from being just a new newborn, you know, new mother and stuff. Or like, once again, like being in their late, like later ages of life. And like, do you guys like go out and ask questions on the trail to get people more comfortable with the sisters and then you can all connect easier?

[01:14:33] Yeah, I love that. I think, I think we probably do do that.

[01:14:39] Um, I think we try to show, right, like taking group photos or sharing other highlights in the space of hiking and running and showing that all women belong here, no matter like what we're going through or what level of life we're in or trying to show them just that the trails are there.

[01:15:07] And we want you to come and join us. So hopefully that's answering the question. But just, yeah, I think, I think just, you know, with social media, you are able to follow and see what's going on when they are sharing and then coming on the trail and just kind of asking those questions and getting to know them more deeply. Okay, that sort of answers it, you know, like, uh, a lot of ladies might join because, you know,

[01:15:37] they're in menopause or stuff like that and they want to get a more connection. Once again, this is, I'm a guy like the, do not, all these people are probably like, what does this fucking guy know about that? You know, premenopause or stuff like that. Do they ever like reach out to you and tell you that so you can adapt more on the trail and make it like a deeper connection? Yeah, yeah, definitely.

[01:15:57] Like, you know, we will have sisters that are like, I'm going through this, whether it's like cycle or like we said, like, um, you know, a new, new mother and their body's different and they're trying to get out for the first time. So, yeah, they definitely share and then we just adjust, right? We make sure that someone knows that and is mindful of that to, um, make sure they enjoy the event.

[01:16:23] But yes, they do share or we, you know, we ask or it comes up naturally in conversation. Yeah, that's awesome. Once again, the connection is a little bit more tighter there. You know, I mean, guys, we don't have to deal with that. So like we, we, we don't know shit and we should shut the fuck up. That's what I say all the time. I'm sorry to say that she's probably just like, oh, I'm not going to post this anymore. He swore, but you've listened to the show. You know what, where I'm at. So that's, that's awesome.

[01:16:53] So now with this trail sisters being a little bit over a year old, what has been your favorite memory so far of your, your group and your get togethers? Okay. I'm going to take this even further back. Sweet. So trail sisters came into my life when I needed it the most. And sometimes we don't know that. Right.

[01:17:19] And creating the sisterhood in the Catskills, but from like the very first trail sister Asheville in North Carolina and making a friend and having that friendship continue on. After I left North Carolina. And she, she's an incredible athlete. And she was just at UTMB this past weekend doing the loop a hundred miles.

[01:17:46] And, you know, obviously you're probably going to have a low during that type of distance. And for her to like call me up and say like, Hey, I'm in a low. So it just really, you know, you can get emotional thinking about it, but it's like, here is just going to one event. Right. And making that friendship and making that friendship and carrying it forward.

[01:18:12] And then just being able to, again, inspire and empower that sister in that moment that they're having a low in one of their goal races. Like, you know, it's just so full circle to me. Like what you give back as a leader or even just a sister in general, it's going to, it's going to stay with you hopefully a lifetime. And I already see it here in trail sister Catskills. Right.

[01:18:40] It's like, Hey, like, okay. This morning, right. It's Wednesday. So we had our Stanford meetup and we celebrated a birthday and we do like these birthday trunks. Right. So like everyone, someone brought flowers from the garden, someone baked, we brought a birthday card, you know, and we decorate the back of the car. So it's just like, just celebrating each other is just really, is really great.

[01:19:09] And the friendships and just really, it sounds so silly, but it really is so much more than just being on the trails with each other. It's continuing that into life. Friendship. Friendship. So you said you did that at 530 today. So did you barely make it to this? Oh, sorry. This morning. This morning. Oh, 530 this morning. God damn. That's early.

[01:19:38] We are early risers. Yes. I would say, I was going to, I don't think my wife will join that. That's a little bit of a run. That's a little, I was just like, oh, 530 at 530. And I, on a Wednesday, she definitely enjoyed that. So she'll have to look up the other, the other stuff as well. So, um, well, I mean, we just chatted about like somewhat friendships. Like, uh, do you have like any special like connections that you've had with the Catskills, Trail Sisters Catskills that you want to like preach and preach about?

[01:20:07] You know, like, has this evolved into like, you're asking like maybe somebody from New Jersey wants to do something. Like, have you seen another woman maybe leave the Trail Sisters Catskills and start another one in another place? Yeah. So that's another fantastic question. We would love, love to see. I know there's a lot of, uh, so there is Trail Sisters Long Island and I'm not sure how long they've been around, but they are, they're a great group.

[01:20:36] Um, I would love to see something in the Hudson Valley, like, um, CTW, Conquer the World, uh, those race directors, um, they have such a big pull. And I would, and I know there are a lot of groups down there as well, but I would love to have, you know, these other local groups. There is Trail Sister Ithaca. So just really being able to continue to fill New York with these local groups.

[01:21:05] So we just, again, and into Jersey, um, up into the Andirondacks, like that's what it's about, right? Like we want the community to grow as a whole and just, you know, um, we're really, really fortunate how big Trail Sister Catskills has got. But I would love to see that even the reach go further than just our mountains here. Awesome. Awesome. Yeah.

[01:21:34] Let's like, so somebody, somebody's got to get together for different places. Reach out to Christy. Definitely. So, uh, when someone is first joining the Trail Sisters Catskills, do you have a special place that you take them to get them hooked? Like whether they're a new person that is new to the Catskills or new to hiking and stuff, where's your first, like, introduction that you take them to? Yeah, I love that. Um, it depends, right?

[01:22:03] Like what that sister is looking for. But one of, I think, a secret beauty is the Catskill Scenic Trail. So that goes from Roxbury all the way to Bloomville. Um, 26 miles. Pretty flat. Um, well, relative flat for around here. And it's beautiful, right? The scenery is different throughout the different towns.

[01:22:30] And it allows, you know, it's an old rail track, a rail road track. So it allows sometimes single track, I think, is more difficult. Because sometimes I cannot hear the person in front or back of me. So to have them be able to kind of, we can stay in a group. You can stay side to side and really just engage in a conversation. And it's accessible, right?

[01:22:55] Like we don't always have time to get up to the mountains or, you know, especially with the getting darker again. So I think that is a great place to bring sisters and really get them. You can run, you can hike. Um, and it's just, it's really great. That's good. That's definitely a good start. I gotta admit, any rail trail is a really good start for someone to get hooked. Especially when there's a place with views.

[01:23:25] The view, the viewpoints gets them hooked. And with you being around Stanford, there's, there's definitely many places around there for to get them hooked. Speaking of that, uh, speaking of hooked, you said you were recently a fly in Bearpent. How is that viewpoint over on Bearpent? The, the, the furthest north one, is that diminishing? Like I've thought. Yeah.

[01:23:47] It, you know, I think it's growing in, but I think if you can like kind of push past that, it's still beautiful. Like always. Okay. Once again, I have ADHD. That's why that just went off of the rails over there. So I love it. I love it. So now let's push it five years from now. Where do you see the Catskills trail or God, the trail sisters, Catskills at like, what do you want to be doing? Or do you think like where you're at is pretty freaking good?

[01:24:17] Yeah. Yeah. I think, you know, hopefully within five years, I would love to see. Um, so each leader usually stays on for about a year, if not more. So I would love to see leadership continue to change and grow. I would love to see us really continuing to doing those educational events.

[01:24:41] I think that is really just key to, to just to keeping everyone growing and learning. Um, so I think, you know, even maybe doing like a multi-day hike or run in the mountains or, you know, we just started to explore those longer runs together as a group.

[01:25:07] So maybe upping those mileage or, or, um, we'll be doing the six, um, in October. So that, you know, just, I know that's not five years from now, but again, as the months continued, just again, doing different events and, you know, continuing to grow.

[01:25:27] If that's a space that, you know, who knows if we'll cap out, but just making sure that new women are coming, but the same sisters are also showing up because I think that says a lot. Like we have a great core group and I always tell myself, like, it's really hard to get to any type of group, right? Like the door handles, I always say is like the heaviest part.

[01:25:50] Like once we can turn that door handle and, and get ourselves there, I hope they feel like comfortable and welcomed to, um, continue on. So maybe them coming as a sister and then five years from now being a leader of our group, that would be fantastic. Hell yeah. That, I mean, that was fantastic.

[01:26:11] Once again, keeping the, the changing of leaders and then also keeping the people, the new people coming in and, and the people that have been there rotating and being still where there is definitely a fantastic goal. That's, that's what I love with, with the podcast. I want to see these people that have been with me since the beginning, still talking to me, still telling me that, you know, you're doing a good job. I'm still listening instead of being like, man, you're starting to get old.

[01:26:41] I had to switch to something else. And like, you know, that's, that's a definite goal. We, Christy, we have the same goals with the podcast and the trail sisters. There's like, awesome. I love it. That's great. I mean, one big goal that I have though, is your, your post hike Bruce and bites. Like, so what do you like, what do you suggest for after a get together trail sisters, Catskills? Will you always like say, Hey, let's go here.

[01:27:10] This is, this is the spot. Yeah. I love that. I think I am very mindful of people coming to the sport or to the outdoors that I never enjoy putting it around alcohol or anything like that. Like I am very, very mindful of people, sisters that are in recovery.

[01:27:34] So we always encourage like more of like coffee space or, you know, we bring, we bring a cooler with like chocolate milk or like, you know, cookies, fruit, orange juice. Like we just, you never know what someone's going through. So I kind of like to lead with a more neutral space and always supporting local. So, um, whatever that looks like, like if we're in Wyndham, you know, going to a coffee shop here in Stanford.

[01:28:04] So just, you know, I really like to be mindful of kind of leading with a, a neutral space for all. That sounds fantastic. What about you? What do you, what do you, what is your favorite spot to catch a post-hike broom bite in the Catskills? Yeah. And the Catskills, I would say Mama's Boy is a go-to, you know, a good, good burger, ice cream, soda.

[01:28:32] I mean, what about like, like you, Mac-a-doodles? Oh yeah. Yeah. Mac-a-doodles is in Stanford. Stanford coffee is great. Teepees has a fantastic breakfast when you want to just really, um, get that energy back in your body. Um, so any of those are great spots. Yes. Stuart, you can't forget about Stuart's, right? Like, Hey, that is a.

[01:28:59] Well, that's Stuart's in Stanford is one of the most busiest Stuart's. Oh my gosh. It's so busy. So busy. And it's so small. I mean, they need to, to figure out how to expand it because that, that spot is like, once again, for me, that's, that's, it's not halfway, but it's like, you know, like maybe 40% of my, my drive. So I always stop there. Yeah. And once again, like they need the Stuart's and Tanner's bills always hopping.

[01:29:27] And once again, the coffee is, is I'd have to say unbeatable. It's New York state coffee. You walk in and you can smell that fresh coffee and you walk out. You still for smell that fresh coffee because that's on your clothes. It like sticks to you. It's like incense. It's crazy. And you can't beat their, make your own Sundays. It just, again, full circle, like driving up as a kid coming off long Island and like before getting here. Right. Like mom, dad, let's make your own Sundays. So.

[01:29:58] Yeah. And you would devour yourself with your face covered in ice cream. Yes. God, those memories. And now you look at it and you try to do that and you look like a fool. And they're just like, what is wrong with that person? Like, it's so good though. You're just like, don't judge me. I just did a 13 mile run. Shut up. So that's amazing. So Christy, I want to thank you for joining me tonight is really a great pleasure having you on.

[01:30:21] Once again, it's great to talk about the trail sisters, Catskills and how you guys evolved and how you are keep moving on and you keep pushing on to bigger and better things. And we hope to hear that in the future. And let's hope, you know, the podcast might reach out to somebody who will, will start being some of your leaders or joining your organization. That's what I want to hear about. Well, we love it. We are really thankful for this opportunity and for you supporting women outdoors. So thank you. Hell yeah.

[01:30:50] So once again, I want to give a big shout out to the monthly supporters and the monthly sponsors greatly appreciate you guys supporting the show. Really appreciate it. Everybody who is still listening to the show, 236 episodes in Christy joins me here to chat about her awesome group, Trail Sisters Catskills. So Christy, have a great night. Thank you for joining me and let's see you again out on the trail. See you there. Thank you. Yep. Have a good night.

[01:31:22] Hi, everyone. I just want to thank you for listening to the show. If you enjoyed the show, subscribe and throw down a smooth review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any podcast platform that you use. You can also check daily updates of the podcast, hikes, hiking news, and local news on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the official website of the show. Remember this.

[01:31:51] You got to just keep on living in the Catskills, man. L-I-V-I-N Wicked. Wicked. Wicked. Wicked. Wicked. Wicked.