Dr. B Runnerful- That Mother Runner
miles and moments- gs 2025
From Finish Lines to Forest Trails — Running, Hiking, and Raising Wild Hearts
Sometimes the best detours happen when you least expect them.
A few months ago, a fabulous colleague invited me on a weekend getaway that I firmly remember being described as wine and yoga—and during the conversation she asked the question:
“You’re a runner… do you like other outdoorsy things?”
Now, listen. I signed up for a marathon to push my boundaries, to test my limits, and to get very uncomfortable. So naturally, I said “Yes!” and made the arrangements. I prepped my husband. I prepped the kids. I even prepped myself.
Welp—flash forward to the day of the trip and, of course, chaos ensued. Travel anxiety kicked in, mom guilt of leaving my children especially missing Rosie’s dance recital, packing drama unfolded, and to top it all off—I’m not exactly a “ride-with-other-people” kinda gal. Cue the tears. But somehow, I pulled it together and got on the road. Growth, baby!
The Camp Adventure I Didn’t Know I Needed
I arrived at this women’s retreat, joined by 18 phenomenal women ranging in age from their 30s to 60s. The energy? Beautiful. The vibes? The Wisdom…Immaculate.
As the newbie, I quickly realized something: I had never done any of these things. But I was here, and I was ready to be scared, sweaty, glittery, and joyful.
First up: team-building scavenger hunt. Watching the strengths of each woman shine was empowering. The competitive side came out #GoBEARS!
Next? Archery—turns out, I’m left-hand dominant! (Also, shoutout to Robin Hood- Men in Tights for the unexpected prep work.)
Then came rock climbing and ziplining—a whole moment. Newsflash: the top sways. As people leapt off edges, I clung to that pole like a toddler at daycare drop-off. But I did it.
There was laughter, snacks, honest conversations, and joy. I felt like a kid again—nervous, brave, and light.
The Climb That Changed Everything
Saturday was for hiking Dragon’s Tooth Cove Mountain. I didn’t Google the route (rookie move), but off we went. I was wondering why we brought so many things but was so glad that I had all of the things on that trail. Hours passed, steps counted, and somewhere in there, I found my peace.
Sure, I had to scale rock beds and hop fallen trees like a mama mountain goat, but I made it! 2,215 ft in elevation and 8.23 miles later (Strava got receipts 📲), I felt unstoppable.
Sleeping in a top bunk that night was another kind of endurance challenge. Shoutout to my pelvic floor for surviving the climb up and down just to pee. Truly—an unsung workout!
The River Ride & My New Name
On our final day, we floated down a river. Seems relaxing, right? WRONG. For me, it was scarier than ziplining off a shaky platform, but I was surrounded by sheroes who had my back (and my tube). We laughed, floated, splashed—and I survived. I swear there was a Titantic monologue scene as one of the ladies jumped off the float and swam us to the right side of the river.
By the end of the weekend, they dubbed me “Tinker Bell.” And you know what? I’ll take it. I definitely earned some wings after this trip. I also got my explorer badge and I’ll cherish it forever.
The Bigger Picture
Although this weekend marked the start of my marathon training with the team, I know in my soul this trip was the best start to this journey and definitely counts as cross-training. My body was challenged, my spirit was renewed, and my heart is full.
Stepping out of my comfort zone gave me more than I bargained for—in the best way possible. I made memories, shed a few tears, laughed, and proved to myself (again) that a girl is gonna get it done.
So here’s to more adventures, more detours, and more moments that remind us:
Yes, we run—but oh, the places we’ll go along the way.
#TinkerBellOnTheTrails
#ThatMotherRunner
#CoreMemoryUnlocked
#MilesAndMoments
