Sisterhood of the travelling trail runners

Trail runners Nancy and Katie Wadden say it is theirpassion to bring the sport of trail running to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thesisters launched thewebsite for their company, the RDF Trail Company (RDFbeing an acronym forcommon Newfoundland weather conditionsrain, drizzle, and fog) in March of this year.

"We launched our websiteinitially just on our personal Facebook, and we had such a greatresponse, and other people started to share it, and we've had some communication and positive response from DestinationSt. Johns and NL Tourism," said Nancy.

"So far we've had a great response from people locally, and we're hoping to grow it more into the tourism market."

Trail running is common in western Canada, where both women have lived, and they say that their home province is a perfect contender for the sport.

The iconicEast Coast Trail, with265 kilometres of maintained trail that runs along the coastline of theAvalon Peninsula, is where the majority of their runs take place.

"The East Coast Trail is really unique you have these amazing views for miles. The coastlines, theterrain is fantastic. The East Coast Trail Association has done an excellentjob maintaining the trails and mapping them out it's a great way to get out and connect with nature," said Nancy.

"Whenever I got to comehome during my PhD, whether it wasfor Christmas or in the summer,and I got to run on the East Coast Trail it was so exciting, and I was inspired to bring the sport to Newfoundland, and grow it, so other Newfoundlanders could have the same experience as Idid," said Katie.

Building a running community

The sisters said their desire is to lay the foundation for a trail running community, and everyone is welcome to join them for a run.They have seen runners as young as eight, and as young-at-heart as 70.

The company says it is offeringnot just a run, but asocial,community experience.

"We're all about building people's confidence on the trail. If you've hiked the trail, then wewould definitelyencourage you to consider the sport of trail running," said Katie.

Local reaction has been favourable, with36 participants showingup for the company's first run.

"We're really excited about partnering with other local businesses," said Katie, describing a weekend run in Petty Harbour.

"That will start off with a trail run, and then we're going to stop at the Watershed cafe. Then we're going to move into a yoga session above the miniaquarim. We love the idea of partnering with other people to give people thefull, Newfoundland experience," she said.

A unique twist on traditional running

For participants who already run, the company says that trail running offers an entirely different, uniqueexperience.

"It's more of a relaxed environment," said Nancy. "It's not so much trying to get a personal best, or trying to get 10miles. It's more about theexperienceof being out in nature, of being on the trails. You feel almost like you're free when your running along the coast line."

You don't know what's around the next corner or how much mud you're going toendupin.- Sarah Whelan

Sarah Whelan, a local recreational runner, has participated in four RDF trail runs, and saidtrail running offers a unique twist on traditional running.

"It's a whole new challenge. The trails around Newfoundland are so beautiful that it's great to actually get out and spendsome time on them," said Whelan.

"You're thinking about where you're going to step, what hill you're going to go up, what'saround the bend," she said.

"This has an adventurous element to it. You don't know what's around the next corner or how much mud you're going to endup it. It's great."

Qualified Instructors

Both Katie and Nancy are experienced trail runners who are familiar with the local trails.Katieearned undergraduate and master's degreesin Kinesiology from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and is currently finishing her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of British Columbia, while Nancy Waddenearned aBachelor of International Business from MUN.

"They bring experience...where to run andthe distance of the routes. They're very good at giving us tips and advice," said Whelan.

The Wadden sisters say that they would love to grow the and expand across the island, and possibly even into Labrador.