Quiet In Our Lives, Trail Therapy & Your Unique Vision

Hey friends!

I’m headed to Delaware this weekend to volunteer at the First State Trail Race. I’ll be at the Beaver Valley aid station. Hope to see some of you out there!

Here’s a quick look at what’s on my radar this week in Pennsylvania’s parks and trails, plus one-person business insights to help power your next move.

🌳 Outdoors Spotlight

🎧 KTA Webinar: Quiet Outdoors (May 27)
We could all use a little more quiet in our lives. This free webinar explores the value of natural quiet with insights from leaders at Wilderness Quiet Parks, the Keystone Trails Association, and the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. Tune in to discover why preserving peaceful outdoor spaces matters for our health, our well-being, and the environment.

⚡ Trail & Ultra Buzz

🎧 Webinar: Navigating an Injury with The Trail Therapist (May 28)
If you follow my Instagram, then you know this showed up at exactly the right time for me. This free webinar with social worker and ultrarunning coach Sarah Strong will focus on the emotional and mental challenges of injury recovery. This livestreamed session will explore coping with frustration, maintaining mental health, and finding motivation during the healing process.

👉 Volunteers needed at Loopy Looper (Aug 2)
I’m signed up for my first 12-hour race this August at Cooper River Park in NJ, and it’s shaping up to be a great day with awesome community vibes. Events like this don’t happen without solid volunteer support, so if you’re free, consider joining the skeleton crew. I have a lingering calf issue, so there’s still a chance I’ll defer ― but I’ll be there either way, running or volunteering.

💡 Smart Move for Your Week

Invest in yourself regularly. Whether it’s through learning new skills, seeking personal or professional development, or taking time for self-care, the best investment you can make is in yourself. The more you grow and evolve, the better equipped you’ll be to handle challenges and seize new opportunities. Prioritize your growth and it will pay off in the long run.

💭 Parting Thought

Your vision is unique. No one else sees the world exactly as you do, and that’s your greatest asset. Stay true to your vision, even when others don’t understand it, because that’s what will set you apart and attract the right people to your work.

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You can complement this edition of Trailspire with my latest blog post, On the other side of hesitation, a reflection on what we find when we stop waiting.

Make this week count ― get outdoors, chase your goals, and stay focused. If you’ve got something great to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Onward and upward,
Laura

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who would love it too. 

Top Trail Picks, More Than Miles & Deep Work

Hey friends!

I’m deep in Cocodona livestream mode.🌵

Here’s a quick look at what’s on my radar this week in Pennsylvania’s parks and trails, plus one-person business insights to help power your next move.

🌳 Outdoors Spotlight

👉 Connected Wissahickon 6 Mile 6 Preserve Hike (May 10)
Happening this weekend! Join Wissahickon Trails for a free loop-hike connecting various preserved lands. Designed for experienced hikers, the 6-mile loop features varied terrain including grassy fields, wooded paths, paved sections, and some rocky surfaces. The hike begins and ends at Four Mills Barn in Ambler, and is expected to last 2.5 to 3 hours.

🥾 Visit PA’s Top Trail Picks for Hiking, Biking and Views
Visit PA's latest trail roundup highlights some of our state’s most scenic and iconic routes, from the rugged Thousand Steps on the Standing Stone Trail to the smooth flow of the Schuylkill River Trail that spans 75 miles in southeastern PA, this list offers something for every type of trail lover — including the 2025 Trail of the Year, the Path of the Flood Trail.

⚡ Trail & Ultra Buzz

👉 WIU Advocacy & Ultrarunning (May 17)
Lace up for a group trail run in the Wiss, followed by a discussion on the connection between advocacy, social justice, and ultrarunning — plus practical ways to get involved — and stick around after for Women In Ultrarunning’s first gear exchange. Bring your gently used gear and maybe leave with something new. It’s all about community, on and off the trail.

💡 Smart Move for Your Week

Every step forward counts, no matter how small it may seem. Celebrating small wins along the way helps build momentum and keeps you motivated, even during tough times. Whether it’s a completed project, a new client, or a simple personal milestone, taking a moment to acknowledge your progress fuels your drive for the bigger victories ahead.

💭 Parting Thought

Protect your creative energy. Not every idea needs immediate execution. Save your best ideas, set boundaries around distractions, and create space for deep work. The more you guard your focus, the more impactful your work will be. 

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That’s all for this one.

Make this week count — get outdoors, chase your goals, and stay focused. If you’ve got something great to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Onward and upward,
Laura

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who would love it too. 

New Trail Pods, Crew Call & Staying on Track

Hey friends!

Here’s a quick look at what’s on my radar this week in Pennsylvania’s parks and trails, plus one-person business insights to help power your next move.

🌳 Outdoors Spotlight

🎧 New podcasts for your trail playlist
Two brand new podcasts just dropped ― and they’re both all about Pennsylvania’s parks and trails. If you’re into local adventures, conservation, or behind-the-scenes stories from the people who help shape these spaces, you’ll want to give them a listen.

📌 Think Outside Podcast - @thinkoutsideppffpodcast
📌 Her Side of the Trail - @trailsthatrock 

⚡ Trail & Ultra Buzz

👉 Still needed — volunteers for Worlds End Ultra (May 31)
The race may be full, but there’s still a chance to be part of one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic ultrarunning events. Aid station volunteers are needed for the Worlds End Ultramarathon in the Endless Mountains. I’ll be there volunteering too ― come spend a day in the woods, support some amazing runners, and soak up the trail vibes. 

💡 Smart Move for Your Week

Say no to distractions. Distractions are one of the biggest obstacles to staying focused and productive. In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to get pulled in multiple directions. Get clear on your priorities and protect your time by saying no to things that don’t align with your bigger goals. By limiting distractions, you create more space for deep work and growth.

💭 Parting Thought

You’re always one step closer. Even when it feels like progress is slow, you’re still moving forward. Every action, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals. Keep putting in the work and trust that the results will follow in time.

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That’s all for this one.

Make this week count ― get outdoors, chase your goals, and stay focused. If you’ve got something great to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Onward and upward,
Laura

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who would love it too.

PA Trails, Ultra News & Tips to Work Smarter This Week

Hey friends!

Here’s a quick look at what’s on my radar this week in Pennsylvania’s parks and trails, plus one-person business insights to help power your next move.

🌳 Outdoors Spotlight

👉 KTA’s A.T. Section Trail Care Event (Jun 7)
Join the Keystone Trails Association for a Trail Work Day on their adopted section of the Appalachian Trail near Lehigh Gap. In celebration of National Trails Day, volunteers will engage in routine trail maintenance like trimming vegetation, painting blazes, and clearing trail segments. The event kicks off at 9 AM at the Lehigh Gap trailhead parking lot.

⚡ Trail & Ultra Buzz

👉 Christian to Crescent Trail Section Opens
The long-awaited opening of the Christian to Crescent section of the Schuylkill River Trail is finally here! 🎉 Be among the first to preview this stunning new trail section featuring a 650-foot cable-stayed bridge with incredible city and river views at the Fun Run/Walk on Thursday, May 15. Then, come back Saturday, May 17 for the official Opening Day Celebration.

💡 Smart Move for Your Week

Simplify your focus. It’s easy to get distracted by endless to-do lists and shifting priorities, but true progress comes from focusing on a few key tasks that move the needle. Narrow your focus to what truly matters, and be intentional with your time. This way, you’ll not only stay aligned with your goals but also avoid burnout from trying to do everything at once.

💭 Parting Thought

Trust yourself. The path may not always be clear, but your instincts and decisions will guide you. When you stay true to your values and listen to your inner voice, you’ll find the clarity you need to keep moving forward. Trust that you know what’s best for you.

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That’s all for this one.

Make this week count — get outdoors, chase your goals, and stay focused. If you’ve got something great to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Onward and upward,
Laura

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who would love it too. 

PA Trails, Ultra News & Tips to Work Smarter This Week

Hey friends!

I’m lacing up for next week’s Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K — because who doesn’t love a fun run with good vibes and happy trees?

Here’s a quick look at what’s on my radar this week in Pennsylvania’s parks and trails, plus one-person business insights to help power your next move.

🌳 Outdoors Spotlight

👉 Appalachian Trail Hike at Little Gap (May 29)
Check out a newly rerouted section of the Appalachian Trail on this guided 4.5 to 5-mile lollipop hike along the Lehigh Gorge ridgeline near Slatington. You’ll also learn about the restoration of a former Superfund site and the work that’s gone into bringing this scenic landscape back to life.

⚡ Trail & Ultra Buzz

👉 Wissahickon Wanderers Spring Race Series at the Wiss 
The popular Spring Race Series is back with free, fun trail races every Thursday evening in May, starting May 1st. Each 4–5 mile course kicks off at 6:30pm from Valley Green Inn ― arrive early to park and sign in. Weekly race details will be shared the Sunday before on the Facebook page.

💡 Smart Move for Your Week

Don’t be afraid to pivot. Plans rarely go perfectly, and that’s completely fine. If something isn’t working, don’t hesitate to change direction or adjust your strategy. Flexibility is key to adapting and moving forward, even when the path shifts. Being willing to pivot allows you to make smarter decisions and ensures you stay on track toward your bigger vision.

💭 Parting Thought

Your story is what sets you apart. In a world full of noise, your unique experiences and perspective are what make you stand out. Don’t be afraid to share your story, because it’s what others will connect with the most. Authenticity creates true connection.

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That’s all for this one.

Make this week count ― get outdoors, chase your goals, and stay focused. If you’ve got something great to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Onward and upward,
Laura

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who would love it too. 

PA Trails, Ultra News & Tips to Work Smarter This Week

Hi All!

Here’s a quick look at what’s on my radar this week in Pennsylvania’s parks and trails, plus one-person business insights to help power your next move.

🌳 Outdoors Spotlight

👉 KTA 2025 Trail Care Webinar (Apr 15)
I’m excited to get more involved in trail care this year, but I’m not sure where to start. If you’re in the same boat, the KTA Trail Care team is hosting a webinar to share their 2025 schedule and upcoming projects. Registration is free, but spots are limited.

⚡ Trail & Ultra Buzz

👉 Volunteers Needed at the Worlds End Ultramarathon (May 31)
Want to get involved in one of Pennsylvania's most scenic ultrarunning events? Volunteers are still needed at the Worlds End Ultramarathon in the Endless Mountains. The race is full but you can still be part of the action, support runners, and enjoy the beauty of the trails. 

💡 Smart Move for Your Week

 Embrace a growth mindset. Approach challenges with the belief that you can learn, improve, and adapt. When things don’t go as planned, instead of seeing it as a failure, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Each setback is a chance to adjust and get closer to your goals.

💭 Parting Thought

Don’t rush the journey. Success isn’t a race — it’s a process. Enjoy the ups and downs, the learning moments, and the growth. Keep moving forward at your own pace, and remember, every step you take is progress, no matter how small.

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I’ve been quietly revamping my website and blog behind the scenes — giving it a fresh direction that feels more aligned with where I’m heading. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s starting to feel like home.

Make this week count — get outdoors, chase your goals, and stay focused. If you’ve got something great to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Onward and upward,
Laura

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who would love it too.

PA Trails, Ultra News & Tips to Work Smarter This Week

Hi All!

It’s cherry blossom season in Philly! The best spots are starting to peak ― get outside and catch them while they last.🌸

Here’s a quick look at what’s on my radar this week in Pennsylvania’s parks and trails, plus one-person business insights to help power your next move.

🌳 Outdoors Spotlight

👉 Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk (May 22)
This special class in Milford will offer participants an opportunity to learn about various edible and medicinal plants under the guidance of expert herbalist, Heather Houskeeper, The Botanical Hiker. The walk will be easy to moderate in nature with many stops along the way.

⚡ Trail & Ultra Buzz

👉 Rothrock Trail Challenge (May 18)
This race is a true Rocksylvania test of endurance with an 11.3-mile route (2,800 ft gain) and a 16.5-mile route (3,900 ft gain) through Rothrock State Forest in Boalsburg. Both courses traverse iconic trails, offering runners steep climbs, challenging descents, and diverse terrains. 

👉 First State Trail Race (May 18)
This race offers 10k, 25k, or 50k distances on a scenic, hilly course at Ramsey’s Farm in Wilmington, DE. The 50k race consists of two loops of the 25k course, with approximately 1,830 feet of elevation gain per loop; the 10k course has over 900 feet of elevation gain.

💡 Smart Move for Your Week

Your uniqueness is your strength. In a crowded world of content, authenticity stands out. Don’t worry about fitting into a mold ― share your real experiences, your perspective, and your voice. Remember, you don’t need to be everywhere to make a difference.

💭 Parting Thought

Success is really just a series of small wins. The big wins often come from the small, everyday efforts that build momentum over time. It’s not about one big breakthrough, but the consistency of showing up and taking action day after day, even when progress feels slow.

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That’s all for this one.

Make this week count ― get outdoors, chase your goals, and stay focused. If you’ve got something great to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Onward and upward,
Laura

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who would love it too. 

PA Trails, Ultra News & Tips to Work Smarter This Week

Hi All!

Here’s a quick look at what’s on my radar this week in Pennsylvania’s parks and trails, plus one-person business insights to help power your next move.

🌳 Outdoors Spotlight

👉 KTA Earth Day Appalachian Trail Hike (Apr 22)
Explore Virginia bluebell wildflowers along the Appalachian Trail and Conodoguinet Creek, and learn about Scott Farm’s future as the home of the Keystone Trails Association. This free event includes a 6-mile hike, a shorter half-mile option, and a picnic with KTA and partners. 

⚡ Trail & Ultra Buzz

👉 Volunteers Needed at The Old Six Day (Apr 7–13)
Help support runners and be part of one of the country’s oldest six-day races! The Old Six Day is a historic ultramarathon at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, NJ, featuring multiple race lengths: 144-hour, 72-hour, 48-hour, 24-hour, and 12-hour, all on a 400m track.

💡 Smart Move for Your Week

Get comfortable with uncertainty. Life and business are filled with unknowns, and things rarely go exactly as planned. The key is learning to navigate uncertainty without letting it derail you. Embrace the unexpected and use it as an opportunity to adapt and grow.

💭 Parting Thought

Perfection isn’t the goal — progress is. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect, but the truth is, perfection doesn’t exist. What matters is moving forward, learning, and improving. Progress is the only thing that will get you closer to where you want to be.

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That’s all for this one.

Make this week count — get outdoors, chase your goals, and stay focused. If you’ve got something great to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Onward and upward,
Laura

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who would love it too. 

PA Trails, Ultra News & Tips to Work Smarter This Week

Hi All!

Happy first day of spring! 

Here’s a quick look at what’s on my radar this week in Pennsylvania’s parks and trails, plus one-person business insights to help power your next move.

🌳 Outdoors Spotlight

👉 KTA Spring Hiking Weekend (April 25–27) 
Join the Keystone Trails Association for Spring Hiking Weekend at Lake Raystown Resort. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, this weekend has something for everyone. Enjoy guided hikes, educational sessions, and so much more.

⚡ Trail & Ultra Buzz

👉 Trail Running Film Festival
Celebrate the spirit of trail running and the storytellers who bring it to life at this global film fest. Local screenings are happening tonight in Harrisburg, May 13 in Emmaus, and May 20 in Haverford. I’ve heard a Philly screening might be in the works later this year.

👉 Philadelphia Trail (Half)Marathon (Apr 12)
Philly trail runners, this one’s for you! The Philadelphia Trail Marathon and Half Marathon returns to Wissahickon Park, the heart of Philly’s trail running community. The 13.1-mile loop course is rocky and technical with steep climbs and 1,300 feet of elevation gain per lap. 

💡 Smart Move for Your Week

Embrace imperfect action. You don’t need to have everything figured out before taking the first step. Waiting for the perfect moment or plan can hold you back. Start taking action, and you’ll gain clarity as you move forward — progress over perfection. 

💭 Parting Thought

Great things take time. Building something meaningful doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the steady, consistent effort that compounds into significant results. Stay focused on your goals, embrace the process, and trust that each small step is bringing you closer to your vision.

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That’s all for this one.

Make this week count — get outdoors, chase your goals, and stay focused. If you’ve got something great to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Onward and upward,
Laura

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who would love it too. 

PA Trails, Ultra News & Tips to Work Smarter This Week

Hi All!

Hang in there, spring is just around the corner. 🌿

Here’s a quick look at what’s on my radar this week in Pennsylvania’s parks and trails, plus one-person business insights to help power your next move.

🌳 Outdoors Spotlight

👉 Run for the Trees – Happy Little (Virtual) 5K
Inspired by the legendary Bob Ross and hosted by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF), the Run for the Trees Happy Little 5K is a great way to get outdoors and help fund free tree plantings in state parks and forests across Pennsylvania. Log your run Apr 19–27.

⚡ Trail & Ultra Buzz

👉 Dirty German Endurance Fest (May 10)
This beginner-friendly 25K, 50K, and 50-miler takes place at Pennypack Park within the city limits of Philadelphia. The course features well-marked trails with varied surfaces, and the terrain is considered runnable and not overly technical. Registration closes May 4.

👉 Wissahickon Trail Classic (Jun 7)
Back for its 16th year, this 10K trail race was established to highlight the Wiss as a top East Coast trail running destination. You’ll get to experience the scenic trails in Philadelphia’s premier park on National Trails Day, with funds supporting the FOW’s conservation efforts. 

💡 Smart Move for Your Week

Set aside time this week to evaluate your current workflow. Identify tasks that can be automated or streamlined, so you can focus more on creating and less on the routine. Small adjustments can have a big impact on your overall productivity.

💭 Parting Thought

Success isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing what matters most. Focus on what aligns with your goals, embrace the process, and remember that consistency, not perfection, leads to lasting progress.

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That’s all for this one.

Make this week count — get outdoors, chase your goals, and stay focused. If you’ve got something great to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Onward and upward,
Laura

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who would love it too.

PA Trails, Ultra News & Tips to Work Smarter This Week

Hi All!

Hope you’re having a great week!

Here’s a quick look at what’s on my radar this week in Pennsylvania’s parks and trails, plus one-person business insights to help power your next move.

🌳 Outdoors Spotlight

👉 Backpacking 101 with Keystone Trails (Mar 29)
The Keystone Trails Association is hosting a Backpacking 101 seminar in Harrisburg. This event will cover essential skills like gear selection, campsite planning, and Leave No Trace principles for those looking to transition from day hiking to backpacking. 

⚡ Trail & Ultra Buzz

👉 March Madness 10-Hour Endurance Trail Run (Mar 23)
Organized by Pretzel City Sports, this part road, part trail endurance run at French Creek State Park in Birdsboro focuses on distance, with awards given based on how far runners can go in 10 hours. Registration closes at midnight on Wednesday the week of the race.

👉 The Schuylkill River 50K Relay & Ultra (Apr 26)
Registration is open for the Schuylkill River 50K Relay & Ultramarathon. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or just up for a challenge, this ultramarathon and ultra-relay follows the scenic Schuylkill River Trail, starting and finishing in Mont Clare, Pennsylvania. 

💡 Smart Move for Your Week

Create once, repurpose everywhere. Instead of constantly chasing new ideas, take your best content and adapt it for different platforms. A great post can become a thread, a video, or a newsletter section ― work smarter, not harder.

👉 Passion to Profit: Women’s Small Business Conference (Mar 30)
Designed to empower and inspire women entrepreneurs and small business owners, this summit in NEPA will feature more than 30 workshops and speakers, networking sessions, wellness workshops, and a vendor marketplace. Tickets are available now.

💭 Parting Thought

Your voice is your advantage. In a world flooded with content, people connect with authenticity. Lean into your unique perspective, share your experiences, and remember, you don’t need a massive audience to make an impact.

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That’s all for this one.

Make this week count ― get outdoors, chase your goals, and stay focused. If you’ve got something great to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Onward and upward,
Laura

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who would love it too. 

PA Trails, Ultra News & Tips to Work Smarter This Week

Hi All!

I hope you're getting outside and enjoying the spring-like weather!

Here’s a quick look at what’s on my radar this week in Pennsylvania’s parks and trails, plus one-person business insights to help power your next move.

🌳 Outdoors Spotlight

👉 Elevate Workshops
Help shape the future of Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry! Happening this March across multiple locations, these 2-hour sessions will focus on identifying regional needs, expanding industry connections, and developing a statewide outdoor recreation alliance.

👉 PA Names Its 2025 Trail of the Year
Cambria County’s 14-mile Path of the Flood Trail was just named Pennsylvania’s 2025 Trail of the Year by the DCNR. This historic trail traces the path of the devastating 1889 Johnstown Flood, offering a mix of scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and outdoor recreation.

⚡ Trail & Ultra Buzz

👉 Women In Ultrarunning Upcoming Events
If you’re in the Philadelphia area, Women In Ultrarunning (WIU) just announced three new, in-person events ― Hills & Technical Trails, Fueling & Nutrition, and Crewing & Pacing. If you’re a woman interested in getting into ultrarunning, this is a great place to start.

👉 Loopy Looper 12/24 Hour & 101.25 Miler (Aug 2)
This one’s actually in South Jersey, but I’m including it here because I just added it to my calendar. 😅 I think it’s a solid choice for my first ultra-distance attempt ― it’s a mostly flat 3.75-mile loop course with a generous 12-hour cut-off time, easy access to aid stations, and vegan pizza.

💡 Smart Move for Your Week

Start before you feel ready. It’s easy to want to wait for the perfect moment, but clarity comes from action, not overthinking. The sooner you take that first step, the faster you’ll learn and improve. Momentum is built by doing, not by waiting.

💭 Parting Thought

Building something meaningful takes time and consistency is key, especially when you’re just starting out. Small, steady efforts lead to big results over time. Focus on your goals, stay committed, and remember, progress is progress ― no matter how small.

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That’s all for this one.

Make this week count ― get outdoors, pursue your goals, and stay focused. If you’ve got something great to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Onward and upward,
Laura

P.S. If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who would love it too.