Lauren Wetterhahn, Head Coach

Trail Running Program, Fleet Feet Running Club Syracuse

Q: Can you remember how you got started running?

I started running in high school, alone and for no real reason other than health - I wasn't an athlete. I kept it up through college and grad school, sometimes only a few miles once a week as a way to check in with my body. I was getting sick of solo road running when I saw an announcement for Fleet Feet's free trail run series and showed up. After the first few group trail runs, I was hooked!

Q: Why do you continue to run?

I love how running makes me feel! My mood, sleep, and overall health have improved so much since I started running with Fleet Feet. I also love being part of this running community - people I started running with years ago have become my friends.

Q: Favorite song/audiobook/podcast or running playlist?

I don't listen to music or anything while I run, but when I am doing chores around the house, I like to listen to any kind of travel podcast. Amateur Traveler, Rick Steves, and one called "Addicted to France" which is helping me prepare for my upcoming trip to Annecy, France to check out parts of the UTMB course!

Q: Favorite quote?

I don't have a favorite quote, but I do have a favorite race mantra that has served me well for long distances. I borrowed it from Courtney Dewaulter, one of the most accomplished U.S. trail runners of any gender. "Stay with your feet." It forces you to stay present (no thinking about what is ahead) and alert (no tripping!).

Q: Favorite running shoe at the moment or all time? Or if you could be any shoe, what would it be and why? 

I don't have a favorite shoe, but I do have a favorite shoe characteristic - any kind of quick lace system that means I don't have to worry about my shoes coming untied!

Q: How long have you been running with Fleet Feet?

I joined the summer trail program in 2018, when it was coached by MJ and Trae.

Q: What are you doing when you’re not running or at Fleet Feet?

Playing with, training, walking (and brushing!) my Bernese Mountain Dog named Gus - he makes the occasional guest appearance at races and Fleet Feet events!

Q: Favorite local route or areas to run?

I love Highland Forest County Park, specifically the 9 mile main "Phil Suter Memorial" trail.

Q: Favorite race? 

I love the Danby Down and Dirty, a 10km or 20km race put on by the Finger Lakes Runners Club near Ithaca. It was my first trail race, and the course is fun, challenging, and beautiful that time of year. It has a fun atmosphere, and the prizes the year I ran it were six packs of your choice of beer!

Q: Go-to run outfit or favorite piece of gear/apparel?

My favorite piece of running apparel is my Fleet Feet baseball cap - no joke. That thing has saved my head from more cobwebs, scrapes, and gashes than I can count!

Q: Tips for a beginner runner or someone just starting?

Stick with it! While you are gaining fitness, you might not feel that elusive "runner's high" that everyone talks about. Heck, even once you reach your fitness goal, some runs are just duds. But with increasing fitness from smart training, you will find yourself enjoying more & more of the time you spend running.

Q: Trail or road and why?

Trails have my heart. I like how trail running makes you run more slowly and with greater awareness of your surroundings. The changing scenery helps keep me from getting bored, and the mood boost from time spent in nature is an amazing side-effect.

Q:Special Talent aside from being awesome?

Baking muffins! I overcame my shyness when I first joined Fleet Feet by bringing homemade muffins to share with the group after our run. It's now become a bit of a tradition, and it is a great way to refuel after a long-run effort!

Q: Do you have any superstitions or particular running routines?

My routines include being reliably 3 minutes late for every long run (as a participant, not a coach!) and eating an entire pizza margherita the night before any big race.

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