Running in Montana.

A new place, rejuvenation, and letting go.

Nov 04, 2025

Had it not been for the Big Sky XC Championships and the opportunity to watch my daughter race, I wouldn’t have found myself in Bozeman, Montana. I’ve traveled the world- raced on every continent and have yet to explore this beautiful mountain state. I suppose the harsh winters and presence of bigger predatory animals have kept me away, but after last week’s trip, I regret not visiting sooner.

I put up an Instagram story asking people for “must go to” spots and I was flooded with the names of coffee houses, trailheads, thrift stores, and restaurants- thank you friends! I’ll admit, it was difficult disciplining myself to not stay on the trails all day. I was only given the green light to run two weeks ago and the protocol is very minimal. I promised I would stick to my walk-jog pace and use “picture-taking” to avoid getting lost in the run, something I’ve loved to do whenever I travel.

Reflecting back on my travels over the last two decades, running has allowed me to explore every city and mountain range the moment I step off a plane. Typically, I drop my luggage, slip on my shoes and run straight from the hotel. I run while admiring the architecture, people, and studying maps to find the nearest trail from the city. This favorite routine has been on repeat, up until this year, when I was sidelined by injury. The last 7 months have been spent adjusting, changing, and creating new routines to keep me moving forward. This trip, I steered away from my typical “explore every inch on foot” mentality. Instead, I picked spots based on recommendations and elevation profiles that boasted beginner trails. Consequently, the trip was relaxing and rejuvenating in a way I’ve needed for awhile. Despite my baby steps, my heart fluttered at the sight of autumn colored trees lining park trails and the bluebird skies. I sighed at the sight of glowing fields that offered miles of gentle, smooth trails and smiled every second of my short run intervals. I made small talk with hikers, petted a dozen curious dogs, and caught myself pausing with longing for the peaks surrounding me. It felt like home

I visited 4 coffee houses: Treeline, Ghost Town, Wild Crumb, and Rockford. Twice , I watched the World Series from Bozeman Ale House; and I discovered the Used Book Sale at the local library. Driving back from Makenzie’s XC meet, I spotted a thrift store with a second hand Christmas shop right next door- so of course I had to stop. Good coffee, books, and second hand shops are three of my favorite things and so of course, I opened Zillow to find a condo.

The highlight of the entire trip was watching my girl race. After red-shirting last year and battling a couple unfortunate injuries, Makenzie has only been back running for the past three weeks. This was her second race in that timeframe and I must say, I was blown away by her strength. Her team took the win and Makenzie finished in 18th place- it was amazing to watch!

My time with Makenzie could barely qualify as brief- a quick hello and hug before she stepped on the start line; a glance as she lay gassed at the finish line and a hug and two minute chat as she ran off to the team vans. I’ll admit, I’m not used to college running and sheepishly don’t know where I belong as a mom on the sidelines. I’m constantly asking myself if I’m embarrassing her by being there; cheering too loudly or asking for a pic. I never anticipated this season as a mother- in short, I feel mostly awkward; but I also try to remind myself that I didn’t have a mother at Makenzie’s age; nor have I had a consistent mentor outside of my wonderful mama friends to guide me. I have had my low moments realizing that the greatest joy of my life is being Mama to Makenize and Isaiah; while simultaneously steering them to live courageously and to go after the life they dream of (which means flying powerfully from the nest). The joy I feel witnessing Makenzie do what she loves while clearly having the time of her life with her team is priceless and I don’t think it’s possible to be prouder of her. She is sunshine and strength rolled into one

I walked back to my car with 24 hours left in Bozeman, and naturally gravitated toward another trail: Triple Tree Trailhead, another popular recommendation- a short 5 mile+ 1000ft of climbing route with views all around. Clearly, a popular spot as I rarely went 100 meters without seeing a kind smile or happy pup frolicking up and down the trail. It was the perfect way to end the day; well until I got the grand idea to finally get the tattoo I’ve been wanting for the past decade! Free time is rarely part of my schedule and so I took advantage of it right after my run. Sounds funny as I type about it, but it was a simple line tattoo: M+I for (Makenzie + Isaiah). I love it!

Ending this post as my laptop is about to die; I’m cooped up in the corner of my gym garage with the door wide open. The light from the morning light is beckoning me, so I better get on with my day. I hope YOU enjoy the rest of your week; and I encourage you to keep moving forward in whatever it is you’re working toward no matter the circumstance. Take the trip, climb the mountain, have the conversation, create the thing, say it out loud, forgive again, love with abandon…you get one life. Live it well!

Strength and Love,

Sally