T is Not for Skate

Here’s Raziq’s TrailCon recap:

There were repeated comparisons to skateboarding, and I reject them wholeheartedly based on the simple fact that skateboarders are cool. Skating is an anti-establishment subculture. Skaters challenge societal norms simply by using the built environment (parking lots, stairs, railings) for a secondary, often-destructive recreational activity.

I loved my few days at TrailCon, but I also admit that I am not cool – my kids keep reminding me. I loved being outdoors in the mountains – and not stuck in a nondescript trade show hall. I love the conversations and interactions I had with folks all week. But yes, I agree with Raziq’s point, the sport of trail running has room to grow. And TrailCon has room to move beyond the feeling of being an expanded podcast panel turned into a trade show into something that feels like it more organically reflects the full diversity of our sport. Give it time, and invite the right partners to help you nurture it.