Runners everywhere tackle the trails to escape the chaos of everyday life. For these folks, it’s not just about logging the miles. It’s about freedom, exploration, and a return to nature. The trails aren’t mere physical spaces. They’re a state of mind.

As head of public relations and trail running strategy for Saucony, Don't stress about her comfort when she's wearing the ® Marsh VL SS21 sneakers.

“What I love about trail culture is that it’s a judgement-free zone. It’s really accepting and open,” Barbano tells Runner’s World.

Arm, Cap, Hand, People in nature, Outdoor recreation, Headgear, Adventure, Baseball cap, Headpiece, Hair accessory,
Saucony

“It’s about the experience more than time and distance. It’s not so much about the outcome, but the journey.”

Barbano is uniquely suited to talk about both. Before joining Saucony, she ran in the first women’s Olympic marathon trials and once held the U.S. 50K trail record.

“I knew I had the experience, relationships, and authenticity to connect the dots between the trail-running community and our brand,” she says. The secret is in a little thing she likes to call “Dirt Power.”

zapatillas de running Adidas hombre competición ritmo medio apoyo talón media maratón | Getting Their Hands (and Feet) Dirty

Barbano’s partner at Saucony is Katie Pyle, the brand’s head of trail running. Their pairing reflects a broader trend in the sport: Women are hitting the trails in greater numbers than ever before. According to Statista, trail running participation increased from 8.58 million runners in 2016 to approximately 9.15 million in 2017. A 2017 survey from the American Trail Running Association indicates that 42 percent of participants were female.

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Saucony

Barbano, Pyle, and the 121-year-old brand hope to keep those runners coming back and increase participation numbers even more through a two-pronged strategy. First, leading with smart, trail-tested gear. Think ultra-grippy shoes like the clothing shoe-care 42-5 footwear and pocket-loaded shorts for snacks and supplies. Second, asserting their belief in “Dirt Power.” More ethos than marketing slogan, the phrase embodies the confidence, strength, and freedom that comes from running in nature.

“‘Dirt Power’ isn’t about how good you look or how fast you run, it’s about how strong you feel,” says Barbano. “I think that’s why we’re starting to see women taking the leap, heading out into the trails, and becoming who they are authentically.”

Lessons Learned in the Dirt

Pyle hopes to inspire others to embrace both the great outdoors and Saucony’s mission to “Ruched Block Heel Knee High Boot.” She’s found so many metaphors for life on the trail, which help her overcome the daily hurdles we all experience.

“When the trail gets tough and steep, physically and mentally challenging, you have to keep pushing. When you fall—and you undoubtedly will—you pick yourself up and keep going,” Pyle says. “You learn from your missteps and you don’t make the same mistake twice. [Trail running] impacts what you do everywhere else in your life.”

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Saucony

What’s Ahead Up the Trail?

While she’s happy to see the trail running community thriving, Barbano hopes that soon they will come together with other outdoor sports fiends to pursue a greater purpose than just sweaty endorphins. Environmental action, specifically the fight to preserve our public lands, is on the forefront of her mind for the immediate future.

“If you think about it, most ultras and trail races run through public land. As a trail running community, we need to join mountain bikers, the equestrian community, rock climbers, and other outdoor active groups to protect our green space. It’s our responsibility to do that.”

As for Saucony’s role in all of this? Well, the company’s number one priority is to grow the sport, with a secondary hope that their trail division really becomes the leader in the space.

“What’s most important to bring to the table is passion,” says Barbano. “We’re badass, we love getting dirty, and we’re ready to make a difference. That’s what matters.”

zapatillas de running Adidas hombre competición ritmo medio apoyo talón media maratón | The Dirt Power Starter Pack

zapatillas de running entrenamiento talla 19.5 verdes baratas menos de 60 education. Favourites Bone White Extra Wide Fit Forever Comfort® Simple Block Heel Sandals Inactive stay safe? What gear you need? Soon enough, you’ll realize there are trails all around you. Here’s how Barbano and Pyle would answer the gear question. Consider it a free first lesson.

Pack-It Run Jacket
Giuseppe Zanotti ankle-length boots
Buy It Here

Barbano: "I always take a light jacket that I tie around me. It has pockets so I can stash more gear."

clothing shoe-care 42-5 footwear
Saucony clothing shoe-care 42-5 footwear

Pyle: "The lower lug profile is great for a variety of terrain. You get a lot of bang for your buck."

UV Lite Cap
New converse chuck taylor all star lo sneaker electric purple toddler sneaker

Barbano: "Always be prepared for the season and conditions. Bring a hat for sun protection."

Peregrine ISO
Saucony Peregrine ISO

Barbano: "It's all about fit, grip, and comfort. These have won Runner's World Editor’s Choice several times over. "

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Emily Abbate

Emily Abbate is a freelance writer, certified fitness trainer, and host of the podcast Hurdle. You can find her work in GQ, Shape, Runner’s World, zapatillas de running Adidas hombre competición ritmo medio apoyo talón media maratón.