Ally Sieff: From Trail Snail to Trail Runner—Embracing the Pace & Owning the Journey

The Trail Chasers

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💭 “I used to feel so embarrassed being the slow one. Now? I just embrace it. Trail on one sock, snail on the other.” — Ally Sieff

What does your first year of trail running really look like? The nerves. The falls. The group runs where you get dropped. The slow, quiet wins that no one sees.

In this episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz is joined by Ally Sieff—a strength coach, trail runner, and ASICS FrontRunner—to share an honest reflection on what it’s like to start trail running from zero.

Ally didn’t grow up running. She didn’t think she was an endurance athlete. But over the past year, she’s fallen in love with the trails, one solo mission, group run, and muddy race at a time.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ What no one tells you about starting slow and staying consistent
✅ How Ally trained for her first trail race and dealt with injury setbacks
✅ Why road running helped build a base for mountain trails
✅ The emotional rollercoaster of group runs and getting dropped
✅ How strength training can support your trail running journey
✅ What to expect when joining a trail running community
✅ Tips for overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome

💬 New to trail running? This episode is for you—or that friend who keeps saying “I could never do that.” Share it, and help someone take their first step.

🎙 Trail Chasers Season 3 is proudly sponsored by:
Gilnokie Socks 🧦 – gilnokie.com | Use code TRAILCHASERS for 20% off
Boonies Sunglasses 🕶 – boonies.co.za | Adventure-ready eyewear for every runner

📩 Enjoying the season? Subscribe, review, and tag us on Instagram @trailchaserspod to share what keeps you chasing the trail.