Trail Taters: Triumphs, Challenges, and the Power of Community
What a year it’s been for our Trail Taters! From stunning landscapes to grueling races that tested both body and mind, our community has shown what it means to dig deep and keep going. Two inspiring female athletes and the guy writing this post who’s feeling pretty full of himself.
Hannah Simon: In Kyrgyzstan Bikepacking the Silk Road Mountain Race:
Imagine biking 2,000 kilometers (1,240ish miles) through the tough mountains of Kyrgyzstan, all while raising money for a cause close to your heart. That’s exactly what Hannah did, taking on one of the world’s most challenging (arguably the hardest) bikepacking races with a focus and determination that’s nothing short of inspiring.
Before the Silk Road Mountain Race began, Hannah talked about the surreal experience of being halfway around the world, ready to face this huge challenge. Her goal was to raise $2,000 for the Black History Bike Ride in Austin, a cause that’s been driving her forward every step of the way.
Midway through the race, Hannah shared a candid and honest moment about something many female athletes face but don’t often talk about—racing on your period. Despite the discomfort and the lack of running water, she didn’t let it stop her. “It’s just another challenge of being a female athlete,” she said, handling it all with humor and strength.
When she crossed the finish line—1st woman, 9th overall in 8 days, 20 hours, and 16 minutes—Hannah reflected on the power of nature and the incredible support from her community. She may have been just one person on a tiny bike in a vast world, but her spirit was anything but small. Her DM words to us after crossing the finish line “fueled by taters!!!!” We could not be more honored to be a source of energy.
Madalyn Nones: 2nd 100 Miler this Year and 3rd Overall!
In addition to her ultra marathons, Maddy clinched first place in the women’s category at the Mary’s Peak 25K back in May. But that was just the start. Her next big challenge was the Oregon Cascades 100, a race that came with its own unique set of obstacles.
“The high desert around the Cascade range is a stark contrast to the lush green of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” Maddy said. The race was fast, relatively flat, and demanding in its own way. She started out strong, maybe a bit too strong, and paid the price in the last 20 miles, but with the help of taters, she kept pushing forward.
Maddy’s journey is a reminder of how varied and beautiful the challenges of trail running can be. The single track, the support from her running community in Corvallis, and the lessons she learned along the way have only made her more eager for what’s next. When Maddy isn’t immersed in her PhD studies or out on the trail training for her next ultra, you’ll likely find her volunteering at a race aid station or pacing a friend through their own ultra. If that’s not the definition of a generous spirit, I don’t know what is!
Abdul, Founder of Tater Boost: Switching from Bikepacking to Ultra Marathoning
And then there’s me, Abdul—the guy behind Tater Boost and, well, this post. Enough with the third-person talk! I’ve had a pretty wild year of racing myself. After swapping out wheels for running shoes and ramping up my mileage, including a sub-three-hour Eugene Marathon and a 50-miler at Mary’s Peak, I decided to take on the Hood 100. I’m proud to have finished in 24 hours and 29 minutes. It wasn’t the sub-24 I was shooting for—tearing my calf at mile 72 didn’t help—but hey, I crossed that finish line!
The Hood 100 might be a moderate challenge for some ultra-marathoners, but for me, it was a full-on battle. Every mile of that 100 was tough, but I made it through with a mix of determination, a bit of laughter, and a whole lot of encouragement from the amazing volunteers at the aid stations—wish I could remember all their names! I also had the incredible support of Maddy, who paced me through the last 10 miles, her slowest ever, but those miles felt like a lifeline for me. Best of all, I can’t forget the incredible support I got from Heather, my partner in crime. She was an absolute pro at every aid station she met me at, making sure my blisters were taken care of and keeping me well-fueled with Tater Boost!
After surviving the Hood 100, Heather and I headed to Revelstoke, BC, to sponsor our first international race, the TranSelkirks Run. The energy from the amazing participants was contagious, and I couldn’t resist jumping into the shortest race option, the Stoke Scramble 25K. Despite my calf issue, the frozen rain, and the brutal climbs, I somehow snagged 3rd place—though I’m pretty sure my doctor won’t be too happy about it!
From bikepacking to trail running, from sponsoring events to hitting the podium, it’s been a year of new experiences. And through it all, Tater Boost has been there to keep me going, no matter what the trail threw my way.
