Eric Lagerstrom's Trailblazing Debut in Trail Running
Eric Lagerstrom's Trailblazing Debut in Trail Running
In the world of endurance sports, transitions are not just part of the race; they are about evolving as an athlete. This weekend, Eric Lagerstrom, a name synonymous with triathlon excellence, ventured into new terrain—trail running—and the results were nothing short of spectacular. At the challenging Run The Rock 50k in Oregon's picturesque Smith Rock State Park, Lagerstrom didn't just participate; he dominated, setting a new course record with a time of three hours and thirty-eight minutes.
A Triathlete's Journey Off-Road
Eric Lagerstrom, known for his prowess in IRONMAN 70.3 races, has been exploring the off-road domain with notable appearances in XTERRA events, mountain bike, and gravel races. His foray into trail running seems a natural progression of his athletic journey, inspired by none other than Heather Jackson. Jackson, a former pro triathlete and a beacon in the trail running and gravel biking community, has been a mentor and a friend to Lagerstrom, guiding him through the nuances of ultrarunning.
More Than Just Running
Lagerstrom's transition to trail running is part of a broader narrative that includes his significant contributions to the triathlon community through "That Triathlon Life." This initiative, co-led with his wife and fellow pro triathlete Paula Findlay, is more than just about racing; it's about building a community. The project spans YouTube videos, podcasts, and an app, fostering a supportive network for age-group athletes and nurturing upcoming talent through the TTL Devo squad.
The Western States Impression
Earlier this year, Lagerstrom's attendance at the Western States 100-mile race to support Jackson marked a pivotal moment. Capturing the event's grit and spirit through his lens, he covered 15 miles of the course with his camera gear, an experience that deeply impacted his perspective on endurance challenges. It wasn't long before he set his sights on his own trail running goals, culminating in his remarkable performance at Run The Rock.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Post-race, Lagerstrom took to Instagram to share his thoughts. Despite his competitive nature, he was pleasantly surprised by his body's resilience and his ability to maintain a strong pace throughout the race. His reflections were filled with gratitude for his support system, including Jackson, his logistics coach Taylor Herson, Paula Findlay, and his primary training partner, who were instrumental in his race preparation.
Looking ahead, Lagerstrom hints at a shift in focus. With 2024 winding down, he's already plotting the narratives and objectives for 2025, signaling that his trail running journey is just another chapter in his evolving athletic career.
A New Chapter Begins
Eric Lagerstrom's successful pivot to trail running is a testament to the dynamic nature of professional athletes in the world of endurance sports. It underscores a fundamental truth: the principles of dedication, resilience, and community that define triathlon are just as potent on the trail. As Lagerstrom charts his new path, the endurance sports community watches eagerly, ready to cheer on one of their own as he explores new limits.
Who is Eric Lagerstrom?
Eric Lagerstrom is a professional triathlete from America, well-known for his achievements in IRONMAN 70.3 competitions and his recent success in trail running events.
What was notable about Eric Lagerstrom's trail running debut?
Eric Lagerstrom made a sensational trail running debut by winning the Run The Rock 50k race at Smith Rock State Park, setting a new course record with a time of three hours and 38 minutes.
What is the 'That Triathlon Life' project?
'That Triathlon Life' is a content creation project led by Eric Lagerstrom and his wife, Paula Findlay, which includes a YouTube channel, podcast, and app. It has fostered a loyal community of age-group fans and launched the 'TTL Devo' squad to support upcoming pro triathletes.
Who inspired Eric Lagerstrom's transition to trail running?
Eric Lagerstrom was partly inspired by his friend Heather Jackson, a former pro triathlete who also transitioned to trail running, as well as his sister Elise Lagerstrom, a leading trail runner.
What future plans does Eric Lagerstrom have in trail running?
Eric Lagerstrom hinted at continuing his pursuit in trail running, although he mentioned that his competitive events may pause until 2025, when he plans to focus on new objectives and stories.
#TrailRunningDebut #EricLagerstrom
