Aiken Trails Club September Newsletter

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StephanieEverett’sSummer

Trails Club Calendar:

2025

September 6 @ 8am – Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

October 4 @ 8am – Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

October 25 @ 8am – Aiken Trailblazer at Stable View Headless Horseman Half Marathon/10k/5k/ Kids Fun Run Registration HERE:

November 1 @ 8am – Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

December 6 @ am – Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

2026

January 3 @ 8am – Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

January 24 @ 8am – Battle of the Run Clubs 10mile/10k/5k hosted by Aiken Trails Club at Stable View

February 7 @ 8am – Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

February 27 – March 1 – Ultra Cool Announcement & Registration Coming Soon! (event will not be hosted by Aiken Trails Club)

March 7 @ 8am – Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

April 11 @ 8am – Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

April 18: Aiken Trailblazer at Stable View Spring Race

May 9 @ 8am – Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

Barry’s Trail Club Welcome Letter

Keeping the trails in good shape has been the focus this month. While some work can be done with zero turns, it often needs the big tractors with a bush hog to clear out undergrowth that with rainy weather, builds very quickly. Loppers are also required to clean out low-hanging brush that drops lower as it grows. This has meant that not much progress has been made with new trails. My target, however, remains 20 miles by the end of the year. When you go out, at present I’d stay to the left of the property - go towards the cell phone towers and I-20. The right-hand side of the property, being lower and with more clay at present, is difficult to pass in places.

Have a Great September on the Trails. With best wishes from the Team @ Stable View.

Stable View to Host Yeti's Dark Horse

24/48 Ultra Run in 2026

Yeti Trail Runners was founded by ultramarathoner Jason Green, who has completed over 100 ultramarathons. Despite his extensive experience, he humorously claims that he still hasn't learned much about running them. Through Yeti events, he ensures that the Yeti community is accessible to everyone. Whether you are an experienced ultrarunner or just starting out on the trails, Yeti events provide a welcoming and challenging

atmosphere that celebrates the joy of running in nature. Besides being a supportive community, Yetis are renowned for their excellent taste for craft beers—though they assure you they are not a cult… at least not yet!

The Dark Horse 24/48 Ultra at Stable View will take place from February 27-March 1, 2026 on a 4-mile loop in Stable View’s trail system, with options for both solo participants and team relays. This event is more than just a race; it's an opportunity to test your limits, discover your strength in the dark, and connect with a community that supports one another—loop after loop, mile after mile.

Registration opens on September 13. For more information and to sign up: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=129124

Coach’s Corner with Victoria: 7

Victoria Seahorn, founding Race Director of the ING Georgia Marathon is a veteran of 30 marathons and numerous half marathons. In addition to her personal experience completing races, Seahorn has created training programs to guide more than 10,000 people to achieve their goal of completing marathons to 5K’s.

During her career, Seahorn has been in demand as a speaker, coach, marathon pace group program organizer and leader. She is the race director of The Aiken Trailblazer at Stable View trail races.

Need motivation throughout the summer?

Challenge yourself to running for mileage or by time, not speed.

Join a group!

Running in the heat can be more fun with friend. It’s easier to get up and at it knowing that people are waiting on you. And if you are paying to be a part of a group or coaching sessions, it’s even more motivating as you want to get your monies worth. Set a goal for a fall/winter race. Not skipping your training during the summer and logging those miles in the heat (safely, remembering to hydrate and pay attention to heat stress) will make you stronger when running in the cool weather. By the time you reach your fall/winter race, whether it is a 5K or marathon, you will feel the difference. To quote a friend “ summer sweat builds fall strength.”

Keeping it cool…

Find a shaded route.

Always run with a full water bottle.

Keep a towel on ice for your post run. I especially like Sukeen

Cooling Towels found on Amazon. But there are many more brands available.

Stay cool and happy running.

Coach Victoria Seahorn

Paceline - Benefiting Georgia Cancer Center

The registration waiver fee code for all 5K runners/walkers is now active and ready for you to share (enabling all your runners / walkers’ $25 entry fee to be removed entirely).

Upon using your QR code and filling out their details, there will be a prompt for them to use the below code: trailblazers25

The OG Trailblazer -Muscadines: A Trailside Treat and Ecological Challenge

Muscadines, a native North American grape, are more than just a delicious treat found along trails—they carry the weight of tradition, ecological significance, and challenges for those who maintain these natural pathways. Known for their unique flavor and resilience, muscadines are an integral part of the autumn landscape, ripening to a deep purple hue around Labor Day. Their color is more than just pleasing to the eye; the darker the muscadine, the sweeter the fruit, making them a sought-after

snack for both animals and humans alike.

Reflecting on the past, I recall my grandfather hunting in the woods, utilizing muscadine vines in unconventional ways. For instance, he would have my cousins and I pull the vines down in search of squirrel nests, prompting the creatures to scurry about. Skilled in the ways of the forest, my grandfather would then aim to catch dinner. During these moments, we would lend a hand, forging bonds through shared experiences and the thrill of a successful hunt.

Beyond human consumption, muscadines play a vital role in the ecosystem along the trails. These fruits provide essential food for various wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity of the region.

Birds, deer, and other animals relish the sweet offerings, which serve as a crucial food source, particularly as other food options become scarce with the onset of cooler weather. However, there's a more complicated side to muscadines. While they offer an array of benefits, their rapid growth can become problematic.

Muscadine vines tend to weigh down tree branches, creating obstacles on trails and complicating the work of trail maintainers. The overgrowth of these vines not only obstructs pathways but can also suppress the growth of new trees and shrubs. If left

unchecked, they may ultimately lead to the decline or death of established flora.

Trails Report: It's important to remain alert while out on the trails, especially following the heavy rains, which have created new washouts and gullies. On a positive note, the rains have aided in compacting the sandy Red Loop, so the footing has been excellent!

Trail Map:

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