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“I am currently not a trail runner, but have found deep belonging within the community.”

In this episode, we bring on Erica Rupp—a woman who didn’t pick up trail shoes, but found her place in the ultra community anyway. Her story flips the usual “runner interview” on its head, and it’s rich in meaning.

Guest journey & highlights

• Erica is married to a race‑director, which opened her door into the world of trail and ultra running from a different vantage point—supporting, creating, building instead of racing.

• On her 42‑acre farm in North Carolina (nestled between Asheville and Charlotte), she homesteads, grows endangered medicinal plants, sews sustainable slow‑fashion pieces, and dives deep into frameworks of wilderness, microbiome, community and true belonging.

• Her family’s race event, the Hollis Hills Farm Revival (50 km, 25 k, 5 mile) is part trail run, part community fest, part land‑revival project.

• She speaks to how the ultra world (sometimes stereotyped as hyper‑competitive) can actually be profoundly welcoming to non‑runners, volunteers, supporters—the “behind the scenes” humans.

• Motivational takeaways: You don’t need to be the person crossing the finish line to belong here. Contribution isn’t always measured in miles. Sustainability, craft, community resilience—these are trail values too.
  

Links

• IG: @hallowedspringarts 

• FB: hallowedspringarts

• Erica’s website: https://www.hallowedspringarts.com/

• Key products from the show

• Lion Heart 

• Adaptive Energy

• Xtra Strong Muscle Salve
  

• Hollis Hills Farm Revival registration/info

• LinkedIn profile for Erica
  

  
  

Partner Links:

Janji - Janji.com

A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust.

Check them out at janji.com.

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.

Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

Made by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.

More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.

“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary

Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/

A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/

Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com

Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. 

Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.

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trail running, ultra community, race director spouse, non‑runner involvement, sustainability, wilderness, community, slow fashion, natural fibers, homesteading, Hollis Hills Farm Revival, inclusion in running