Trail Fridays
Your Path to Adventure and Wellness with Gr8ter
Join Trail Fridays and discover the transformative power of trails, community, and nature!
Welcome!
Welcome to Trail Fridays, a vibrant community initiative where every trail adventure feels like a Friday! Trail Fridays is designed to motivate, connect, and explore. With new locations every week, every trail adventure is a fresh opportunity to embrace the beauty of nature and promote your mental and physical well-being.
Promoting Mental Health and Wellness
Trail Fridays aligns perfectly with Gr8ter’s mission to empower people to overcome mental health struggles and live fulfilling lives. Movement, connecting with others, setting goals, and being in nature are powerful tools for promoting good mental health. Trail Fridays offers all of these benefits, making it an ideal way to improve your well-being while enjoying the great outdoors.
Inclusive and Welcoming
Trail Fridays is for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or a casual hiker. Our outings typically feature a shorter route (3-5 miles) and a longer route (8+ miles) to accommodate various fitness levels and goals. We start together, support each other, and although we may not finish together, we strive to make everyone feel welcome and safe. Our meetups begin with introductions to foster a friendly and inclusive environment where newcomers can easily connect with others.
Training for Top of Tamarack
For those training for Gr8ter’s Top of Tamarack trail race, Trail Fridays is the perfect place to prepare. Our diverse routes and supportive community provide an excellent training ground to build endurance and confidence for the race.
Proud Partnership with Fleet Feet Treasure Valley
We are proud to be in partnership with Fleet Feet Treasure Valley, a cornerstone of our local running community. Fleet Feet sponsors our “Frequent Trekker Program,” where participants can earn awesome swag just for showing up regularly. Their dedication to fostering a supportive and enthusiastic community perfectly complements our mission at Trail Fridays. Learn more about Fleet Feet Treasure Valley and their commitment to the running community here.
Join Us
If you’re new to Trail Fridays, we ask that you register through Fitvil. This registration serves as both a waiver and a way to track attendance for our “Frequent Trekker Program”. You only need to complete this registration once before arriving at the trailhead. Sign up here. For updates on our upcoming trail locations, check out the Fleet Feet Warriors Facebook group and follow us on Instagram.
At Trail Fridays, we are all climbing different mountains, both literal and metaphorical. No matter where you are on your trail journey, we welcome you. We cheer each other on, set and achieve goals, and find joy in every step. Trail Fridays is not just a group—it’s somewhere to belong.
Hidden (Closed Accordian)
Newcomers Welcome
If you’re itching to join Trail Fridays but find yourself hesitating because you don’t know anyone or don’t feel ready, take a deep breath and be brave. Stepping into the unknown might feel daunting, but it’s often the first step toward something extraordinary. Embrace the discomfort and join us on the trails. You’ll be amazed by the warmth of our community and the connections waiting to be made. That act of bravery could be life-changing, opening doors to new friendships, experiences, mental wellness, and a deeper connection with nature. Remember, if nerves or questions linger, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kylee Wiscombe at kylee@gr8ter.org or any of our friendly leaders. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
When Do We Meet?
Despite the name, Trail Fridays isn’t limited to Fridays. We believe that every day on a trail feels like a Friday, so you’ll find us gathering on various days of the week for regular meetups, social gatherings, and special events. Join us anytime and experience the joy of the trail, no matter the day.
For updates on our upcoming trail locations and events, check out the Fleet Feet Warriors Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/share/9LkC9PL8x9tMarbD/?mibextid=adzO7l
and follow us on Instagram at Trail Fridays.
We are continually expanding our meetups as more leaders and participants join us. Our mission is simple: to provide motivation, accountability, and a chance to meet new people while exploring dirt trails and embracing the outdoors.
Where Do We Meet?
Our adventures take us to a variety of locations, from Ridge-to-Rivers trails to the Marsing area and the Boise National Forest. We love change and variety, making each outing a unique experience. Trail routes are posted by Wednesday each week in the Fleet Feet Treasure Valley Facebook group and on Instagram, so you can plan ahead and join us for the next adventure.
Be Prepared and Stay Safe
- As with any adventure in the great outdoors, it’s important to be well-prepared and mindful of safety. We encourage you to research the trails you’ll be exploring and plan accordingly. This includes bringing ample water, nutrition, sunscreen, and other first aid and safety items. Be aware that wildlife encounters are possible on any trail, so stay vigilant and respectful of nature. While participating in Trail Fridays, remember that you are engaging in these activities at your own risk. Your preparedness is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Self-Navigation and Route Planning
Since we all have varying paces and abilities, some self-navigation may be required during our meetups. We use the Footpath and AllTrails apps to plan our routes.. If you’re new to our trail system and group, we highly recommend downloading the free Footpath & Alltrails apps and accessing the routes provided in the event posts. This will allow you to see exactly where you are on the trails. At the trailhead, we will go over the routes to ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident. Your preparation helps ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure for all.
Frequent Trekker Program
The Trail Fridays “Frequent Trekker Program” is an exciting incentive initiative sponsored by Fleet Feet Treasure Valley. Designed to reward regular participants, this program encourages consistent attendance by offering high-quality swag for your dedication to the trails. The more you trek with us, the more you earn!
Frequent Trekker Levels
- 10 Treks: Gator, sticker, magnet
- 25 Treks: Socks, sticker
- 50 Treks: Hat, sticker
- 100 Treks: Pullover/Hoodie, sticker
Join us on Trail Fridays and start earning your rewards today! The adventure and the community await you.
You've Been Flipped! Magnet
The Trail Fridays magnet, earned by attending 10 meetups through our Frequent Trekker Program, adds a playful twist to our community engagement. Display your magnet proudly, and when you spot another member’s magnet, be sneaky and flip it upside down. This signals that they’ve been seen by a fellow Trail Fridays adventurer, and the upside-down magnet reads “You’ve Been Flipped.” It’s a fun way to connect with other members outside of the trails. Share the fun by posting pictures of your flipped magnet on social media and tag @trailfridays. Let the flipping begin!
How Trail Friday's Began
Trail Fridays sprang from a simple yet profound idea: to create a welcoming space where runners and hikers of all levels could come together and explore the trails. Alex Mimlitz, owner of Fleet Feet Treasure Valley, recognized Kylee Wiscombe’s passion for running and hiking, as well as her desire to find companions to share those experiences with. When Kylee led a trail group for Fleet Feet’s Winter Warriors program, the response was immediate and enthusiastic. As Winter Warriors concluded, Kylee and fellow participants expressed a desire to continue meeting on Friday mornings, laying the foundation for Trail Fridays.
Kylee’s vision for Trail Fridays was clear: to foster inclusivity and acceptance, embracing every pace from walk to run, and welcoming novices and elites alike. Central to her philosophy was the belief that movement, connection, and goal-setting are essential for mental well-being, a belief shaped by her own journey of mental health recovery. She understood the transformative power of the trails, where genuine conversations unfold amidst the beauty of nature.
Recruiting leaders was not about speed or skill but about creating a culture of warmth and encouragement. Today, Trail Fridays boasts a team of a dozen leaders, encompassing both hiking and running, and has seen hundreds of individuals join their meetups. From its humble beginnings, Trail Fridays has evolved into a vibrant community united by a love for the trails and a shared commitment to supporting one another’s journey, both on and off the path.
Our Creed
Our Creed embodies the spirit of Trail Fridays, uniting us as we navigate the diverse landscapes of both the trails and our lives. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, we support each other’s journey, set goals together, and celebrate every step of the way. Join us as we find belonging, motivation, and camaraderie along the trails.
We are all climbing different mountains. Literal mountains and mountains in our lives. That’s what unites us.
You may be just getting started on your trail journey, or you may be a trail junkie. You may hike at a party pace or tackle hills like a mountain goat. You may be in the back of the pack or leading the front.
We’re here for it all.
We are a reason to get out of bed in the morning. We cheer each other on. We set goals and achieve them.
We start together and though we don’t necessarily stay together, we watch out for each other along the way.
Trail Fridays is somewhere to belong.
“Trail Fridays, with the tagline “a place to belong,” has been a game changer for me. It started on the trail but has grown into much more than a run club. Trail Fridays is about the people in it. This kind, caring, and supportive community holds you accountable for being your best and moving forward positively while uplifting those around you. This group is unique and loving, always aiming to elevate each other. Trail Fridays has been incredibly special in my life, and I love being part of this community.”
“Trail Fridays has given me the community that my heart knew I needed to have.”
Trail Fridays has expanded my love for the trails to now include trail running. This community welcomed me with open arms and without judgement! It truly is somewhere to belong!
Trail Fridays helped me go from 5Ks to 50Ks and helped me truly believe in myself and my inner strength when facing tough trails and big goals! I feel like I belong and I’ve made some of my best friends in this group!
Become a Trail Fridays Enthusiast!
Trail Fridays is a volunteer-run program, and we rely on the generosity of our community to keep it thriving. If you love Trail Fridays and want to help us enhance our program and host social events, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Your support enables us to continue offering diverse trail adventures and fostering a welcoming community. Click the button to donate and make a difference today.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Would your business like to sponsor Trail Fridays and promote your product or service to our enthusiastic members? Contact Kylee Wiscombe at kylee@gr8ter.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities. We welcome partnerships that align with our mission and values and offer exposure at our meetups and social events.
Meet Our Leaders
Trail Fridays thrives thanks to our dedicated and passionate leaders, both in running and hiking. Their commitment and enthusiasm are the heart of our program, guiding each adventure and fostering a welcoming community. We couldn’t do it without them. If you’re interested in becoming a leader and sharing your love for the trails, please email Kylee Wiscombe at kylee@gr8ter.org to learn more about leadership opportunities.
Emily Wooley
Trail Fridays, with the tagline “a place to belong,” has been a game changer for me. It started on the trail but has grown into much more than a run club. Trail Fridays is about the people in it. This kind, caring, and supportive community holds you accountable for being your best and moving forward positively while uplifting those around you. This group is unique and loving, always aiming to elevate each other. Trail Fridays has been incredibly special in my life, and I love being part of this community.
- My favorite trail is Cervidae. She always challenges me and always gives me just what I need.
- My current goal related to running is staying consistent. Juggling being a mom, wife, and runner is hard, but staying focused is what I must do to fulfill the commitments I’ve made to myself. I’m trying to challenge my upper limits so I can prepare for bigger and further.
- Who I am professionally: I have transitioned from my role as Director of Operations in the construction industry to focus on my family and children as a stay-at-home mom.
- My people: My circle includes my amazing trail friends who have pushed me to become stronger physically and mentally, my favorite neighborhood girlfriends, my supportive husband, Shaun, and my children, Olivia and Liam.
- I’m good at: I excel at stepping outside my comfort zone, trying new things, and pushing the boundaries of what I believe is possible. I also love to give high-fives and encourage people. I believe a solid high-five makes anyone feel good.
- I’m scared of: I have a fear of wolves and driving on roads, particularly dirt roads near ledges. More seriously, that my kids won’t appreciate me as they grow older, and I worry that I haven’t served them in the capacity they needed, despite trying my hardest as a mom.
- My furbabies: My fur baby, Polly, is my ultimate trail partner and roll-dawg.
- My favorite self-care: I pride myself on being low maintenance and pretty easy going. My favorite self-care involves working out and spending time in nature.
- My hobbies: Some of my favorite hobbies include trail running, snowboarding, hiking, river activities, camping, and spending time with family. I enjoy adventurous activities with an element of risk.
Jorene Batali
My very first experience on trails was with Trail Fridays. I felt so welcome and included that first day and every day since. I have so many new friends through both hiking and running in our beautiful trail system.
- My favorite trail: There are so many trails that I love, but Bob’s Trail was my first, and it’s right up there on my list of favorites.
- My current goal (related to running/hiking/movement): Scout Mountain 23-miler on June 8 and Boise Front 10-miler on August 3
- Who I am professionally: Let’s see…. I’ll go by tenure on this one. I’ve been an independent Scentsy consultant since November 2004. I’ve taught as an adjunct instructor at the College of Western Idaho since January 2010. I’ve worked part-time as a servicing manager for Capital Matrix, an SBA 504 lender, since May 2019. I am also a certified financial coach through the Ramsey organization (Dave Ramsey). In all, I have over 30 years in the banking/lending/personal finance industry.
- My people: My husband Rudy Vaughn
- I’m good at: Connecting people, serving people
- I’m scared of: heights, small spaces, darkness
- My furbabies: Cats in order of when we rescued them: Chloe and Mia (littermates), Oliver, Griffey, and EB (my mom’s cat because she can’t have her where she lives). Our dog Bella is a Belgian Malinois (45%)/German Shepherd (10%)/American Pit Bull Terrier (24%) mix. She is the best ball catcher and loves to run. She is also best buddies with cats Griffey and EB.
- My favorite self-care: Running, reading, traveling
- My other hobbies: Baking, traveling
Monica Egan
I love Trail Fridays because I love hiking!!! Being new to the area, Trail Fridays have given me a great way to meet others who like to hike and get out as well as find new trails that I might not have tried or known about.
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My favorite trail: Depends on the season but if i had to pick Five Mile Gulch in fall and spring time I like Wilson Creek area and Stack Rock was pretty awesome too
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My current goal: Enjoy everyday
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Who I am professionally: Greet amazing people at a local Chiropractor
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My people: Barry my husband and our 2 boys Eddy and Jonathan
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I’m good at: cooking/baking and eating
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I’m terrified of: spiders
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My furbabies: Leo who goes on almost every hike with me.
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My favorite self-care: hiking
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My other hobbies: backpacking, gardening, bike riding, snowshoeing and using my smoker to make delish food
Victoria Haney
I love Trail Friday because of the people and the views 💕 Trail Fridays has given me a community/connection I didn’t know I was missing.
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My favorite trail: Is this a trick question??? I love them all
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My current goal: surviving Scout Mountain 50k
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Who I am professionally: I’m a health coach and DIY content creator
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My people: hubby Tyler, daughter Ayva, and our pups Bodhi and Bulleit
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I’m good at: trying new things, being a cheerleader for others, and drinking red wine
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I’m scared of: snakes, spiders, and bears…oh my!
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My furbabies: Bodhi is a husky/lab mix and ball obsessed. Bullet is a border collie/lab mix and food/people obsessed.
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My favorite self-care: trail runs and epsom salt baths
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My other hobbies: woodworking, using my laser cutter, sketching, remodeling my home.
Samantha (Sammy) Hagar
I love Trail Fridays because it is the group that helped me to meet my best friends and accomplish some of my biggest goals! I never feel alone or uncomfortable when I’m surrounded by the love and support of my Trail Fridays crew!
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My favorite trail: I personally am a huge fan of Stack Rock as I feel it’s one of the best trails to get people out there and to show them they definitely can do a longer run or hike!
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My current goal (related to running/hiking/movement): I am aiming to do Leadville Trail 100 in August 2025!
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Who I am professionally: I am the Editor in Chief of an environmental, geothermal, and water well drilling publication, The Driller.
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My people: My husband Joel and my two stepsons, Josh and Jack, are my biggest supporters!
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I’m good at: Letting people know how important they are to me! I make art and special gifts because that’s my love language!
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I’m scared of: Not reaching my true potential in life.
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My furbabies: I have a little mouse named Mr. Bingle!
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My favorite self-care: I read books all day long! When I’m not running or working, I read to help expand my horizons, change my perspectives, and motivate myself!
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My other hobbies: I do pyrography, I’m a writer, I’m a musician, and I help several nonprofits!
Jennifer Myslivy
I love Trail Fridays because of the amazing people and trail running community! How can you go wrong with enthusiastic people, epic views, and endless memories?
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My favorite trail – Hawkins Reserve
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My current goal (related to running/hiking/movement) – Always find a way to keep moving while full time RVing and living on the road! Look for opportunities to run races in different states and schedule races with my friends to keep our connection.
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Who I am professionally: Retired at 30 years with the federal government in the wildland fire community.
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My people: My boyfriend and traveling companion Jeff
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I’m good at: Planning and logistics – supporting people and being a cheerleader in their corner.
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I’m scared of: Spiders and heights
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My furbabies: None
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My favorite self-care: Massage and early morning trail runs/hikes
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My other hobbies: Trail Fridays, reading, backpacking, camping, and planning trips with the Black Diamond Babes (three wonderful friends)
Kylee Wiscombe
Trail Fridays has truly transformed my life. A couple of years ago, I struggled with loneliness in my running journey, feeling too slow to keep up with other local groups and lacking the motivation to hit the trails consistently. Everything changed once I began leading Trail Fridays. Now, I am surrounded by a thriving community of runners and hikers eager to explore new trails and participate in trail races. The timing of Trail Fridays was perfect, helping me navigate through challenging times. It is genuinely a place to belong. If you’re searching for a supportive community, please join us.
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My favorite trail – It’s hard to decide because there are some many good ones, but Five Mile Gulch will always have a special place in my heart
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My current goal – I try to complete a race a month and this year I’m focusing on several 50ks – my big audacious goal is completing a 100 miler
Cara Stanislaw
I love Trail Fridays because of the community and inspiration it gives me to be a better runner. To me, nothing compares to being out in nature on the trails, it makes me feel alive!
- My favorite trail: Dry Creek is probably my favorite trail to travel to, but Chukkar is in my neighborhood so the trail I run the most often.
- My current goal (related to running/hiking/movement: just finished up marathon training training and now I’m working towards building up for a 3 day stage race in Moab in March 2025.
- Who I am professionally: I work for an EdTech company as a Senior Customer Success Manager
- My people: My husband Garrison and my two kids Lennox and Luca.
- I’m good at: Building relationships with people
- I’m scared of: not a huge fan of spiders and once ran into a huge tarantula out on the trails once.
- My furbabies: We have two dogs from Spain who enjoy the trails with me
- My favorite self-care: Lounging on the porch with a book
- My other hobbies: Dog sports and anything dog-related!
Deidra Mathis
Trail Fridays has given me a community of fun personalities that I can have accountability with to run. There’s no pressure to be fast or fierce or even knowledgeable about all things running/hiking. This collaborative, welcoming group keeps me wanting to come back for more every week!
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My favorite trail – Lower Hulls Gulch to Crestline
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My current goal – I want to run more consistently to train for a 50-miler
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Who I am professionally: I own my own residential/commercial cleaning company
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My people: I am married with 7 kids – 3 at home
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I’m good at: cooking for an army of people
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I’m scared of: not being someone my kids can be proud of
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My furbabies: best dog Rex
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My favorite self-care: I enjoy jigsaw puzzles and sipping on Moscato
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My other hobbies: rooting for Packer football and every sport my kids play!
Miranda Welch
I fell in love with the trails back in 2005 and haven’t turned back since. Many of those miles have been solo until I discovered the Trail Friday’s group, huge game changer. With Trail Friday’s I’ve found my tribe, a place to belong if you will. So many adventures with so many like minded people.
- My favorite trail: Too many options to pick just one, I literally love them all, even the ones that have a great amount of elevation!
- My current goal (related to running/hiking/movement): Keep moving while recovering from a little IT band issue. The next 50K will be here before I know it!
- Who I am professionally: I’m a Manager of Lease Administration for a big corporation and all mighty lawn-mowing perfectionist (little side job!)
- My people: Husband Evan and my 1-year-old chocolate lab, Halo.
- I’m scared of: Failing and spiders.
- My furbabies: Chocolate lab Halo (aka naughty girl)
- My favorite self-care: Running
Trail Fridays is a project of Gr8ter Inc. a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.