Into the Woods: Trail Running For Newbies

4 Week Series

Thursdays, May 7 - 28

6-7:30pm

Mendon Ponds Park and Powder Mills Park

Group Instructor: Kendra Pokhis

Ready to take your running off the road? If you’ve been curious about what it’s like on the trails, this 4-week series is the perfect place to start. This program will help you safely build confidence, skills, and enjoyment on varied terrain while exploring local parks - together! Designed for runners who can comfortably run at least 3 miles without stopping.

Each 90-minute session includes:

Dynamic warm-ups to get your muscles ready
Guided run segments at a pace that works for you
Skill focus drills such as hill technique, footwork, and trail awareness
Stretching & cool-downs to keep you injury-free
Gear tips & safety guidance so you know what to wear and carry on the trails for both comfort and security
What else to expect:

Supportive, no-pressure environment
4 different scenic meeting locations
Practical lessons you can use every time you hit the trails

If you’re new to trails or curious about taking your running beyond the road, this is a great way to get outside, move your body, and try something new.

Participants will receive a pair of trail socks and other gifts from Rochester Running Company.

Prerequisites & Skill Level: Please note: This is an introduction to trail running, not a "learn to run" program. To get the most out of this series, participants should feel comfortable completing a continuous 30-to-45-minute outdoor run (approximately 3 miles) on the road.

Spots are limited—come run with us!

Kendra Pokhis Bio

Kendra grew up in a small Adirondack town, running and racing from a young age. Her love for long distances began when she unknowingly ran her first marathon at a low-key trail race in Delaware—and realized just how fun it was to go far.

After moving to Rochester in 2011, she briefly explored road running and completed the 2013 Boston Marathon—the year of the bombings—an experience that ultimately sent her deep into the trails to rediscover the quietude, beauty, and connection that would define her love for running forevermore.

She ran her first 50K the following year and completed the inaugural Twisted Branch 100K in 2015. Since then, her longest runs have been personal adventures—long days on foot with friends, carrying supplies, filtering water, navigating new trails, and generally just keeping it wild.

Kendra loves helping runners achieve what once felt impossible, especially guiding people onto the trails for the first time and witnessing the awe and wonder of discovering beautiful, remote places on foot. She is currently completing her UESCA ultramarathon coaching certification.