"It was great to be met with such kindness and it has inspired me to attend more county events that benefit great causes.”
Women Build Community with a Walk in the Woods
April 15, 2023 - Mary Jolley
The 10-year anniversary of Walk in the Woods was a pavement-pounding success. Participants from all over El Dorado County gathered at the El Dorado Trail parking lot off Smith Flat Road early Saturday morning for the event. Despite the chilly spring air, the women crowded under the racing arch with eager energy and smiles.
This was not a competitive event so much as a community-focused experience. While the out- and-back “race” marked 5K and 10K routes and prizes were offered for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in four age categories, participants seemed far more interested in just spending time together as they set off on the bike trail that weaved through the mountains. The bond of sisterhood grew as women caught up with old friends, made new friends, and adjusted their pace so they could stick together.
Organizers of Walk in the Woods invited women of all ages, the “young and not-so-young” to participate, declaring, “Whatever your fitness level, you CAN do this!” The event upheld its promise. Children in strollers joined grandmothers on the trail, and people of all fitness levels cheered each other on as they hiked through the trees in the early morning light.
Signs posted along the trail encouraged participants as well, with phrases such as, “I can survive the war that I battle with myself,” “I choose to make the rest of my life the best of my life,” and “The days that break you are the days that MAKE you.” Many women expressed how much they enjoyed the signs. “They have great quotes on them that I think are life lessons, thought provoking,” said Cristine Albano from the Rescue congregation. Lynne Hamp of the Placerville congregation, who has attended this event every year, said “It's a great event. I love all of the little inspirational things.”
This decade-old tradition started with a walking group of friends. Corinne Atkinson, event organizer from the Pleasant Valley congregation, was in that original group and explained that they wanted to expand this event to members of their church, friends, and the community. “We hope we make everyone feel welcome,” she said.
Their success is evident in the members, friends, and community that participate.
“I have a friend who is from another faith tradition,” Hamp explained. “We walk every year. It's a nice reason to be together.” Melissa de Ryk, who is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “I had seen signs a few months ahead of the walk and thought it sounded like an empowering event for women. I was drawn to the idea of meeting other women from the community. I felt warmly welcomed by all of the attendees and women running the event. It was great to be met with such kindness and it has inspired me to attend more county events that benefit great causes.”
The event’s sock drive for the women’s shelter was an extra plus, and it wasn’t long before the donation box was full. “The sock drive was something that is easy to contribute to with a great purpose!” said de Ryk.
What draws participants to Walk in the Woods? “I love being in nature,” reported Jessica Smith of the Pleasant Valley congregation, “and just enjoying using our bodies and getting fresh air.” Ashley Scott of the Placerville congregation, gave her nine-year-old daughter, Chloe, a quick hug, and said that they came for “mom and daughter time to spend in the woods.”
Troy Bair, currently serving as unpaid clerical leader for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in El Dorado County, highlighted the value of nature when he offered a few words before the race began. He explained that the Savior himself received revelation in nature, as did many of the prophets.
Atkinson also stated how being in the woods is spiritually strengthening: “We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful area and when you walk it, I just feel like you feel the Savior's hand. I like to think we walk with Jesus on the path and that makes Heavenly Father happy. This time together is so important,” she emphasized. “Let's do what the Savior would do. Let's invite and enjoy nature. Let's invite and just minister, love, talk.”
When the participants returned from their walk in the woods, they were greeted with cheers, as well as fruit, water, and delicious homemade granola bars. Victors in the various race categories were marked on the leaderboard and offered clever handmade medals with a sweet treat attached. But it was never about the race. The Walk in the Woods didn’t put any one woman on a pedestal, but uplifted all women with the pure love of Christ via empowering words, bolstered friendships, charity for those in need, and a spiritual time in nature.
Bright with energy and perhaps a little perspiration, these trail sisters bid each other farewell with warm hearts and stronger bonds to each other and to Jesus Christ.
