BUTS member spotlight on Paige Gaston Paschal: What’s on the mind of this former white water junkie?

When did you start trail running and why? I Started trail running in 2017 because I was super bored with pavement.  So it was either switch it up or quit altogether.

What is your favorite distance? My favorite distance is 50k  and the runner up to that is 50 mile

Biggest mistake new trail runners make? Listening to old trail runners LOL!!!  Just kidding ….. probably for me, when I was a newbie, was not realizing how much slower on trail I’d be compared to pavement pounding. You gotta let that expectation go.

Favorite food on the run? For races I love mashed potatoes, Mac n cheese cups, Starbucks drinks and anything with the high calories and carbs. How about Reese’s cups and hashbrowns? For training runs I stick to Rocktane gels and gummies.

Best place you’ve been blessed to run? I’ve run in so many awesome places it’s hard it just pick one spot. One of my most favorite races is undoubtedly Uwharrie 100k.

What’s something people don’t know about you? Before I ever started running I was a white water adrenaline junkie and I have been blessed to have paddled in some of the most beautiful creeks and rivers that Alabama has to offer.

Biggest mistake ever on UltraSignup? Biggest UltraSignup mistake was Double Top 100 — and planning to make the same damn mistake April 2024 —  headed back for a little trail revenge.

More about Paige: I’m an RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist) since 1999 — been in dentistry for 30 years total.  I am married and I raised 4 humans to adulthood and have the most precious grandbaby, Esther, there ever was.  I plan to turn her into a trail junkie too.