How Ranch Life Shaped a Trail Running Champion
Taber Hemming is a U.S. Mountain Running Champion, elite trail runner, and fifth-generation cowgirl. But long before she was racing at the front of mountain competitions, she was building resilience on a cattle ranch.
Her journey from ranch life to becoming one of the top women in mountain running is a story of grit, adaptability, and mental toughness qualities forged far from the starting line.
In this feature, we explore how Taber Hemming transitioned from track to trail running, overcame RED-S, learned the importance of fueling for endurance athletes, and rose to the top of U.S. mountain racing.
Growing Up on a Fifth-Generation Cattle Ranch
Before becoming a professional trail runner, Taber Hemming grew up on a working cattle ranch.
Ranch life demands:
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Daily problem-solving
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Physical endurance
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Early mornings
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Adaptability in unpredictable conditions
On a ranch, frustration doesn’t fix problems action does.
That mindset became foundational to her success in mountain running competitions, where terrain, weather, and race dynamics constantly shift.
“In races, a lot can go wrong,” she explains. “But on a ranch, things go wrong every day. You learn to adjust.”
This ability to stay calm under pressure has become one of her greatest strengths in elite trail racing.
Why Taber Hemming Left Track for Trail Running
Taber originally competed in track and cross-country, but over time she felt constrained by the tactical nature of track racing.
On the track:
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Races can hinge on a single tactical move
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Monotony replaces creativity
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Outcomes aren’t always about pure fitness
Trail running offered something different.
In mountain racing, creativity, strength, and adaptability matter. The trails became an outlet physically and mentally.
This shift led her toward mountain competitions where she would eventually win the U.S. Mountain Running Championship.
Overcoming RED-S and Learning Proper Fueling
During college, Taber experienced RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), a condition affecting many female endurance athletes.
At the time:
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Fueling during long runs wasn’t emphasized
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Fasted training was common
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Underfueling was normalized
But underfueling limits adaptation and long-term performance.
As she transitioned into professional trail running, Taber redefined her approach to nutrition.
Her philosophy today:
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Eat enough always
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Eat too little never
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Eat more than enough sometimes
Fueling properly has been essential in sustaining her success as a mountain running champion and coach.
She now advocates strongly for proper fueling in women’s endurance sports especially among trail runners.
Training for U.S. Mountain Running Championships
Mountain running demands:
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Aerobic endurance
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Vertical gain
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Speed on technical terrain
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Recovery management
There is no single perfect training week for Taber Hemming.
Each race requires specific preparation based on:
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Elevation profile
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Terrain demands
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Course length
One consistent focus is maintaining speed without excessive pounding especially important for long-term durability in trail running.
Living and training while managing ranch responsibilities means total life stress must be considered.
“Stress is stress,” she explains. Driving, ranch work, and life demands all factor into recovery decisions.
This holistic approach allows her to perform consistently at the front of mountain competitions.
Racing at the Front Even When She Doesn’t Feel Like She Belongs
Despite being a national champion, Taber admits she still questions whether she belongs at the front of elite races. That humility fuels her. It keeps her training with intention. It prevents complacency. It drives continued growth.
During major races like the Mont Blanc Marathon, she relies on one core principle:
“It’s not over until it’s over.”
That mindset forged on a ranch continues to define her approach to competitive trail running.
Advocating for Women in Trail Running
Beyond racing, Taber Hemming is vocal about progress in women’s sports.
Recent improvements in trail running include:
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Equal pay initiatives
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Pregnancy deferral policies
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Stronger contract protections
But she emphasizes that advocacy begins with individual courage. Women must ask for what they deserve.
As both a professional athlete and coach, she encourages female trail runners to prioritize fueling, health, and self-advocacy.
Coaching Women in Endurance Sports
Taber coaches women across experience levels and debunks common myths in endurance training.
One of the biggest?
That women must fully structure training around their menstrual cycle. While awareness is important, she believes consistent fueling and training adaptation matter more.
Her non-negotiable rule:
Female athletes must fuel training.
Underfueling reduces adaptation, increases injury risk, and limits long-term performance.
Authenticity in Elite Sport
Taber Hemming doesn’t present a perfect image of elite sport. Ranch work continues alongside training. Hard seasons exist. Recovery requires intention.
She believes authenticity matters more than perfection.
Elite performance is built not in ideal conditions, but through resilience, faith, community, and consistency.
Watch the Full Film
🎬 Taber Hemming: U.S. Mountain Running Champion Raised on a Ranch
Discover how ranch life built the resilience behind one of the top women in mountain running.
