Helen Mino Faukner Trusts the Process

This article originally appeared on Trail Runner

On the scenic trails of Chamonix, France, Helen Mino Faukner, a 27-year-old from Truckee, California, recently stamped her name in the records of trail running history with a podium finish at the CCC 100K, one of the most prestigious and most competitive ultramarathons on the planet. But her journey into trail running unfolded in fits and starts, sparked early by the intrigue of the trails during high school in the Sierra Nevada mountains, evolving from trail outings with friends.

"I would do weekend runs with some of the boys at another high school, and we would always go run on trails," said Mino Faukner. "A lot of our high school cross-country meets were on local trails, too."

Her love for trail running blossomed during those formative years, although she wasn't fully aware of it then. However, upon entering college at the University of Nevada, the allure of the trails waned, casting doubts about her passion for running. "I fell in love with trail running in high school, but I don't think I realized it then," she said. "I ran in college, and it made me hate running. I never thought I would run again."

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During her time in college, she realized that her motivations for being there were not aligned with her values. The primary driving force was ego-driven, as she sought to prove her prowess in running to others rather than deriving joy from the sport.

"I was tired and injured all the time," said Mino Faukner. "I ran my easy days way too fast, and we ran on the same two trails running out-and-backs, every day for my three years of being on the team."

This was ultimately a recipe for discontentment. Despite the hiatus from mountains, her love for trail running proved resilient and anchored in deeper roots. The trails would transform into a sanctuary for Mino Faukner, offering solace and challenges.

"After I left college running a year early, I ran a 50K and then took a break from running for almost two years," she said. "When I returned to trail running, I didn't anticipate racing again. I simply wanted to run up mountains with my friends. Now, there's nothing I love more."

A Season of Self-Discovery

Mino Faukner resumed her running journey in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, when organized races were scarce. In 2021, she participated exclusively in local races, benefiting from her close proximity to Broken Arrow Skyrace at Palisades, only 15 minutes away. Reflecting on 2022, she considered it her season of self-discovery regarding the types of races that resonate with her. During this period, she completed a road marathon, a fast mountain 42K, and several challenging uphill races.

"Running is hard, and I'm not sure it gets easier. We just get faster," she said, reflecting on her finish at CCC this year, and on the challenges of running. "I'm truly the luckiest girl in the world. It's an incredible privilege to choose when to drop into those dark places of feeling like nothing is harder, and still move through that."

In contemplating her journey, Mino Faukner reemphasizes the pivotal role of the mind in racing. "Our minds are what can make or break a race much more than our bodies," she said. "Our feelings are impermanent, and how you feel during races truly doesn't matter."

A Training Built on Trust

Mino Faukner's training is grounded in the principles of enjoyment and low-intensity runs, a philosophy her coach, Rick Floyd, instilled. "My coach and I always joke that my training is none of my business," she said. "I know my easy days are very easy, and I think staying stoked on whatever I'm doing contributes to my success. I wholeheartedly trust Rick and trust my training 100 percent. I think that's the only way a coaching relationship is successful."

Floyd's philosophy is a testament to the importance of a holistic and trusting relationship between athlete and coach. "I learned early on she was an athlete that thrives off of adventure and freedom within her training," said Floyd. "That doesn't mean she doesn't do the necessary training, but rather we had to be creative in the approach to foster a happy training and life existence. When she races, she expects to win. Not because she has an ego, but because of her unwavering belief in pushing herself, both mentally and physically."

Mino Faukner explained her approach to life with a similar sense of flow and flexibility. "I don't think life is meant to be hard, and when you're on the path of what's meant for you, things come with ease and grace," she said. "When you constantly run into roadblock after roadblock, maybe it's the universe trying to redirect you to what you're supposed to be doing. I've learned an incredible amount through this sport--I think it's shaped my outlook on life."

A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

Besides trail running, Mino Faukner teaches yoga, participates in race walking competitions, and enjoys skiing. These activities complement her trail running and contribute to her overall well-being and performance

"They help me break up my running season. I'm still able to stay active and enjoy being outside even when I'm not jogging," she said. "I think having other activities helps me keep my stoke, especially during winter."

Mino Faukner's engagement in other physical activities demonstrates a holistic approach to fitness and well-being. "Her passion and excitement for being outdoors is omnipresent," said Floyd. "She appreciates the little things in life and has a unique ability to connect with so many people and inspire them to be true to themselves."

It's not just about pounding the trails but embracing various activities that contribute to physical health and add enjoyment and fulfillment to her life.

"I live in a really snowy place, so running during winter isn't really fun, but Nordic skiing is so much fun," she explained. "I ran through one winter because I was training for an early-season road marathon, and it made running feel like a have-to and not a get-to. I don't love that."

As for the future, Mino Faukner is looking forward to her next big challenge. "I don't plan on racing again until probably around May," she shared while discussing her preparations for forthcoming events. She acknowledges the significance of having a plan but underscores the importance of maintaining flexibility. "My goal next summer is to run my first 100 miler," she said. "What race is kinda up in the air at this point."

Floyd reiterated Mino Faukner's laissez-faire attitude toward her upcoming schedule. "It doesn't matter who is racing, because she only thinks about how she can get the best performance out of herself," said Floyd. "She has absolute trust in the process and never worries about the outcome."

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