Running News Daily

For years, Addi Zerrenner chased speed on the track and roads. As an NCAA standout at Arizona and one of the top U.S. prospects in distance running, she seemed destined for marathon greatness. But after years of pushing, something shifted. The joy dimmed. The pressure mounted. And like many elite athletes, Addi hit a wall — not physically, but mentally.

What came next wasn’t a retreat — it was a reinvention.

Trading Pavement for Peaks

Addi left the regimented world of splits and lap counts behind and found herself drawn to the mountains. There, she discovered something that had been missing: joy.

“It was like breathing again,” she said in a recent interview. “Out there, it wasn’t about pace. It was about movement, freedom, and reconnecting with why I loved running in the first place.”

That shift wasn’t just emotional. Addi began to thrive. She posted strong performances at mountain and trail races across the West, including podium finishes at high-profile events like the Broken Arrow Skyrace and strong showings on technical terrain that would leave most road runners gasping.

From Burnout to Breakthrough

Her story resonates far beyond elite circles. In a sport that too often burns out its best too early, Addi Zerrenner shows what’s possible when an athlete listens to their body — and more importantly, their heart.

Trail running, with its slower pace and wilder spirit, gave her the space to heal and rediscover competition on her own terms. It’s a reminder that success in running isn’t a straight line — and sometimes, leaving the track is the only way to find your lane.

What’s Next for Addi?

With momentum behind her and a growing presence in the trail and ultra world, Addi’s future could include anything from the UTMB series to U.S. Mountain Running Team bids. And with her platform, she’s also becoming a voice for runners navigating transitions — from injury, burnout, or even just life’s next phase.

“I still run hard. I still want to be great. But I’m doing it for me now,” she said. “And that’s more powerful than any PR.”