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Photos courtesy of Adam Russell.
Participants on a run with Trechō Ministry in Trussville. Trechō Ministry meets each Sunday morning at First Baptist Trussville to run or walk in the area.
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Photos courtesy of Adam Russell.
Trechō members during a recent trail run.
Every Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m., people gather in the First Baptist Trussville parking lot to walk, jog or run around town. This new group, hosted by First Baptist Trussville’s sports and wellness ministry, is called Trechō — named for the Greek term in scripture that means “to move forward with a purpose.”
Attendees include everyone from seasoned runners to those who prefer a slower pace. Some bring stroller babies and pets.
“I wanted to build a community of people where there's no pressure to run at a certain pace,” said Adam Russell, who started the group in February. “We're all out here moving, to get healthier — or whatever our goal is.”
There are several pre-mapped-out routes from which to choose, ranging from 1 to 5 miles. Each Trechō meeting begins with a short devotional from Russell or a guest speaker to encourage attendees in their spiritual lives.
“I love that we can combine the spiritual with fitness to exercise our mind, body and soul,” said attendee Frankie Crumb. “We have a true sense of community and accountability.”
Trechō gives people the opportunity to connect with others as they get active.
“I have enjoyed meeting new people who share a common interest,” said attendee Logan Pate. “I’ve made new connections that bring a social aspect to a hobby I had previously been enjoying alone.”
Trechō is for those of any fitness level. Attendee Brianna Page is a mom who was previously a college athlete. “I have always been fit, but after having a baby, I struggled to get back into shape,” she said. “Trechō helped me ease into starting back on my fitness journey.”
Russell is a runner who grew up in Trussville. He played youth soccer for nine years, then in middle school, a friend invited him to try a cross-country practice.
“To me at the time, it felt like the same exact thing as soccer, but I just didn’t have to worry about a ball,” he said.
Russell was hooked and ran cross-country throughout his time at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School. Later in high school, he began focusing more on track, excelling at pole vaulting and hurdling.
When he started college at Auburn University at Montgomery in 2011, there wasn’t a track team, but the cross-country coach asked him to come to a practice. That day, he went from a walk-on to a scholarship athlete.
Following college, Russell continued his involvement in athletics by volunteer coaching at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School, then becoming the head cross-country and track coach at Pinson Valley High. Now married with two young daughters, Russell enjoys working with First Baptist Trussville’s growing sports and wellness ministry.
Photos courtesy of Adam Russell.
Trechō members during a recent trail run.
In April, Russell planned Trechō’s first “Coffee Run.” All routes led to and from Maple Avenue Coffee House, where free coffee with electrolytes was waiting for participants at the halfway point.
In May, Trechō held the Rain Down Ministries 5K trail race in Trussville’s sports complex. Russell said planning an event like this in his hometown is a longtime dream.
“Personally, hosting a long-distance trail race on these trails has been a bucket list item of mine since I began running on them in middle school,” he said. “I hiked on them prior to that, when I was in elementary school at the now Cherokee Fire Station, as well as when I was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout.”
Months ahead of the Rain Down Ministries race, he planned out the loop, secured sponsors and promoted the event. “It takes a lot of preparation to plan a race like this, but I enjoy it,” he said.
The week of the race, he stayed busy making sure the brush on the trail was cut back and putting out signage. All proceeds from the race were donated to Rain Down Ministries, an organization that shares the gospel with kids through outdoor activities.
“Trechō is the kind of group you don't realize you need until you find it, and we are blessed to have it right here in our own community,” said participant Holly Smith. “Life will not get less busy, and there is no such thing as perfect timing — so just come as you are and start there.”
Jeremy Walker, another regular, emphasized the inclusive nature of the group. “We have the full spectrum of walkers and runners, from grandparents walking with their grandkids to elite runners training for the Boston Marathon. Everybody is welcome!” And it’s free to all.
“Just come walk a mile with us,” Russell said.
Trecho will meet on Maple Avenue at 7:30 a.m. on Saturdays and at First Baptist Trussville at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays in June. They will also coordinate runs through various local neighborhoods over the summer.
Learn more at fbctrussville.org/events/trecho.
