Camille Tredoux continues her running journey after NCAA career

Tell us about your running origin story!

My running journey began barefoot, with frayed grass sticking to the soles of my muddied feet. At age nine, I toed the line of my first cross-country race in my home of Johannesburg, South Africa, where it was customary to run without shoes. Somehow, overwhelming nausea and aching toes didn’t deter me, and after crossing the line in the first place, I was hooked. Since then, I’ve spent countless hours either exploring the streets of Africa or maneuvering the mountain trails of my most recent home, Colorado. After a couple of years of racing with a triathlon team, I joined a collegiate trail team and completed trail half-marathons before being recruited to run NCAA cross-country and track for Western Colorado University. 

Why do you continue to run?

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a busy mind and a lot of energy! Running provides me the space to return to myself and recenter - by the end of a run, I feel like I’ve gone through a mini-therapy session. It has also allowed me to see beautiful sights and meet individuals who are just passionate about getting outside and pushing themselves. I love how this movement calls me to be present and have gratitude for a body that lives with and supports me always. To run, you must be patient with yourself and I love being surprised by my tenacity when obstacles arise. As of late, my reason to continue running has shifted and now connects me to my father who passed earlier this year after battling cancer. He was an avid athlete and the main force and support behind my own athletic endeavors., I run for him and hear him cheering me on from the moment I lace up my shoes. 

What inspired you to join RCTC?

I moved to Portland in January and wanted to find a group of people who don’t only love to run but are avid about building community. After checking out RCTC, it quickly became clear that this is a group that supports people from all walks of life and a team that will push me to be a better athlete! Now that I am out of college, I am excited to join a running team of all ages and continue my running journey as I enter a new phase in my life. 

Any funny running rituals/superstitions?

I’m pretty sure every runner does this, but if I don’t run 1000x times around the block to hit my exact mileage, the run feels like it didn’t happen. My neighbors must think I’m crazy by the 10th time I’ve jogged back and forth past their house at the end of a run. 

Describe your dream run. 

Living in Gunnison Colorado, I was lucky enough to experience my version of dream runs almost every day. My team would drive up to Crested Butte and have long runs at 10,000ft in the stunning mountain trails coated in Aspens and wildflowers. Anywhere above the mountain tree line, with a view, is heaven to me. 

What’s a piece of training wisdom you wish you knew earlier?

Recovery, recovery, recovery. Fuel, fuel, fuel. Don’t forget your “why.” If it isn’t filling your cup, take a step back and reevaluate why you’re out there. It’s easy to fall into a routine and forget what got the fire burning in the first place. Rest days are a great time to check back in and allow your body and mind the time to make those muscle and mental adaptations. 

You’re a musician. Tell us about your approach to your art.

Music is where I tap into my stream of consciousness. Once my fingers touch the piano and I begin to sing, the thinking goes away and the truth of my heart and feelings flow. I try to approach art with authenticity. It is easy to want to write for others and what you think they want to hear. However, I feel that the best art is made when drawing from your own experience - and oftentimes, there is a universal message that resonates in a unique way with each listener. I always ask myself: “What do I know to be true?” When I say these words, I’m asking myself to be honest about the reality of who I am and trust that most of the answers are already within. Therefore, I don’t need the validation of others to determine my message and truth. 

Any goals this year? 

Get a new 5k and 10k PR and then begin to focus on half-marathon racing!