Juliana Moves

There is nothing I love more on earth than a beautiful trail run followed by tailgating like bums at the trailhead. The best days for tailgating are when it’s sunny and warm, but not too hot. Although, tailgating is appropriate year round. You’ve just got to change up what kind of snacks you’re packing!

For a stunning, sunny tailgate (like this past weekend), I’d recommend your favorite electrolyte drink (double batched in a Nalgene), a cold cut sandwich, your favorite chips, and a cold fruit (grapes are my go to). One of these days we’ll remember to make or buy some iced coffee to bring with us, but that’s not necessary for a successful tailgate anyway.

Author’s note: a picnic blanket is not required, but is a definite plus. We have an old set of this chair (+ table) from Walmart and it has done a fine job for the last four years. I’d argue that seating isn’t even a true requirement – just perch yourself on your car’s trunk and call it a success!

On a cooler, perhaps even wintery day, I’d recommend hot coffee, ugly but warm socks to put on while the water boils, a cold cut sandwich (less enjoyable given the temps, but still hard to beat), and (again) your favorite chips.

You can’t go wrong with also bringing a recovery protein shake to supplement your shenanigans. Whatever you do, you must bring a full bottle of water. Hydrate or diedrate!

Are you sensing a pattern here? I have grand dreams of bringing the whole camp stove some time to reheat some pasta or make a breakfast taco or something, but my ability to plan that much in advance has dwindled as my comfort with the backcountry has increased. I’m always safe on the trails! I just don’t have to think about my needs as much in advance these days.

And some days, even after a successful run and tailgate, you’ll still just feel thankful that you didn’t die of dehydration on a hot September day, so you stop for pickles and pumpkin cold foam coffee.

And you know what? You don’t even have to go on a run or hike or bike ride to enjoy tailgating Juliana style. You can simply do it because you want to.

Like eating pecan pie and drinking coffee after Thanksgiving lunch at a lodge in Shenandoah! Could we have paid for overpriced pie in the restaurant? Of course. Would we rather eat defrosted Marie Calendar’s in the parking lot? Obviously.

I hope this spring and summer, you’ll give tailgating a try! All you need is a simple lunchbox or cooler, your favorite foods, and maybe some sunscreen. I firmly believe that dining al fresco is the best way to dine, so why not do it in a commuter parking lot in the middle of no where by a forest? Highly recommend.