About Us

Welcome to Taper Up: Where Passion Meets the Trails

At Taper Up, we celebrate the grit, grace, and joy of trail running for those embracing life over 50. Just like the tapering strategy that primes runners for peak performance, we’re here to help you "Taper Up" in every aspect of your journey—health, fitness, and beyond. Whether you’re conquering switchbacks or taking your first steps on the trail, our mission is to empower and inspire you to thrive on and off the paths.

Through engaging content, expert insights, and a genuine love for the sport, Taper Up is more than a platform—it’s a community for like-minded trailblazers who know it’s never too late to embrace the adventure. Let’s lace up, hit the ground running, and see where the trail takes us together.

Our Goals

At Taper Up, we aim to:

• Empower runners over 50 with educational and motivational content.

• Foster a vibrant community built on shared stories, camaraderie, and the love of trail running.

• Inspire new adventures through weekly blogs, podcasts, and videos that cover everything from training tips to race day recaps.

• Celebrate the journey, no matter your pace or place on the trail.

Our motto? The trail is always calling, and there’s no better time to answer.

Meet the Founders

Aric W. Manning

Aric W. Manning’s trail running story began in 2006 and has since grown into a life filled with adventures and friendships. From running races and directing events to hosting podcasts and testing gear, Aric has worn nearly every trail-running hat imaginable. His love for the sport is about more than just the miles—it’s the connections made and stories shared along the way.

In 2015, Aric founded TrailManners, a hub for celebrating the spirit of trail running. Now, with Taper Up, he’s ready to build a thriving community for runners over 50 alongside his friend Joel Hatch. As Aric says, “Mountains and trails are my passions, and I can’t say no to a good adventure.” Let’s see where the trail leads next!

Joel Hatch

Joel Hatch’s trail running journey started as an unexpected twist—originally a quick way off the mountains after climbing in the Tetons in the late 1990s. But it didn’t take long for running to outpace his other outdoor passions. Today, Joel’s love for the trail is unmatched, whether he’s tackling ultras, cracking jokes at grassroots races, or cheering on the finishers of legendary events like Western States 100.

With a self-deprecating sense of humor and a big heart for the trail running community, Joel proudly calls himself an “aspiring mid-packer.” Through Taper Up, he’s excited to share the joys, challenges, and triumphs of trail running with a wider audience.

Taper Up is your go-to resource, support system, and inspiration to keep moving forward—no matter the distance or destination. Together, we’ll conquer trails and celebrate milestones. After all, the trail awaits, and it’s calling your name.