If you like running and love enjoying the mountains, trail running is your sport. Let's do a brief introduction to Trail Running.
If every weekend you’re planning your next mountain getaway, if you feel that tingle of peace and tranquility every time you’re in contact with nature… Then maybe it’s time to take the leap and start with Trail Running. You don’t have to be Kilian Jornet, just love nature and want to do some sport. But let’s take it step by step, quite literally.
To start practicing Trail Running, the first thing you should do is: at least have suitable shoes; you can’t just use any pair you have at home for running errands :p.
Those cute shoes you bought for Sunday morning outings before becoming a mountain trail addict won’t work either.
They need to be prepared for what’s coming, which doesn’t have to be much—or does it? That will depend on you and your desire to push your limits. Also, remember that with pressotherapy you’ll have optimal recovery and can gradually raise your level.
For starting Trail Running, you’ll also need some sportswear, so take advantage of the upcoming Black Friday, grab the discounts, and get yourself good sports gear.
You’ll need pants or leggings, whichever you feel more comfortable in. As the saying goes… to each their own!
They can be long or short depending on the season or how sensitive you are to the cold.
Good sports gear is very important in Trail Running
For the upper body, depending on the cold (or how sensitive to cold you are), short or long sleeves and/or a windbreaker to protect against the wind, or a rain jacket if it rains. In this regard, you have to be somewhat prepared; if you’re a mountain enthusiast, you know that sudden weather changes often happen in the mountains, and we must always, always, always be well prepared for possible weather conditions.
Backpack or belt: it’s highly recommended to carry a backpack because we don’t know how long we’ll be running or in case something happens. As mentioned, a small storm could come or the wind could pick up. We must always be prepared, but above all, protected.
It’s very important (almost vital) to carry enough water to stay hydrated constantly and some food, as well as a mobile phone with enough battery (not just to take a selfie, although you can :p). There are many apps that can help us locate our position.
Start running on easy trails or paths—everything will come!
Don’t complicate things! First, start running on easy trails or paths that aren’t very technical—everything will come!
Your feet, ankles, and the rest of your body will need to get used to and strengthen for this new challenge 😉 you’re presenting. It’s also better to run on routes you know and/or that are well marked. Sometimes we venture into new terrains or areas that can lead to injury or getting lost in the mountains. Ahhhh! Always inform a family member or friend that you’ve gone out for Trail Running in the mountains. That way, they’ll know you’re out and approximately where you are. Safety first!
It’s important to know your fitness level so you can adjust your training to your current level. If you’re used to running or doing any other sport and have enough endurance, you can start practicing without problems for as long as you want. Just focus on enjoying yourself!
The best approach is to go slowly, enjoying your sensations, the surroundings, and what you feel while running in the mountains. Remember that when you finish, you’ll return home to a comforting hot shower and your Sizen 6+ for full recovery.
Virginia Pérez Mesonero is the 2019 RFEA Mountain Running Champion and a Sizen ambassador.
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