I've never really liked the running. As a youngster, my sport of choice was alpine skiing. During that period, I considered running incarnate evil that I needed to do as part of our pre-season. Things haven't changed since I finished my skiing career at the end of high school. I ran only to maintain the aerobic performance needed for other activities that I liked. Those were windsurfing, skiing, and squash, to name a few. At some point, I started running in the forest more and more. Peacefulness, greenery, and incline changes of forest paths felt much better than the monotonic count of steps on gravel or pavement. This led to me signing up for my first trail run event - just before my 30th birthday. I didn't think twice - I simply went ahead and signed up for UTVV 60km. Good God! What an experience! I overcame my weakness and somehow got to the finish line (barely) ... But they had to cut off my big thumb nails as they were completely cracked and blue. Mixed feelings in flesh! Trail running clicked for me only once I started running in high mountains in early mornings - before starting my job. All the views, sunrises and ibexes - I was simply stunned!
How to start with trail running?
Vse preveč ljudi se odloči poizkusiti z novim športom tako, da se najprej odpravi v trgovino in kupi novo opremo. Za trail tek to zagotovo ni potrebno. Sam sem začel s svojimi supergami za cesto, reklamno "švic" majico in teniškimi kratkimi hlačami. Flaško z vodo sem nosil v roki - malo v levi, malo v desni roki. To je poplnoma dovolj. Za začetek je važno, da vzameš kar imaš in se odpraviš uživat v naravi medtem, ko tečeš. Za to ti ni potrebno iti daleč. Dovolj je, da zamenjaš lokalno cesto za poljsko cesto ali pa za bližnji gozd. Sčasom lahko vključiš še bližnji hrib. In kar je najboljše - v klanec lahko hodiš! Tudi najboljši trail tekači na svetu prehodijo marsikateri vzpon.
Way too many people think that the first lesson of a new sport starts with shopping. New pair of shoes, a running vest, ... Well, you don't need to start trail running like that. I started trail running with my road running shoes, one of my promotional T-shirts, and tennis shorts. I carried my water bottle alternately in my hands. And that's more than enough to start! Take whatever you have and go enjoy what nature's got to offer - while running. You don't need to drive to a remote place for that. It's enough to switch the road for gravel or the forest nearby. After a while, feel free to add the hills nearby to your rotation. And what's best - you can walk uphill! No need to feel bad about it. Even the elite trail runners are walking on many ascents.
How to proceed?
The more you run, the further and higher you can go. This gives you even better opportunities to experience nature in all of its beauty. As I mentioned above, I had to start running in the mountains to really get into trail running. For longer and more technical runs, you'll need some basic equipment: - trail running shoes with great sole grip (e.g., Vibram) to avoid slips - running socks to avoid blisters and bruises - trail running vest to carry your food, isotonic drink, extra clothes, and first aid kit - isotonic
Feel free to add other stuff like a running T-shirt, shorts, etc. when you need it. For example, I'm still running in tennis shorts as they fit me the most.
If you need some ideas for trail, click here.
When to sign up for the first trail running race?
Sooner or later, you'll probably want to attend some trail running race to put your skills to the test. Nowadays, most of the trail running events offer "first-timer" races in which you can try it yourself without cracked toenails and bloody blisters. If you can easily run 10km on flat, you should be able to finish a 15 km trail race without major problems. As mentioned, feel free to walk uphill. The excitement will help you as well. Once the ice is broken, feel free to extend the distance as per your abilities and willingness to train.
One for the road
I'm still not sure whether I like to run. What I'm sure about is that I love the adventures and experiences that trail running is giving to me. Therefore, put on your shoes and go for a run in the forest. If you need any help, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram.
Hope we meet somewhere!
