Inspire
Making strides with Women's Running
We've teamed up with Women's Running to continue the positive changes being made to get more women involved with running events.
With Brigid Kosgei smashing the women’s marathon world record last week in Chicago, in a staggering time of 2:14:04, we thought it was high time to celebrate other trailblazers in women’s running.
At Let’s Do This, our aim is to get as many people involved in mass-participation sports events as possible so that everyone has the opportunity to experience the enjoyment and satisfaction participating in and completing an event. Historically, fewer women than men participate in certain events, as demonstrated by the fact that of all marathons globally, women make up only 30% of the field. That trend is beginning to change, though, and on Let’s Do This over 60% of our users are female.
We are committed to doing our best to continue this positive change and seeing a level playing field. As Serena Williams, one of the most successful sports stars of all time, says, “Women are especially less likely to participate in marathons and obstacle races, so it’s really important there’s a platform encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones and make a positive difference in their lives.” We aim to champion all those in the running community that are inspiring more people to get involved with running, such as Lucy Bartholomew, who won this year’s Challenge Award for Most Inspiring Woman.
Women's Running:
Thankfully, there are now a huge number of inspirational people and companies behind this movement. One of the leading organisations in changing the narrative is Women’s Running. Their mission statement states: “Women’s Running is the community for women who love to run. Each issue is packed with essential advice on training, nutrition and kit, alongside inspirational real-life runners’ stories. Whether you’re considering your first ever run, or you regularly take part in races, Women’s Running will help you run better. Running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other: it’s about who we are.”
Their publication helps you through every step of the build up to race day. Each issue gives a new in-depth training plan across 5k, 10k, half-marathon, and marathon distances, so all bases are covered, whatever event you’ve signed up for. If you have any FAQs along the way, there’s plenty of specialist advice, from injury prevention to leaky bladders, from energy bars during exercise to family suppers the night before a race, and from core-hardening routines to stride-improving techniques.
Like us, they also celebrate the most impressive female athletes on the running circuit, with a dedicated ‘Get Inspired’ section. All in all, Women’s Running provides all the information and inspiration you’ll need for your next event, so why not subscribe? There’s even a special Let’s Do This discount code that will get you 44% off cover price: wrldt19.
7 things to expect from your first 70.3 triathlon
From the day before your first 70.3 event up until the afterglow of finishing, these are the things to remember so you can enjoy the day as much as possible.
So you've signed up for your first Half Ironman. The prospect of a 1.9km/1.2 mile swim, a 90km/56 mile bike ride, and a 21.1km/13.1 mile run, for a total of 70.3 miles can look pretty daunting at first glance, but now the wait is over. The question remains - what can you expect on the run up to the event?
The most important thing here is just to trust in your training and preparation. Doing your first middle distance triathlon will be one of the most challenging and rewarding endurance experiences. Remember, everyone around you on the day will be willing you on; from fellow competitors to marshalls and supporters.
The good news - you’re in the hands of one of the best organisers out there. Your job is just to make sure you follow their process and you’ll get super support throughout the event.
1. Pre-race admin:
The day before the race you will have to register, take part in the pre-race briefing and drop your gear at transition. Make sure you plan your movements for the day and have a clear idea of what clothing and nutrition you want to leave for the race day. It’s best to visit these places only once in order to avoid queues and hanging around!
2. Race briefing:
The race briefing is your best friend. The organisers will let you know about any last changes to the course or helpful tips about what to look out for and what to expect when you’re out racing. These are crucial for putting your mind at ease for the challenge ahead. Take a notebook in for any important facts you need to remember.
3. Help is always around:
Whether you’re on the swim, bike or run, Ironman always have helpful marshalls that deal with any problems. Rest assured that at every point during the race help won’t be far away to deal with any problems that arrive. Your job is just to trust your training and enjoy the day.
4. Use the official tracking app:
The app is a fantastic tool for those supporting from afar to keep track of you in real time through each stage as well as being a useful way for your supporters to find a spot to cheer you on throughout the course!
5. Make the best of the aid stations:
You will burn up to 5,000 calories by completing a half ironman, so it’s important to keep your body fuelled Throughout the day you will go past plenty of aid stations stocked with everything you need. From energy gels to isotonic drinks, be sure to make the most out of the nutrition on offer to make the experience as fun and competitive as possible.
6. Be prepared for one of the best finish line experiences
Make sure any supporters on the day are ready for you at the finish line. It’s one of the best race finishes you will ever experience and a high five from them as you run down the red carpet will be something you won’t forget. Don’t worry about turning off your sports watch and focus on the moment.
7. Make sure to put some money aside for the merch
Having completed a pretty serious feat of endurance, you'll want a couple of mementos. After finishing, you'll pass through the merchandise tent - there’s some pretty stylish finisher’s items that you can buy to show off what you’ve done. Make sure to keep some money in the bank for those!
7 steps to get into running
Here are some great ways of improving your approach to running, from equipment, to lifestyle, to technique.
Getting into running can feel daunting, and people often let themselves get discouraged before giving their body the chance to settle in and begin loving it.
Follow these top tips and you’ll be craving the endorphins in no-time.
1. Take it easy
When you’re just starting up, don’t start sprinting down the street as soon as you’re out the door. Holding a conversation while running is a good way of making sure you’re training aerobically (with enough oxygen), which will allow you to enjoy your entire session. The general rule is if you’re breathing every 4-5 words, you’re running aerobically; anything close to 2 or 3 words means you’re probably running anaerobically, and the lactic acid building up in your legs won’t feel nice when you turn the corner at the end of the block.
Don’t be afraid of the Run/Walk method. Set yourself targets before you start, for example, warm up for 5 minutes, then run for 3 minutes, walk for 2 minutes, and repeat this for the duration of your session. Next time, try running for 4 minutes and walking for 2, etc. You’ll be running throughout your session before you know it.
2. Think about Technique
Running technique isn’t just for the pros, and it can save you from injury if you get it right early-on.
When you’re running, make sure you’re standing up straight, and focus on pushing your hips forward. Try landing your feet underneath your hips rather than too far in front of you, and make sure you’re pumping your arms as you run, focussing on driving your elbows back and up as they’re moving.
3. Invest in good socks
No one likes blisters, and they can quickly stop you from wanting to put your trainers on when your alarm goes off ahead of an early-morning running session. Make sure you’re wearing proper running shoes, not just the flat-soled trainers you wear to the gym, and get yourself a good pair of thick running socks; they’ll be a very good investment.
4. Think about your rest and recovery
Running several times a week will mean your body needs a bit more time and energy to recover, so make sure you’re adjusting your sleep schedule and nutritional intake accordingly. Sleep is critical for injury prevention and muscle recovery, so rather than cutting your sleep time by an hour to get your new running session in before work, make sure you are going to bed an hour earlier. Within 40 minutes of the end of your session, eat or drink some protein to aid with muscle recovery.
5. Explore new places
Running will allow you to explore and discover new places - make the most of it and vary your runs to keep yourself excited and motivated. Find a hill near you to run at sunrise or sunset, or explore a new neighbourhood.
6. Keep track of your progress
Keeping track of your progress will help keep you motivated throughout your training. You can either use a logbook of your own, or use an app like Strava which will track your runs and automatically give you all the stats you can dream of (don’t worry, you can set your profile to be completely private if you want to keep all the information to yourself).
7. Don’t let a bad run define you
Everyone has bad days. Sometimes your legs will feel heavy and other times you’ll be out of breath much faster than usual. Don’t let a bad run define you; it’s usually just a sign that your body is busy recovering or fighting off something else. Listen to your body. It’s good mental work to push through a difficult run, but, if you’re really struggling, take it easy. Don’t get demoralized; you’ll be sure to feel better the next time you put your running shoes on.
Want any training support? Get in touch and we’ll help you every step of the way.
Open Water Swimming - Why do it?
Open water swimming is becoming increasingly popular, with people all over the world taking to the outdoors in a lake, ocean, or other bodies of open water, but the question is why are so many people taking the plunge? Let’s take a look at the benefits.
Open Space
With no pool walls or lanes, you can swim in your own space and at your own pace without the concern of anyone tapping at your heels and avoid the lane rage that some people get which can ruin a session. You also feel like you’re getting somewhere rather seeing the same wall over and over again. There is a great sense of achievement looking back to where you’ve swam from and seeing the fruits of your labour.
Being at one with nature
It is a relaxing yet exhilarating experience to be out there as nature intended with plenty of stimulus to keep your mind occupied. It’s recommended to swim in a lake in a controlled environment first before trying out the ocean.
Expanding your social circle
The social benefits are great! There are lots of groups of open water swimmers who get together on a regular basis to enjoy a nice and often cold dip. There is a camaraderie in this sport like no other. You don’t have to participate in the sport to race or even be competitive; you can do it for the sheer enjoyment of being out there.
Physically and mentally challenging
Acclimatising to the cold temperatures of the open water is pretty testing – pushing you both physically and mentally! The heat loss from your skin can be up to 70 times greater than air of equal temperature, therefore training your body's cold responses is sometimes as much of an achievement as completing the swim itself!
For beginners, wetsuits are recommended to help adjust to the water’s temperature and can improve buoyancy. It is also a great challenge knowing you have no floor to stand up on or side to hang onto, so it does offer a challenge that isn’t there in a confined pool environment.
Increases energy
Cold water can increase energy levels, nerve endings stand up and your heart starts racing - it is the best possible way to get a natural high!
Weight loss
When your body is exposed to cold, it requires more heat to warm you up. Therefore, to do so your body has to process more energy, helping you burn fat more efficiently and increase your metabolism. You will burn approximately 200 more calories per hour more in cold water than in warm pool water when swimming at a similar speed and it provides an all over body workout, so is one of the best forms of exercise there is (and you can get stuck into that bacon sarnie guilt-free afterwards!)
Minimise Pain
Cold water immersion is a healing technique used among amateur and professional athletes to help with injury and muscle pain. Swimming in such cold water temperatures can have the same desired effect, helping to minimise pain if you have an injury – reducing chronic pain, body aches and inflammation.
Personal Achievement
Whether you complete your first open water swim or your first competition - simply adapting to the temperature of the water compared to the pool and not being able to see what’s below you is an achievement in itself. The sense of personal accomplishment is pretty amazing, whatever distance you want to cover, from 100 metres to 5k or even as part of an Ironman there is no limit to your enjoyment.
Immune system boost & other health benefits
It has been proven by scientists that by being immersed in cold water three times a week increases your white blood counts which helps fight infection and boost your immune system by activating antibodies and increasing metabolic rate. It also helps flush your circulation pushing blood through your arteries, capillaries and veins as well as flushing any impurities giving you a better feeling of wellbeing. It has even been proven cold water can reduce stress levels and even depression.
Its lots of fun!
It’s a great way to push your fitness, meet new people, laugh a lot and it won’t break the bank. However, beware it is addictive and once you try it you might get hooked like I did!
What it's like to run for charity, from a cancer survivor
In 2017, a year after being diagnosed with breast cancer in her early forties, Michelle Dench ran two half marathons and a marathon, all in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. In 2018, she raised the bar again, taking on four halves and two marathons to support the charity that helped her through chemotherapy. Here she shares with us why she’s so passionate about giving back, and what it was like to run the Great North Run for Team Macmillan.
How long have you been running?
10 Years (with a short break in 2016 for the reasons you will read!)
Why did you decide to run the Great North Run?
Watching the TV coverage in 2017, I thought the atmosphere looked reminiscent of the London Marathon.
Why did you choose to run for Macmillan?
In 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. One of the things that got me through chemo was my goal to run the London Marathon in 2017. With Macmillan’s help I was offered a free 12 week training programme with a Macmillan personal trainer who was educated in cancer surgery and the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I haven’t looked back and my body has gone from strength to strength.
The Cancer Support Manager at my hospital was a massive support to me, giving me so much advice about hair loss, information about how to cope with side effects, and offering courses that I could attend to help get me through.
With the help and support of Macmillan I got through my cancer treatment with huge positivity and I am so grateful to them.
This year I decided to raise the bar from running two half marathons and one full marathon in 2017 to completing a few 5 and 10ks, 4 half marathons (including the Great North Run) and 2 full marathons (Edinburgh and New York City), all to raise money and awareness for Macmillan.
What are you most looking forward to about it?
Mainly waving my Tinkerbell wand at all the supporters as I ran past - I have a special Tinkerbell outfit made out of Macmillan running vests! And running somewhere new.
Top tip for fundraising?
Social media (make lots of new friends!) and cake sales. Just keep plugging it!
What would you say to someone considering running for charity?
It’s extremely rewarding knowing that you’re doing something that many people couldn’t do. And it helps on the hardest moments of the run knowing that you’ve raised money for such an amazing cause. It propels you to the finish line!
Anything else you’d like to share?
My dad passed away in March 2018 after a long battle with leukaemia and myeloma. He is my absolute hero and his strength and positivity got me through my own cancer journey. He had a stem cell transplant a few years ago; this treatment added about another 18 months to his life before the cancer started to return. Being given that extra time was so important to myself and my family. I only found out recently that the treatment was administered by a Macmillan nurse. Thank you Macmillan for funding these fantastic nurses along with everything else that you do. So many people that I have talked to about Macmillan do not realise the extent of their charitable work. I didn’t know until I was diagnosed.
Running tips for beginners
By Genny Owen
4 min read
Tackling her first marathon this year, she's done all the legwork so you don't have to.
Maybe you signed up for your run as a new year’s resolution, with a friend on a whim, as a dare after a few drinks on a night out, for a charity close to your heart or with a specific goal in mind. Whatever your reason, it was an excellent decision and one we promise you won’t regret!
We know that signing up for a race can seem daunting. You might be having second thoughts or be wondering where on earth to start. But don’t worry, that’s totally normal. We’re here to help make sure you get the most of your race and more importantly enjoy it and have an epic experience along the way.
So do you want the bad news or good news first? Bad news...the hardest part of training is just simply getting going. To be honest, the first few runs you do are unlikely to be hugely enjoyable. It might hurt, you might struggle to find the motivation and question if it’s really worth it. But fear not, the good news is that once you’re over that initial little hurdle, it’s onwards and upwards. Trust me, you’ll start to want to go for a run, get into a routine and feel great for doing so.
If you’re still not convinced then below is an endless list of proven benefits from running...surely now you have no excuses to tie up your laces and getting running?
Physical Health - It improves your fitness; can help to lose or maintain weight; reduce the risk of strokes and type 2 diabetes; lower your blood pressure and strengthen your muscles and joints.
Mental Health - It’s a great stress-buster. Peace and quiet and a bit of me time whilst running is a great way to clear your head and switch off; or alternatively, the perfect opportunity for problem solving. Either way numerous studies show just 30 minutes a week can lift you mood and concentration.
Feel Good Factor - Yep it’s a real thing. Endorphins, our very own natural drug, kick in post run, leaving you feel more alive, energetic and frankly happier...hence why running can become so addictive!
Free (or cheap) - You don’t need a gym membership or expensive kit to go running. You can avoid the ‘treadmill’ and head to the great outdoors. All you need is a decent pair of running trainers and sports kit and then you’re ready to go.
All Inclusive - Whatever your level, age, weight, shape or ambition, running is for everyone. Whether your run short or long, fast or slow, anyone can do it!
Setting and Smashing Goals - As mentioned you might find that the first few runs you do are pretty tough. But stick with it, I promise it gets easier. Once you’re over that initial hump, you’ll find it’s pretty much plain sailing. There’s no better feeling than looking back and seeing how far you’ve come!
Community and Friends - Running is a great way to catch up with old friends and make new ones too. Chatting to other people as you’re running along, you’ll find that time flies by and you’ll have wracked up some distance in no time! You may find that running with other people helps motivate you and pushes you further too.
Charitable Causes - Running is a great way to raise money for a specific charity. It’s not only honorable and hugely appreciated, but knowing you're running for a cause that means something to you, may help you dig deep and motivate you to persevere with your training whenever you’re feeling a little low.
New Experiences and Discovery - Perhaps it’s joining a running club and making new friends or perhaps it’s the means to exploring a new city. Running is a great way to get out and about and make the most of what’s on your doorstep!
Get gear
We don’t want you to wing it on race day. To make sure you’re not underprepared or burnt out before your race, make sure you check out our tailor made training plans, (available when you sign up for a race on Let's Do This) devised to ensure you’re in tip top shape for your big day.
In terms of apparel, our go to brand is Wiggle Run. They’re guaranteed to have everything and anything you need at prices that won’t break the bank.
Get inspired
If you’re looking for some advice, experiences from others or just inspiration from those who have started running from scratch, then The Runner Beans blog is perfect. Charlie describes herself as ‘not a natural runner’ and started the blog to document her journey from her couch to first ever marathon. She’s now training for her NINTH marathon but is adamant that anyone can do it! Her blog aims to 'pace the way to healthy without missing out on any of the fun'.
The World's Greatest Women's Athletes
We celebrate International Women's day with the greatest, most boundary-pushing female athletes of all time.
This International Women's Day, we're toasting to the trailblazers.
Little known fact: 7 of the 10 most popular Google searches related to "female athletes" currently include some (slightly ruder) variation of "attractive” or "wardrobe malfunction.” Well, all those late-night Googlers can carry on as they wish, but we at Let’s Do This tend to think about something a little different when it comes to the female athletes on our team.
We happen to think female athletes are pretty…. strong. And cool. And tough, and fun, and damn impressive. So for this International Women’s Day, we’re taking a moment to celebrate those top 10 Google searches and all the female athletes who continue to rise above them. This one’s for the trailblazers.
1. Babe Didrickson
One of the original Greats, Babe Didrikson was famous for being good at pretty much everything. Track: Two Olympic Gold Medals, four world records, one team track championship won singlehandedly as the only member of the team (U.S. women’s track and field championships, 1932). Golf: 14 tournament wins in a row (still the longest streak ever recorded) and the first woman to play the LA Open. Basketball: All-American Status. And we’re not even getting started on her stint pitching in Baseball, where she still holds the record for the farthest throw by a woman.
Women in the 1930s were not meant to be sporty; Didrikson was attacked by the press for everything from being a man in disguise to a woman forced into sports by her inability to catch a man. But her famous confidence never faltered. She remains widely regarded as one of the best all-around athletes of all time.
2. Kathrine Switzer
She wasn’t the fastest, but she was the first. In 1967, when women weren’t allowed to run more than 1,500 metres in sanctioned races, Kathrine Switzer enrolled as K.V. Switzer and became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon.
The story and its photos remain famous; when race manager Jock Semple found out halfway through and tried to rip off her bib, her 250-pound boyfriend pushed him out of the way and she went on to finish at 4 hours and 20 minutes. After being consequently barred from racing events, she became an activist and saw the Boston Marathon open participation to women in 1972.
Switzer has been to every Boston Marathon since (except for two), and she remains an icon for female runners and athletes all over the world. As she says herself,
3. Paula Radcliffe
As the fastest female marathoner of all time, Paula Radcliffe is walking proof of Kathrine Switzer’s great legacy. She claimed her world record of 2:15:25 at the 2003 London Marathon, and has claimed no less than 8 marathon wins in total from across the world (one just 9 months after having her first child).
She was a natural-born athlete, its true; at age 17 and little training, her VO2 Max of 70 was already higher than any known woman's . But most who know her credit her successes to indomitable toughness. Her unbelievably high pain tolerance and resilience in the face of injury and illness are famous (remember the, uh, toilet incident of the 2005 London Marathon).
The London Marathon's elite director still cites the "Paula Effect" that took hold after her world record. “You could hardly buy a pair of women’s running shoes because most shops had sold out...Paula made something that was slightly eccentric for women to do entirely normal.”
4. Serena Williams
What to say about Serena Williams that hasn't been said? Like Babe Didrikson and many predecessors, she's well acquainted with the best and worst of the press. But amidst the noise of racket smash controversies, it's worth reminding ourselves of her four Olympic Golds and unbelievable 39 Major Titles. Her 23 Grand Slam titles are an Open Era record - and by the way, one was claimed while pregnant, and another as the oldest women ever to win. She's also made a point of proving that you can absolutely be a mother, wife and career woman at the same time. She even brought her husband along with her on her post-pregnancy training plan, running a Spartan Race with him and having a good laugh along the way.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeiesAvhWn4/
Her extraordinary athletic record aside, Williams will undoubtedly go down in history for her philanthropy and activism as a black woman in sports. Regardless of where you fall in them, the debates she continues to ignite over race and sex in tennis have made a lasting impact on broader society - as have her achievements as role model for African American athletes.
5. Katie Ledecky
We're closing the list with someone who makes Firsts look easy, and is just getting started. At 21 years old, swimming champion Katie Ledecky holds 3 world records, and is without question the fastest female swimmer in the world. She boasts 5 Olympic golds and 14 Championship golds -- the most in history for a female swimmer. And that first Olympic gold? Won when she was just 15.
But here are some facts that may surprise you; swimming never came naturally to her. In fact, she only started swimming as a way to make friends - and she still counts those childhood memories as her favourite memory of all time in the water.
The self-professed secret to her success? Goal-setting. That's it. Specifically, "setting scary goals...and then going out and chasing them."
Let’s Do This is your go-to source for finding, reviewing and booking the best sport events across the world. Find your perfect challenge with Let’s Do This today.
Reasons To Run An Ultra Marathon
If you’re thinking about Ultra Marathon running you’re probably already pretty clued up on reasons why running is great. So why bother with an ultra? These 8 points scratch the surface of why ultra running might be absolutely perfect for you.
1. It is beautiful
Trail running will always be nicer than road running. Training for and running an ultra marathon will keep you running in beautiful scenery. What an opportunity to explore different places. And all packed with endorphins.
2. It’s not just for the super-human
Ultra running has a reputation of the insane to it. Actually, especially for shorter ultra marathons, it really isn’t necessarily more training than for a marathon — if anything it can be easier in that it is much less about speed and more about manageable pacing for a long time.
3. Ultra Marathons are all different
The world marathons may all in some fundamental ways resemble each other quite a lot. You might expect to get a fairly similar time for each marathon you do — or at least you will likely compare your times. It’s fairly impossible to do that for ultra marathons. They’re all so different. A runner might do one ultra marathon in 3.5 hours, and another in 6. The terrain dictates the running event — and so, each ultra is a new experience and a new kind of achievement.
4. It’s about the finish line not the time
You might well time yourself. But ultra running is really not about the time. That’s partly because they’re all different. But it’s also because it’s more of an endurance test than a speed one. There really is no pressure. To do it at all is a huge achievement. To pass the finish line at all will give you something that few people can claim to have and so it doesn’t really matter about the time.
5. It’s more intimate than a marathon
Where marathons are completely filled with people — happy though they are — ultras are not. Instead of thousands of runners, there is a different kind of companionship and intimacy with only 400 (for example). It might not appeal to you, but if it does then an ultra is better suited for you than a standard marathon.
6. It’ll be part of your life
If you’re into running, you make it a part of your life. That means training doesn’t need to be the massive sacrifice that some probably think it is. Training for an ultra marathon is by all accounts pretty relaxing. Most of the time you can pace it slow (and chat with your running partner), enjoy the view, and feel great at the end.
7. It’s breaking another barrier
It’s not something everyone thinks they’ll do in their life. So when you do it, you are breaking barriers all over. That’s not to say you didn’t do the same for your first marathon. But you get to do it all over again with a completely new sense of achievement to it. Passing through the ultra threshold and you will feel the euphoria of running.
8. It’s a life adventure
It may not even be the running that appeals to you. An ultra marathon is often called a life experience. Something completely different and exploring somewhere completely new strikes many as an adventure. And an adventure that should not be missed if you are capable.
Why You Should Try Trail Running
Even for people who are not really sure they have the time to make the journey all the way to their nearest trail, or who already like the routes they currently run on, there are always reasons why joining the trail running movement could make an already much-loved sport that bit better for you.
1. It’s better for your body
Most runners have had running injuries in their time. And while trail running will have its own dangers (it’s uneven terrain after all), the naturally softer and lower impact ground will give your knees a huge amount of relief. The changing terrain of trail running will distribute muscle stress on more parts of your body — you’ll be less likely to overuse just one as you might whilst road-running, and you’ll definitely reap the benefits of it.
2. Trail runs are often beautiful
Compared to the gym, running outdoors at all is a privilege. Running somewhere beautiful is another thing and trail running is one step further in that direction. It may take you that little bit more time, but it’s utterly worth it for every glance to the horizon you have. There are hundreds of different trail runs, and, unlike city streets, they’ll offer you something different each time. It really is a beautiful variety.
3. You’ll be in nature
There are a lot of city livers that don’t really manage to get out of the bustle of it that often. It’s too easy to underestimate the effects that a trip away — even just for a day — to somewhere that tastes, smells and looks clean and natural. Heading off to a trail for a run will leave you to your own devices, and give you the much needed rest from the constant pressures of everyday life.
4. It’s something new
Trail running is a completely new kind of challenge. The running style is different, the impact on your body is different, and the scenery is different. And every single time it’s different. You’ll never know quite what to expect, but there will always be a sense of adventure in it.
5. A trail run is pressure free
A lot of people get anxious before running a race (or just training) in busy places. Whether it’s about their time, what they are wearing and how they look most of that slips away in trail running. You’re free from the crowds, the passer-bys and a judgmental stop-clock.
6. There’s a friendly atmosphere amongst trail runners
With less people running alongside you, and not many around, there is just an instinctively friendly atmosphere that goes with trail running. There’s an absolute connection and sense of achievement between runners, as they tread the path to fulfilling shared aims and interests — and no doubt take a break from hectic lives left behind.
7. It’s an amazing excuse to travel
There’s something so justifiable about travelling for the purpose of sport. Whether it’s to compete or just check out a particular trail, you can travel the country (and maybe the world) to see new sights and run new paths. And hopefully guilt free too.
Inspiration. Delivered.
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