First time off road

[Shelley2310]

Well as I graduated in January and having always run on roads/concrete decided to bite the bullet and try an off road path. I absolutely loved it (only managed 2k). BUT it’s so different to road running, my slower than snail pace somehow managed to be evens slower. Think more practice neeeed! 🤣🏃‍♀️🤣🏃‍♀️

[Ladyvickster Graduate]

I haven’t tried a trail run yet either! Must follow your lead

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to Ladyvickster]

It’s totally different, I also went without headphones so I could look around and enjoy the scenery. I’ll be doing it a lot as I’ve entered a woodland run in May!! Eeek lol

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Trail run is just the best. I'm glad you have discovered the joy 👍😊

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to Jogunlikely]

I’ve got a woodland run in May so going to have to practice a lot! Why did I sign up for it 😂😂

[Jogunlikely Graduate in reply to Shelley2310]

Sounds fabulous x

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Shelley2310]

You may remember me mentioning the Buttercup 5K trial, 3 kilometres of that is around or throw woodland, so I run or walk that in a regualar basis, very pleasant indeed, well away from traffick.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Great something different to keep your running interesting 😊

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

I’ve got to practice a lot as I’ve signed up for a woodland run in May!!

[Capri- Graduate]

Hi, it’s very different and can be quite difficult in damp or wet conditions. I’ve started running a route with just 1k off road in the middle of a 5-6 k run. It’s great fun but I have to clean my trainers every week now!

[Phoenix192 Graduate]

All of my c25k runs were on the common or in the woods near my house and I continued to run the trails after I graduated. I was complaining that it was very hard work (not unusual!) so my partner plotted us a road route. It was much easier but soooooo boring so I have gone back to the trail running. The conditions underfoot are different every time i go out - muddy, dry, leaves, dogs...which keeps it interesting. I accept that it is about 10 minutes slower than the times other graduates are posting for 5km on tarmac but I'd rather be in the countryside running slowly than going relatively fast pavement pounding. Each to their own. It's your run so you must do what you enjoy most (or in my case, dislike least 😂).

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to Phoenix192]

I did find it lovely, just very slow and hard! I’ve got a woodland run in May so 2 of my 3 runs now will be alongside that canal.

[Nikongirl Graduate]

Now that the light nights have come, I'm running in a plantation and I love it. Last night, somebody had obviously been doing an Easter trail. I kept noticing little Easter chicks etc that had been placed in trees. I love the smells, the conditions etc which are different every time you run. It feels like mindful running, (or in my case jogging).