Officially a Trail Runner!

Well, not really! I don't think partial trails previously and one full trail run qualifies, but it sounds good!

Having found this trail a while back when looking to extend my route to make up for lost mileage, I decided I'd go exploring yesterday.

Pulled on my old trainers, demoting them to trail shoes (temporary fix!) and headed off on an adventure.

Couldn't help but think of Hidden and ju-ju- who are inspirational explorers, to me at any rate, as I meandered along trail paths dodging nettles and puddles. I realised quite quickly that I hadn't dressed appropriately. No protection from nettles and thorns at either ankle or arm height.

The good: I was looking to slow down and this really did the trick, you can't think of pace at all when concentrating on where to carefully tread to avoid slipping in the mud. I lost my balance once or twice.

The bad: It is fairly uneven underfoot, so could lead to injury if not careful.

The ugly: Def a dirty affair and a lesson to wear old, appropriate clothing and footwear.

Will this be the first of many? You know, despite the pitfalls I thoroughly enjoyed it, so very possibly, while the weather/ conditions allow. There was no pressure about pace and PB because it was a different beast, you win by overcoming the obstacles without landing on your bottom and discovering new and exciting routes.

It was a short one as that was the order of my HM plan. Will see whether I venture further in time...

Happy running people xx

Relive Link: relive.cc/view/1796079056

[LoungeLizaard]

Good, bad or ugly - it was a positive experience!

HM training too!! ❤️

Well done, lovely photos

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Love it!!!!!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Sounds great. Which HM plan are you following?

[Hidden in reply to linda9389]

Map My Run do custom ones based on your 5K/10K race times. I Just used my best times since I've not done races.

It's not perfect but it was more suited to me than most. Lots are based on time but I like distance goals. It also worked out my training pace for me.

The downsides are: a minimum of 14 weeks and highest training distance 16K - so 5K shy. Most plans do this. I'll probably increase my distance gradually despite the plan as I have to HM planned - the Scottish one was too soon and clashed with a trip down South.

Hope this helps x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Hidden]

It seems mad how the training plans fall so short of the full distance. An additional 5k is a whole half hour and more of running for me! Would be breaking the 10% rule on race day by a long way Maybe I need to find a marathon training plan and finish before the end

I'll take a look and see what Mapmyrun would suggest for me though, thanks for the info and good luck

[Hidden in reply to linda9389]

Marathon training is a whole other beast so I'd expect it'll be a big jump for any of us. If it was me, I'd pick a decent HM plan and add on weeks/ adapt too suit. It's not too tricky, and we're getting more and more knowledge as we travel along this road.

Say you were happy to stop with 2K jump, then you can just add 2 weeks 18K and 16K possibly in that order to account for the taper. Pop them in where the regular plan tapers.

Just a thought.

Sx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Sounds like a good idea. I've never looked at a full marathon plan so no idea what they involve - will leave well alone!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Just realised that's a 3K jump, don't ask me to help with your tax returns! Anyway, you get the just!!! 😆

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I used a 12 week My Asics plan for my first HM. The longest runs were 11 miles (sorry I am not metric). I think it's the mentality of saving the full distance for the day itself so you have that sense of achievement, rather than just another 13.1 miles, like wot I did in training last week...

[Hidden in reply to Langley-Loper]

That's 2.1 miles shy, or around 3.4K. The jumps on most HM plans is 5K or over 3 miles which sounds like a lot. Maybe it's just fear of the unknown...😁

[Goforitmama]

Looks beautiful. I’m trying to find somewhere near here for trail running that does not have loads of self centred mountain bikers. Lucky you!

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

Didn't see a soul, but that could be luck of the draw at different times of the year. Xx

[Goforitmama in reply to Hidden]

We were in Scotland last week and I went for a run in the country, I could be a trail runner there. I didn’t see a soul either, only deer and that was so fantastic! (I love Scotland, you are so lucky!). The only place around here that springs to mind is some trail paths that run through a forest, but they are used by loads and loads of mountain bikers. I’m keen to try trail running, so I’m going to keep thinking of other places.

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

Check out some online pages for runners in your area, you never know what is on your doorstep. Maybe speak to local running groups. Sx

[Ripcurlrana71 Half Marathon 10 Miles]

Brilliant post Sharron!! X

[Hidden in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thanks Rip! Was a lovely new experience for me. I've stepped out onto the trails before, but no more than 0.5K to 1K. Xx

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

Oo I love a squishy trail! I am certain I have better form on tracks than I do on the road too. And all the greenery makes me 😊

[Hidden in reply to Sqkr]

Interesting re form. I felt mine went South, but first outing so time will tell I guess!

[Sqkr Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I suspect you probably have better form than me in the first place! I'm a shocker of an overpronator thanks to hypermobility, so running on flat ground makes me run really lazily. If I'm on uneven ground I have to pick my feet up and actually make an effort 😁

[HoagyM Half Marathon]

Great post and pics Sharron, I love trail runs too (but yes, take very steady to avoid turning an ankle etc). Haven’t done one for a while, mainly because it’s harder to find trail runs that give you a longer distance (at least around here).

[Hidden in reply to HoagyM]

Yeah, it's scary, new territory and the threat of a trip to the IC kept things in focus!

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Nothing beats a trail run.... good, bad, or ugly! Welcome to the dark.... no,that's not right 🤔......Welcome to the dirty side of running 🤣. I love that when I take off my shoes, my socks may only look a little dirty, but my feet under my socks are crazy dirty. Mind you, we've been so dry this year, everything is dusty dirty and it penetrates into everything. I finally found some quarter length socks that keeps a lot of the bigger debris out of my socks, but the dust gets into everything. It's so awesome!

[Hidden in reply to SaskAlliecat]

You make it sound lovely! When in truth it's grimy, dirty and downright filthy! Yes, it is awesome isn't it! 😁😁😁

[sarah65]

Great photos - I find the off road run seems to go quicker because I’m concentrating on where I’m putting my feet and not tripping over!

[Hidden in reply to sarah65]

Absolutely, that's why it's good for slowing down, too busy trying to stay upright! 😁