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beginner

Trail Running for Beginners

Ok, so you’ve seen the stoke radiating off your friends when they come off the mountain, you’re envious of their Instagram content, and you know that there is magic out there beyond the “dreadmill” or the tar of the burbs… so where do you begin?

From Road to Trail

 

When, where, and how to get there!

Road running in South Africa remains one of our favourite sports, for many reasons. It is relatively affordable, accessible and the legacy of races such as the Comrades marathon creates a road running culture that is built on history, pride and some iconic running names. If you are a runner in this country, you will be asked if you have a Comrades medal – this cliché is quite unavoidable!

Creating a Trail Runner

Everyone starts as a beginner says David Roche. If you stick with it though, the rewards are great. “If you stick with it, what is hard becomes second nature and what is impossible becomes merely difficult” says Roche. Invest your time and training and the result will be life-affirming trail runs. Here’s how to become a true trail runner.

1. Focus on Form

Run your first 10km

Running doesn't get better than this. The 10K is a classic distance that covers all the bases - it's far enough to test you to the limit without shattering beginners in a way that a longer event can, yet short enough to be doable in a satisfyingly quick time, even if you are new to it.

If you find the right course, it's a challenge that requires fitness, preparation and tactical thinking. It combines a mix of speed and endurance, and boy does it feel good when you reach the finish line with enough left in the tank to sprint for the crowds.