I was supposed to do an 18km training run this weekend. For whatever reason, the temperatures soared on Saturday even though all last week and all this week have and are expected to be chilly. Normally, I try to get my long runs done Saturday morning, leaving before the kids wake up. This weekend, I had a running buddy and we decided to head out in the afternoon together. We’re both training for the same race, bored with our iPods and needing a change in scenery. So we headed just outside the city to one of our beautiful provincial parks and decided to give the trails a try.
I’ve never run on a trail before and wasn’t too sure what to expect but it was beautiful and challenging and SUCH a great change of pace for me.
I might be addicted.
Not the trail I ran but still very pretty!
Source
Unfortunately, the heat got the better of us both and we had to pack it in after about 8.5km. Neither of us wanted to cry Uncle but we knew it was better to pack it in than push to exhaustion and getting sick. Besides that…running the trails is a lot harder than the pavement. By Saturday night my legs were s-o-r-e!! In a good way.
Did I mention I might be addicted?
I’m really hoping to hit the trails again a few more times before winter hits and then again next year. After the last few months of running the same routes training for the half marathon, this was the breath of fresh air I was in desperate need of. Having a running buddy just added to the overall enjoyment of the day (minus the heat issues).
Have you ever tried trail running? What were your experiences? Did you invest in trail shoes?
oh i dont blame you! trail runs are so wonderful! beautiful pics!!! happy monday and spa love!!!
Im so with you.
I say Im not a runner—but I dont think of the trails as “running” more FUN’ing
Sounds awesome!!! I’ve never done trails…I’m afraid of tripping since I’m so clumsy lol!
That sounds lovely. Was it a real trail trail, like with elevation and mountains and all that? The only “trail running” I can do around here is more like park running…running through the woods on a flat dirt path. It’s still my favorite place to run, much more than on the roads. Time, and miles fly…
There’s a 1.5K trail I run before hitting the pavement…I love running among the trees and dirt paths
Iove trail running, but def see it as more of a FUN run rather than a training/speed run
Getting hooked on trail runs is easy to do! My hubby and I have have done a few in the blue ridge area of VA, one of our favorites is Crabtree Falls. I’m always so worried I’ll hurt myself so we go slow and take a break at scenic stops if available! Best of luck in your upcoming races! And be careful on the trails!