HEALTHY – What Race To Run

How to Get Started Trail Running: Tips for Beginners

jayjackson — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 09:07:00 +0000

Trail running is fast becoming a popular sport and hobby among fitness enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. It’s not just a great workout, but it also allows you to explore the beauty of nature and escape the chaos of urban life. However, if you’re new to trail running, it can be overwhelming to know where to start and how to prepare. In this blog post, we’ll guide you on how to get started trail running, so all you need to do is lace-up your shoes and hit the trail.

1) Start Small:

If you’re new to running, it’s best to start small and gradually increase your distance and intensity. Begin with short and easy trails, and gradually work your way up to longer and more challenging ones. For beginners, it’s best to run-walk to build your endurance and prevent any injuries. Avoid running on rocky, steep or technical trails until you have enough experience.

[optin-monster slug=”u9ogigt36k4zbwkxi5az” followrules=”true”]

2) Invest in the Right Gear:

Unlike road running, trail running requires a different set of gears. Invest in a good pair of trail running shoes with a good grip and traction for stability and support. It’s also essential to wear a comfortable and breathable outfit, appropriate for the weather conditions. Don’t forget to carry a water bottle, especially on hot days, to stay hydrated.

3) Warm-up:

Just like any other physical activity, it’s essential to warm-up before you start trail running. Begin with a 5-10 minute brisk walk or gentle jog to increase your heart rate and warm-up your muscles. Follow it up with some dynamic stretching, such as lunges, squats, and leg swings, to prevent any injuries and improve your flexibility.

4) Plan Your Route & Safety:

Before you hit the trail, make sure to plan your route and inform someone where you’re heading. Familiarize yourself with the trail, read reviews, check the weather forecast, and pack accordingly. It’s also essential to bring along a flashlight, map, compass, or GPS device and a whistle or a horn. Stay safe by running with a buddy or in a group, especially on unfamiliar or remote trails.

5) Embrace the Experience:

Trail running isn’t just about running from point A to point B; it’s about immersing yourself in nature and enjoying the surroundings. Take in the sights and sounds around you, notice the wildlife, and stop to take photos or rest when you need it. Keep your phone or camera handy to capture the beautiful scenery and memories along the way. Be mindful of your impact and stay on the trail to avoid damaging the environment.

Trail running can be an incredibly rewarding and thrilling experience if done properly. To get started, begin with baby steps, invest in the right gear, warm-up, plan your route safely and enjoy the experience. Trail running offers a fantastic opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and connect with nature. So, what are you waiting for? Find a trail near you, lace-up your shoes, and get out there!

Lessons From Ultrarunning

Christal Jackson — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 08:50:00 +0000

Running is one of the most common exercises for people who want to stay fit and healthy. Ultrarunning, however, is a different story. Extreme running is not just an exercise but a sport that goes beyond the limits of the human body. Ultrarunners tackle significant distances reaching even up to 100 miles of marathon run. Ultrarunners face the toughest and most challenging terrains, pushing themselves to their limits. The lessons from ultrarunning do not only talk about the physical demands of this sport but also about mental and emotional preparedness. In this blog post, we’ll explore the lessons we could all learn from ultrarunning that could be relevant to various aspects of everyday life.

1) Embracing discomfort:

Ultrarunning, just like other sports, requires discipline and a high tolerance for discomfort. It is not an easy feat to run continuously for hours on end. Ultrarunners embrace discomfort and are comfortable with it. Inwardly, it propels them to run farther and to go beyond their limits. Ultrarunners face so much pain and suffering in every stride, yet they continue to push their limits. In everyday life, this lesson teaches us to have a positive attitude towards discomfort, to embrace it, and to use it as an opportunity for growth and development.

[optin-monster slug=”u9ogigt36k4zbwkxi5az” followrules=”true”]

2) The power of endurance:

One of the significant lessons from ultrarunning is endurance. Endurance cultivates resilience, the mental and physical ability to persist and overcome hardship. The result of the race is not how fast an individual can finish, but how resilient and determined they are to keep pushing through every obstacle. This applies to everyday life, where having endurance allows us to keep going, despite how tough or challenging the situation may get.

3) Goal setting and mental preparedness:

Ultrarunners identify their goals and devise strategies to accomplish their objectives. They prepare not only physically but also mentally. Having the right mindset and mental preparation is crucial in ultrarunning, where the mental game is essential to finishing the race. Ultrarunners visualize the race and pre-empt any challenges that may arise. This is a vital lesson in life, where goal-setting and mental preparedness are crucial to achieving success.

4) Embracing the journey:

Ultrarunners are known to embrace the journey of training, the process of pushing beyond their limits to reach their goals. Their desire for the finish line is matched by their acceptance of the process. For ultrarunners, each stride is a journey of self-discovery, one that demands self-exploration and reflection. They know that the journey is just as important as reaching the finish line. The lesson here is that no matter what our objectives are, we must enjoy the journey. Celebrate every stride we take, the process itself, and the lessons we learn along the way.

5) The camaraderie and support:

Ultrarunners come across different experiences along the way, from blisters to chafing, from getting lost to long waiting periods. One thing that stands out from the sport, however, is the camaraderie and support among the runners. They look out for each other, offering help when needed, and sharing the experience. In everyday life, we all need support from friends, family, and colleagues, especially during challenging times. This lesson teaches us the value of camaraderie, collaboration, and the importance of supportive networks.

In this fast-paced world, ultrarunning provides a unique lens through which to view our lives. We learn from ultrarunning that success goes beyond finishing the race. It’s about the lessons we learn along the way, embracing discomfort to learn and grow from it, having the endurance to persist through hardship, having a goal and preparing for it, and enjoying the journey and the camaraderie we experience alongside it. We may not all be ultrarunners, but the lessons we can learn from it teach us how to live our lives more fully and how to become better versions of ourselves. Let’s embrace the lessons of ultrarunning and apply it to different aspects of our lives to achieve our goals, to stay resilient, and to enjoy the journey.

Check out our ultramarathon catalog for inspiration!

Why You Should Start Training For Your First 5k Race

jayjackson — Mon, 22 May 2023 09:15:00 +0000

Running has become a popular form of exercise and there’s no need to wonder why. Running not only helps with your physical health but also your mental fitness. If you’re someone looking to get back into fitness or someone looking for a challenge, then training for a 5k race is the perfect goal for you. A 5k race is a 3.1-mile race, and it is the perfect distance for most people to start with as it is achievable yet challenging. In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of training for a 5k race.

1) Improved Physical Health:

A 5k race is a great distance for beginners as it’s shorter than many other distance races. It may only be 3.1 miles, but it’s still a great workout! Training for a 5k race will improve your cardiovascular health and strengthen your muscles. With regular running, you’ll notice your endurance increases, making it easier to cover longer distances.

[optin-monster slug=”u9ogigt36k4zbwkxi5az” followrules=”true”]

2) Helps with Weight Loss:

Adding running to your fitness routine can be a great way to manage your weight. Running helps to burn more calories than other forms of exercise, and with a consistent routine, you’ll see a difference in your body shape. Training for a 5k race is especially beneficial for those who want to lose weight as it provides a goal that’s very attainable.

3) Enhanced Mental Fitness:

Running is not just great for your physical health, but for your mental health as well. Running can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve your brain function. When you’ve completed a race or even just a training run, your sense of accomplishment can boost your confidence and overall mental health.

4) Meet New People:

Running is a social activity and training for a race can be a way to meet new people and create community. You’ll likely run into other people training for the same race and you can even join a running group. Running clubs can be found all across the country and offer a supportive, encouraging environment filled with like-minded individuals.

5) It’s Fun:

Last but not least, it’s a fun challenge! Training for a 5K race can be a great way to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone. When you cross the finish line, your sense of pride and accomplishment will be worth the sweat and training effort. You’ll develop a new appreciation for what your body can do.

Training for a 5k race is a great way to work towards a fitness goal and improve your overall health. It’s an achievable goal that provides many benefits such as improved physical health, weight loss, enhanced mental fitness, meeting new people, and it’s a fun challenge! Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting, adding a goal like a 5k race to your fitness routine can be a great motivator and provide a sense of accomplishment. So what are you waiting for? Grab your running shoes and start training for your first 5k race today!

Check out our race catalog for more exciting races.