3 Basic Rules for Trailrun Beginners

Here are 3 basic rules you need to know if you want to switch from road to trail.

In the mountains forget the rhythms. At least the way you thought of them until now. Used to looking at your watch and calculating your running pace, you will find it different to run in the mountains and see that you complete each kilometer at a different pace. Forget the phrase "I'm running so many minutes per kilometer". On running trails, there are kilometers you can do in less than 4 minutes and the next you can do in 10. Don't look for a rhythm or an average. IT IS an absurdity. It all depends on the terrain and the slope.

In rail racing we cannot run all the time. As a road runner, you will be used to running without excessive inclines and always on flat terrain that allows you to run and advance at all times. In the mountains, running 100% of the time is practically impossible. Some slopes are so steep that they prevent us from doing so. In fact, sometimes it's better to walk up them to save energy and not wear yourself out excessively. Even the best in the world, such as Pau Capell or Kilian Jornet, are forced to walk on certain slopes. It takes into account the strategy (Walk-Run) as a natural aspect.

Running in the city is not dangerous, running in the mountains is. I'm sure you remember a race in town where you had to walk home because of an injury or because you just ran out of strength at that point. Maybe you even used public transport to get home. In the mountains there is no such alternative. You must be extremely cautious and be prepared for any mishap. IT IS a lonely place and we must carry equipment to deal with incidents such as an extreme drop in temperature or heat stroke. Going to the mountains is not the same as going to a park in the middle of the city. Mentalize yourself!