Why I Love Running — The Joy of Trails, Mental and Physical Health, and the Benefits of Sports Massage.

Miles, Mud & Mindset: Why I Love Trail Running

People often ask why I prefer running on the trails than on the roads? I will try and explain…

When I first moved to the area I live in now, I felt a little nervous about running alone through the woods and open heathland so used to head for the pavements. I soon realised how the pavements can be a little unforgiving – the constant pounding and repetition on the hard surface can be very tough on the joints and lower back. The trails vary so much underfoot and provide a more cushioned surface. You are constantly choosing your path with each and every footstep – making decisions, challenging your brain and your body to adapt to its surroundings in an instant - dodging deep mud, tree routes, tight windy paths, steep inclines or downhill sections, sand, mud, leaves, puddles the list goes on. What you will find underfoot builds strength and resilience as you go.

Looking outside as the heavens open and the sky is grey allows you to make excuses and lose motivation to get out there. However, I am of the belief that if you set your intentions, make a decision about when and where you are going, lay out your kit, and have some apparel that supports you nonmatter what the weather then getting out in all conditions is a lot easier – and actually there is something very satisfying about running in the extreme elements that makes it feel even more rewarding on your return.

I discovered that you never regret a run, but you do regret not going out!

More Than Exercise: What Running Gives Me

Running lends itself to so much more than just exercising. Of course it has huge health benefits, the pounding nature supports bone health, the strength required when experiencing hills and descents maintains muscle mass, the load on the cardiovascular system; helping your heart and lungs to remain strong, boosting metabolic health and many more. For me, as a busy Mother of two with an increasing workload, the mental space of running in nature is irreplaceable. The sky, the trees, the view, the peace – they all create that moment of calm in what is a demanding and busy lifestyle in which we all now live. Feeling grateful for the areas of natural beauty that surround us is very grounding.

The Therapy of Trails

The sense of adventure, discovering new areas, screen free time, the sights and sounds of nature, enjoying the elements and feeling a sense of satisfaction of challenging yourself physically, are all the therapy of the trails for me. Whether you are a social runner and enjoy the company of a friend, have a dog that needs to be exercised, or you find your solstice in heading out solo, one thing is guaranteed – the feeling you will have post run. The endorphins released, the mood improving effects of the outdoors, the deep relaxation mentally and physically post exercise are all good enough reasons to lace up again next time.

“Running isn’t only about pushing harder every time — recovery is what allows you to keep going.”

Running, Recovery & the Joy of Feeling Alive…It’s a balance!

SO, what does regular running mean for your recovery and how does it align with other types of training too? Running puts a great demand on your body – which is positive, as this overload leads to improvements and adaptations, however adding strength training into your weekly routine is key! If you need advice on where to start, Nicola runs strength training classes at the clinic for all abilities and can guide you on how to maintain this routine from home.

Diet plays a huge part and staying on top of fuelling your body pre and post work out is crucial, but MASSAGE plays a fundamental role too. Many injuries can be avoided through looking after your body and maintaining a good recovery routine. Sports massage can address niggles and areas of tension before they become affecting issues. Regular maintenance massage is not just a treat; it is part of the whole wellbeing and recovery process. For me, I have always enjoyed having Sports Massage treatment and have seen the benefit to remaining injury free; it can also provide a little reset amongst training, heavy legs and fatigue. This is why I wanted to be able to give massage therapy to others.

The benefits of massage include

• Injury prevention

• Decrease in muscle soreness post event or run

• Faster recovery

• Improved mobility

• Helping to maintain consistency in training

Firstly…

Busting some RUNNING MYTHS:

• You don’t have to be part of a running club to call yourself a runner!

• You don’t have to run at any particular pace to be a runner

• Run/Walk is a thing! And a very positive way to start running or exercising

• You don’t have to run any set distance; any distance is a good distance.

TOP TIPS: How can I progress my running or how can I get started?

• There are lots of free apps you can download to help you get started – many coach you through ‘couch to 5K’ programmes.

• Keep a running diary – this can be a motivational tool, and it’s great to look back to see how far you’ve come

• Arrange to run with a friend of a similar level – this can make you accountable.

• Download a running app like ‘Strava’ – this can track your distance, pace, route etc. and also create routes for you to follow.

• Start gently and build up your running progressively – only increase distance and time gradually.

Finally…

• If listening to music or a podcast, I only ever use bone conductor earphones so I can always hear around me.

• Plan your route if you don’t know the area and tell someone where and when you’re going

• Take water if you are heading out for a while – there are many useful and easy to carry little portable water bottles available

• Don’t repeatedly run the same route at the same time of day, day by day. Variety is the spice of life!!

Some of my personal running highlights are:

• Completing my first 50k Ultra Distance

• London Marathon – near the start of my running journey (2006!)

• The Winchester half marathon – being first female!

• Running a half marathon a month for 18 months for personal challenge.

• Sharing lots of trails with my trusty furry running buddy, ‘Harry’!

• Completing the 3 peaks, culminating with a run up and down the final peak to achieve the time

• Challenging myself to run in every country I visit.

• Volunteering as a run leader for a women’s beginner running group

Thanks for reading! :)