If there’s one thing I know to be certain in life, it is that trail running is hard.
Not only do you have to navigate obstacles – boulders, rocks, steep inclines, you have to take into account the weather for the day.
Here in the Southwest, that’s undoubtedly sunny and hot, no matter what time of the day you actually make it out to the trail. I find it motivating – honestly.
Being able to get out on the trails and breathe fresh air while I run is something that many people don’t get the chance to be able to do because of where they live, and their life circumstances.
And perhaps… most folks would rather stay indoors.
After all, today was 109 degrees and I was out pounding gravel while the parking lot was empty – aside from my truck.
While I have been running since the early stages of elementary school and through high school [cross country] .. that trend continued. In the Army, I was typically the guidon bearer – running with the company guidon in front of formation while the rest of the company was behind, in formation. Following my time in service, that running continued – in the form of half marathons, and marathons, in the Southwest – Arizona and New Mexico. Running was a form of enjoyment, stress relief, and a personal challenge I made to myself.
I will never stop running.
If you run, then you are a runner. There is no minimum distance or pace that qualifies you to be able to run. If you get out the door, or onto the treadmill, you are already beating the millions of folk who never make it off the cough.
However, trail running takes that to a completely different level.
When running on the road, or treadmill, most runners track progress by measuring their pace in minutes per mile. That is simply because a mile on the road is more or less the same no matter where the road is – aside from any steep inclines.
But when you run on a trail, maintaining a per mile pace becomes almost impossible — irrelevant essentially, because no two miles on the trail are the same. There are curves, turns, steep inclines, boulders, rocks, pits, and loose gravel – which all contribute to your ability to navigate the “course”.
Even if you’re not on a course. The trail is your course.
There’s really no question, then, that trail running is one of the best ways to get better as a runner.
While trail running, you are a constantly faced with uneven terrain, rocks that are in the way, cactus, branches or even rough, sharp rocks that you need to be on the lookout for.
The constant change in terrain requires quite a significant amount of endurance, and tends to trigger a wider muscle group – hence why trail runners, often times, will develop more pronounced muscles as the quadriceps and hamstrings will experience greater burn. Trail running requires a more dynamic movement – therefore, there will be a more balanced, muscular look as more of the upper body is used.
In short, trail running is not easy. And it’s certainly not for everyone… but it undoubtedly leads to massive growth – a gain in performance, betterment of yourself, and perhaps, a new perspective on life.
Life itself is a challenge. Every day that we wake up, new and exciting challenges present themselves.
There are paths of ease, and there are paths of difficulty. For the majority, the path of ease might be the best path taken. In comparison to trail running, the path of ease might be the path of the sofa – but it could, in some cases, be the path of running on a flat surface that is not a trail – a path that is not rocky, but blacktop. A path without obstacles, a rather flat surface void of challenge.
Then… there is the trail. A several-mile path of boulders, sharp drops, steep inclines, uneven boulders, sketchy surfaces. Those come together to make quite the obstacle – or, obstacles, in our way as we try to navigate.
The path of ease allows us to run, without a second thought. If it’s a flat surface, we don’t have to worry about where we place our feet, or what might be coming up ahead – we just have to … RUN. But the path of obstacles [trail running] requires us to be vigilant – we can’t just sit back and flow…
We are constantly stepping around and jumping over obstacles for miles at a time – we’re leaping over tree roots, jumping down large rocks, or powering up some steep climbs all while navigating the terrain. It’s not easy, and it’s definitely not a path that everyone takes – and certainly not when it’s 109 degrees in the heat of the desert. You’ll quickly find out that it’s the path of zero popularity when you are out there, 2 1/2 miles in, on the back of a rugged mountain, alone, by yourself.
The challenging path leads to the most growth.
You don’t develop greater hamstrings and quadriceps from the trail of comfort. Such as life – you don’t become resilient by staying on the predictable [safe] path. You just don’t.
Yes, trail running is a challenge. Running trails involves navigating obstacles that most people could never handle – there’s an increased chance of getting lost, risking injury, and suffering from the elements of the weather.
But it is also where you will see the most personal growth. Mentally, you have to be aware of your surroundings – you’re navigating terrain that can change sporadically, and force you to think fast, and trust your instinct. It forces you to be alone, clear your head, and enjoy nature – something that can help you see things more clearly and potentially even navigate life circumstances without interference.
Trail running is relaxing. You’re not out for a personal record – it’s all about you. Your pace. And the enjoyment of being out there.
Sometimes the most difficult challenges can have the most profound effect on your life.
Certainly, taking the less traveled route (a well-paved path, predicable footing) can help you feel “safe” knowing you’re comfortable with where you are. But the question is – are you growing? Is that helping you be a better runner – physically? Mentally? Emotionally? Perhaps it’s helping you get out of the house and commit to something but is it really having a significant impact all-around?
Or, you can venture into the world of uncertainty of a path less traveled. It’ll be hard – excruciating at times, you will likely be alone, question your inner voice, have to navigate tough obstacles, and risk injury. If you are in the Southwest, you’ll likely be trail running in the heat of the day, full sun, little moisture in the air – you’ll question if you can truly do it.
But you can. Because getting outside was the biggest hurdle. Such is life – stepping INTO that challenging path is often times the hardest hurdle.
But that path could very well give you the greatest sense of self accomplishment and the confidence you need to open other doors in your life that once may not have been so easily available.
Or, doors that you would never have imagined could be open.
And just like trail running, the hills become your friend – the more you do, the easier they seem to get. Once the hills become easier, then you’re onto mountains – and imagine how muscular your legs may get after that?!
In similarity, when you venture onto the most challenging path [trail running], the farther you go, the easier it is for you to accept the things that come at you. Your confidence develops as you gain a sense of accomplishment.
Instead of being pessimistic, you are an optimist – you’re strong minded, open to new challenges.
It’s the challenge snowball – eventually when faced with more life difficulties, instead of turning away, you run toward them like you would on a trail run in the most challenging of mountains yelling “BRING IT ON!”
Because you got this.
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