Winter running, cross-country and trail running.

Winter running - Trail running. Running with adventure and gorgeous surroundings.

Winter is the best time to get off the road and have some fun on the trails and the participation and enthusiasm behind trail running is souring. The Tough Guy and Girl event series has continued to grow each year, it is considered fun; they make the most of the rain and mud, the more the better to make it fun. The event focuses on the social side of running, no barriers for those who want to give it a go, and in a way you are distracted from the running by challenges, and people that you easily achieve a 6km run.

Similar in concept but more to my liking, 5 years ago I did discover the Auckland Xterra series, what changed my idea of running. After a few years focusing on road running where comparing times was the goal, the Xterra series brought adventure and variation to running, it takes you to gorgeous locations running through trees, streams, mud, hills and sand. You can run fast if you choose, but it plays to all strengths, those that are great in mud, or down hills, the technical challenge, and the mental strength to keep going through the sand and up the hill. Why road runs are getting flatter so you can get your ultimate time, the trial runs put in great big hills that you slog up then you recover as you race down the next side, the mental focus it requires is fantastic a great way to make time fly. Times are hard to compare between races as the variation can be so big, so it is a good excuse to just enjoy the run and ignore your watch.

The trail running events around the country are all great for building strength and use a much larger range of muscles as you run, slip, stride, scramble and splash through the tracks, they are a great way to release some steam, meet some great people, see some great places, and enjoy a beer, cider and sausage sizzle at the end. All over by midday you are home for a shower and relaxing afternoon.

Training.

Well that is up to you, you can go from a

- Just run the event weekend warrior training

- Follow a training plan to build up the your race distance over the series

- Follow a training plan what incorporates the events as trainings for the spring and summer series runs at the end of the year,

- Run the same distance option over the series, challenge yourself and try to improve your placing in each run over the events.

If you are ready for a training plan I can build one to suit you and your goals.

The Auckland Xterra series, has a short, mid, long and super long options, my favourite is usually the mid and long events. Strength training and intervals are the essentials for this type of running, you need quick recovery after bouts of intensity, the bootcamp training style is great during the week fitness, then get some hill training in, practice and get use to running in mud and uneven surfaces.

I recommend buying a pair of trail shoes as you get into the longer distances, they will be your lifesaver, making you feel safe and balanced, light and nimble, go somewhere like Trek and travel here in Hamilton, Innov8, Solomon, Ice Bugs are all favourites brands of mine.

If you want a specific training plan to take you through the events please contact me to discuss your goals. Hopefully this gives you some inspiration, if you are interested to find out more, as you can tell I am highly passionate about it and happy to talk trails and training for trails.

anna.a_pt@yahoo.co.nz

The Auckland Xterra trail series is in full swing now with event #2 this weekend at Shakespare, we also have in the Waikato the:

• Tauhara Trail Run –July

• Kinloch off road challenge - September

• The Taniwha – November

• Weekly runs with the Waikato trail running group.

Fun for the whole family, a great article by a family who have all fallen in love with trail running.