It is clear that for some time now the call of the mountains has been heard by many runners and athletes around the globe. The popularity of trail running, that discipline that is characterized by running through nature with the help of running shoe has exploded and has expanded popularly to reach its maximum historical relevance.
That's why many of you who are reading this article will be wondering: how can I start running in the mountains? What type of race, within the many distances and modalities that exist, would suit a beginner? If these are some of your concerns about trail running, do not worry because from RUNNEA we are going to give you the keys to perfectly choose the goal that best suits you. Attention!
The 6 keys to choose your first trail running race
If you are already convinced and you not only like to train in the mountains, but you also want to compete, you have to be very attentive to certain factors when choosing your first race.
Previous research
It is vital to make a small preliminary analysis of all the trail running races that exist. The types of distances, the modalities or even the geographical area (type of climate) have a great influence on the outcome of the race. In addition, knowing first hand, whenever possible, certain sections of the route, to assimilate the type of terrain and the efforts involved in the different sections would also be a way to analyze the test.
Distance and difficulty
If there is something important in your decision, that is, of course, the distance and difficulty of the race you want to face. As we usually say, getting a race number is not a difficult task (except for special occasions and races), what is really difficult is to face the challenge with the maximum guarantees, and that can only be achieved by honestly recognizing the level, both physical and mental in which you find yourself, and not wanting to assume difficulties that you can not overcome.
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GO TO THE RECOMMENDERIn trail running there are many modalities of distance and difficulty, from the shortest and explosive (vertical kilometers), to the longest and most demanding (ultra marathons). In between, surely, some of the best to take your first steps. Options such as 10k or half marathons in the mountains are excellent options to get started in the world of trail running, as long as you have previous experience and the right training, either thanks to asphalt running or thanks to hiking.
Mountain ultramarathons should never be your first objective as they are races that require a lot of physical and psychological preparation, as well as previous experience.
At the end of the day, it is not at all recommended to start with any ultramarathon project, as they are races that require a lot of physical and psychological preparation, as well as experience, nor in vertical kilometers, which despite being of short distance, their difficulty lies in the great difference in altitude to be overcome in a short distance.
Race profile
Unevenness. One of the words that is most associated with the mountain and that should be of most concern to any mountain runner. Because if there is something clear for an athlete in the world of running is that it is not even similar to run 42 kilometers on asphalt, on the flat, than to do it going up and down mountains, with miles meters of accumulated positive and negative slope.
The profile of the race, that is, the analysis of the ups and downs of the race, is essential, and one of the most important factors to consider when choosing or preparing for a race. We must know our body, know if we are able to, for example, withstand a prolonged climb of several kilometers and hundreds of meters of elevation gain, after having run for miles.
Running technique is essential when facing the different sections of the race, from the simplest trails or compact tracks, through muddy or greasy terrain or technical surfaces. Each and every one of these situations causes a different wear and tear on our body and we must know our response to them in order to know if we can cope with them.
Therefore, it is advisable in these cases not to get carried away and start with races whose profiles are not very steep. Running races, with compact trails and tracks, with a gentle slope that allows you to enjoy the race and not have big downhills (very often due to sections of slope in the race).
Organization and logistics
Once you have found the race that meets your objectives and, of course, appeals to you, it's time to prepare. The logistics of the race is a fundamental point because of which many challenges are either not met or not met. It is important to have clear basic aspects such as date, place, accommodation or transportation.
It seems incredible, but no matter how well trained you may be, depending on, for example, the climate of the geographical area in which you run (if it is very different from what you are used to in temperature or humidity), where you sleep the day before (apartment, van, mattress or pillow that you are not used to ...) or the hours of car, train or plane you have invested to get there, your result can be very different.
If you have to be more concerned about not being neutralized at one of the cut-off points than enjoying the race and the scenery, you are not up to the challenge.
However, leaving aside these previous factors, a vital point is the organization of the race day. As the most important aspects we would recommend to be clear about the number of refreshment posts that exist and their typology (liquid, solid, with or without assistance...) and to have a plan of action in each of them (that are considered necessary) as well as in the rest of important sectors of the race, such as steep sections (positive or negative), sliding areas, technical steps or even cut-off points.
However, we will always defend that if in a trail race, you have to be more aware of not being neutralized in any of the cut-off points than enjoying the race and the scenery, you are not ready to face the challenge. After all, the idiosyncrasy of this type of races, unlike, many times, the asphalt running, is not to improve your time or lower the stopwatch, but simply to finish. But it is not worth doing it in any way, putting your health at risk.
Environment and scenery
As we have advanced, the mountain has something that very few other sports competitions can give you, and that is the ability to amaze you at every step. While in other disciplines the route is simply an excuse to cover the target distance, we could say that in trail running it is almost the opposite. Many of the races have as a banner to reach certain places, certain peaks or points of interest, rather than filling kilometers for the sake of filling.
Without idealizing it, since there is everything in the world, the organizers seek to offer circuits in which the challenge is surrounded by an incomparable setting. Running through some of the most exciting natural landscapes in the world is an incentive that can offer you the extra motivation that asphalt may not be able to give you. Undoubtedly, a point in favor to keep you motivated and, in addition, to know safely landscapes and mountain regions.
Safety
And speaking of safety, last but not least, we should pay attention to our protection during the race. While it is true that the organization does everything in its power to maintain the safety of the runners, it is up to each of them to be properly prepared for sudden weather changes, the type of terrain, self-protection in case of accident or proper hydration and nutrition.
Evacuation in the event of an accident is much more complex than in any asphalt race and the weather can play tricks on even the most experienced runners.
It is vital to read the race regulations in full, as well as the last minute communications, in order to take with you all the necessary mandatory material that the organization considers appropriate. Keep in mind that evacuation in case of accident is much more complex than in any asphalt race, and that the weather can play tricks on even the most experienced runners.
From the trail running shoes you choose to wear to the strategic assistance points along the race. You must know to the millimeter and without fissures the protocols of action that will avoid any misfortune in the mountains. In conclusion, as appealing and attractive as it may seem, trail running involves a series of risks for which every runner must be prepared and have sufficient experience. Therefore, do not venture to choose a race at the limit of your possibilities because, from one moment to the next, its difficulty may increase and you may not be up to the task. Always keep your head out there.
After having explained the most important factors when choosing your first trail running race, or in fact, any race you intend to do within the discipline, not only the first one, it is clear that crossing the finish line depends much more on your knowledge, experience and preparation, than on your desire.
So yes, we invite and encourage you to be part of a world full of good atmosphere, great challenges and unique experiences, but to do it accordingly. Stay trained, prepare your goals in advance, recognize the route, its characteristics and difficulties, analyze and prepare the logistics that you will carry out and above all do not forget to stay safe and not take unnecessary risks. And also, of course, enjoy yourself. You will be surrounded by some of the best landscapes on the planet, do not miss it and raise your head.
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