advice

As summer returns slowly to our lives with all the beauty and delight of a long-lost lover, our thoughts move to hydration on the trails. Well also late, muggy evenings beneath the stars, beach runs and holidays… but hydration on the trails is up there with our summer dreaming! Carrying sufficient drinking water from the beginning of your run is critical, but what happens when you run dry? We interviewed some environmental experts to find out more on what to avoid, and when it’s safe to drink your fill.

First in a series of “know when to panic!” advice pieces. You carry all your compulsory kit, but do you know how and when to use it? We aren’t always able to keep our feet rubber side down, so here is some advice on what to do when… well, when there is blood. How to handle your own, or a fellow runners’ abrasions, gashes, punctures, scrapes, skinned knees and dramatic face plants on the trails.

“You’ve decided to pursue the ultimate challenge, harder than any ultra or any FKT: you’re bringing a tiny trail runner into the world.” - Megan Janssen.

Work, Eat, Sleep repeat. This is a normal routine for people across the world. A select few try to add a fourth item to the list. Work, eat, train, sleep (sometimes), repeat. This is a tough routine to stick to but is very rewarding. Suddenly you find you have an extra bundle of joy in the house and training goes out the window. Thus you decide to take on the ultimate challenge.

Heading out into the mountains for a day of technical trails is a recipe for never ending enjoyment but if you hit a downhill unprepared a small slip can lead to a twisted ankle or worse. Lisa Jhung has 4 helpful pieces of advice to help you get comfortable on the downhills.

Most people have tried to ‘choose your line’ (take the path of least resistance). Others have tried looking where they want to run rather than where they don’t. Others still have tried the masterful wide arm swing for extra balance. This is what Lisa Jhung recommends.

Sam Murphy from Runners World says "A half marathon is a big step up if you’re new to the distance." Read more of his hints and tips below and start training for your first half marathon! 

Caitlyn Carlson explores shin splints and how to prevent them. 

Ever heard of that saying, ‘all the gear and no idea”? It’s usually aimed at trail runners who arrive at the start line with every single piece of gear known to mankind. You know the ones; compression socks, arm warmers, multi-layered tops, elite tights, a cap with a Buff securing it in place, the trendiest hydration pack, GPS watches, slow-release magnesium patches. You name it, they’re sporting it. Generally speaking, they’re overtaken by the majority of the field in the first few kays (who are wearing far less gear I might add).