trail

Why Following an App Can Be a Bad Idea in the Mountains

In the age of smartphones and GPS, it’s tempting to rely solely on apps for navigation while trail running or hiking in the mountains. Apps like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, Komoot, and Strava Routes have made it easier than ever to discover new trails and plan routes. However, depending exclusively on these tools can lead to serious problems — and even life-threatening situations — when out in the wild.

Trail running, whether a short single-day race or a multi-day ultra, requires smart nutrition to maintain energy, avoid fatigue, and enhance recovery. The unique terrain, elevation changes, and duration of trail events place a higher demand on your body than road running. Here are some essential nutrition tips to keep you fuelled-up on the trails.

Most of us have been there. Snap, crackle, POP and your run is done. Just a loose rock, bad foot placement or a moment of distraction, and weeks or months of rehab lie ahead. Our ankles are particularly vulnerable out on technical trail, and once you’ve rolled them once, you’ve weakened one of your most powerful trail weapons.

Ankle strength can be a make or break (literally) for trail running performance. We rounded up two fresh perspectives on ankle health.

The Lyno Guy

Name: Mark Lindenberg

Summer is coming in HOT which means a change in how we approach our training and racing. Physical activity in hotter temperatures loads the strain on your body and cardiovascular system. As your body temperature rises, your body reacts with increased sweat production, your heart rate increases and your blood vessels dilate.

Heat cramps occur when you lose too much fluid and electrolytes through sweating. This can occur during a run, or hours afterwards.

The Trail Series® Phantom Rally (TSPR) is the new Wildrunner offering with all the buzz and vibe of the tried and tested Trail Series® format, just wrapped up in a socially distanced, masked and sanitized offering. From 1 July, trail lovers of every age and ability will be able to take part in a new race each month, experiencing the beauty and diversity of the Cape Trails in the only competitive (or non-competitive!) way.

South Africa is globally renowned for its accessible, wide open spaces. For those who were not raised clambering over rocks, skipping along cattle tracks or drinking from mountain streams, the idea of raising children to embrace the elements and celebrate mountain summits may seem far-fetched, or even questionable in terms of safety. But in a world lived digitally, many families have countered or collapsed screen time in favour of bringing up little wildlings, and the benefits are endless.

In most parts of South Africa, winter is the most beautiful time to hit the trails. Waterfalls, storm chasing, abundant plant life and good old puddle jumping are usually all the motivation we need to head to our favourite trail heads. But for those who are new to the idea of training through the cold months, here's some advice and inspiration to nail the season ahead.

Shorter, Faster

A combination of winter and Level 3 (at time of publication!) lockdown is the perfect time to get your stoke on with some mind blowing outdoor and adventure documentaries. We did a quick round up of five worth tagging. All currently available on Netflix.

What I Wish They Had Told Me

Words by Kim Stephens

Crossing over to trail from road running, or taking up trail running as a brand new hobby can take some adjustments, and there are surprises beyond the odd snake spotting that you might want to factor in.  Did you know, that plants sometimes fight back? That trail "running" can include ladders, ropes and chains? That your road pace means sweet nothing on a mountain run? A few trail gems shared their gems with us.