First Trail Run training...

katies180

Hello!

REposting this as no response in the fitness board. Hoping that there is someone out there who can help?

I have been roped into doing my first trail run the 20th July, the distance is 22km (or 16miles). It is a mountain trail run, lots of steep climbs, and long long climbs, with some rather steep descents. It is being hosted as a "warmer" in between two longer trails this summer, and so going to have a number of very serious runners.

I currently do "trail" runs around of 7km, running on the descent, and speed walking on the climb, 3 times a week.

I will be happy to complete the race, however my boyfriend and his mate have now decided they are going to do it, with the intention of beating my time whilst walking it (very french attitude). I am all for a bit of healthy competition, but now 22kms seems daunting!

Has anyone got any ideas on how I can progress? I know the rough layout of the race, and I know I need to build my distance up. Looking for any advice to complete this race with a decent time! Does anyone know what general time limits organiser put on trails? It climbs to 2500m.

Thank you for your time!

runfatmanrun

Like you said, you know you need to up your mileage and it will be a bit daunting at first. I would recommend as part of your training at least one hill run or hill repeats. There is nothing wrong with walking but the hill work wil definitely help. Not sure how hard your "trail" is currently but it could always be harder; maybe look for one that is. For most trail running, in my opinion, it's about time on feet. It's one thing to be able to run 16 miles, it's another to be able to be on your feet for 3.5 hours. Not sure if this makes any sense, hopefully it does.

katies180

Thank you for replying, I wasn't sure if anybody was active here! I am lucky to live in the mountains, so every time go out for a run I am pushed by steep climbs, and steep descents. 16miles on the flat is one thing, but 16miles with 1850m of climbing is going to be something else.

My training has come to a standstill, as when I was out on a 10k on a mountain path last Wednesday, I landed on my right ankle rather badly, nothing broken, but badly twisted, and got a large plastic support to wear for the moment. Got a visit with a specialist later this afternoon to see what the exact damage is, and how and when I can start training again... got to focus on healing, to avoid aggravating the injury. Very frustrating as I am not used to sitting still with zero activity, but no choice with a purple foot.

It isn't until July so staying hopeful that I will be able to do it, but got to learn how to crawl again!

runfatmanrun

Yeah, people aren't too active here that I have noticed. And obviously, it takes me a while to remember to come back lol. You are right, 16 miles does not equal 16 miles lol. Depending on how bad your ankle is July may still be doable. But definitely don't push it. Long term health is more important...and pretty sure this race will happen next year too. Plus there are likely other races later in the year...always good to have a contingency plan.

Kadi82

How did you go? I only just joined in here today. I'm training for the shorter courses (8-14km) summer series here. Its one race a month over Dec-March. Even though technically March isn't summer lol