Running On The Wild Side

0
3016

One With Nature

Pounding on that hard pavement after a rough’s day of work isn’t exactly an ideal way to break free. The aching joints and eyes are desperately craving for a change of scenery. Yes we understand, running on asphalt or concrete is convenient but there’s chatter in road running that won’t go away, moving cars, bikers, strollers, people who walk and text at the same time. With trail running, it is immensely relaxing to escape the stressful everyday life and just focus on the beautiful surrounding and on your next few strides.

You don’t even need to bring along your earphones and Ariana Grande’s latest hits. The soundtrack of nature buzzing is inviting enough. There’s nothing more soothing than inhaling fresh air without the added carbon monoxide pollution. Stanford University researchers have conducted a study, in which they discovered running in nature can help decrease anxiety and other negative thoughts more so than in an urban setting.

Stay Motivated

No doubt when training for a traditional marathon, your training runs can feel stale. Logging the same daily route gets monotonous quickly for runners and trail running can be a good way to recharge motivation. Running in the trails can be a refreshing change and gives you something to look forward to. In time, you may find that trail running also benefits your road running pursuits too, because of its ability to strengthen both your endurance and speed capacities.

Malaysia has its fair share of trail running events to encourage more people to join this sport. We are blessed with the access to some of the most incredible terrain you can wish for hiking, walking and trail running. Few of the trail running events in Malaysia includes The Most Beautiful Thing (TMBT) and the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon. The Most Beautiful Thing (TMBT) is a trail running event that will bring you through some of the most impressive sceneries along the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. Deemed the World’s Toughest Mountain Race, The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is the ultimate challenge for those that are game enough by running up and down Mount Kinabalu for a total distance of 23 kilometres. The Magnificent Merapoh Trail (TMMT) is also one not to miss. You will be able to run through the beautiful trail of Merapoh, caves and wade through rivers.

Off-road running can be enjoyed by athletes of all experience levels, but here are some dos and don’ts to get you started. As beginners, it’s best to go along with company or trail running groups and enjoy the trails together! Trail specific footwear, this is one we can’t stress enough. Road running shoes work just fine on smooth trails. But when the going gets rougher, your footwear should get tougher. Plenty of seasoned trail runners also emphasize on not damaging the trails that you run on. The sole should be sturdy enough to protect your feet from sharp rocks and sticks while providing a good grip to safely navigate a variety of terrain, both wet and dry.

Don’t let those trails intimidate you. After all it’s just dirt. Feel the “zen” within as you disconnect from the stresses of the world. Get a new lease on adventure and start trail running!

“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep, and
miles to go before I sleep”

ROBERT FROST

1
2
SHARE
Previous articleLung-busting Workout
Next articleAbsolutely Radishing!
RUNNING MALAYSIA is the first running magazine in Malaysia that puts forward the best of the interest of all runners across the nation, may they be running for fun, fitness, or races.Dedicated to deliver the latest running news, events, tips, gadget features, nutrition and wellness advice, Running Malaysia is the one-stop source for information of running enthusiasts and athletes from amateur to experienced ones.