why i run on trails

Today was my long run. I have 5 weeks to go until my first half marathon in about 6 years. This is actually my first trail half marathon ever.

Running isn’t easy. It’s hard on the body. It requires discipline, dedication, flexibility, planning. It’s best to see running as a journey, as something you do for yourself with the benefit of health and longevity. If you don’t do it because you are in love with running, then you will falter and stop.

When I started, I ran on the street. I spent years running on the street, even getting up at 5 in the morning to run. Then I found trail running.

Trail running is dynamic. No matter how many times I run a trail, it’s a new experience. The conditions change. The weather changes. I approach each run as a new problem to be solved. I have the tools, the past experience, to run the trail in the best way for me.

Today would have been a good run. However, I stumbled on the trail and had to stick to the black top to finish my long run. Fortunately, I was running with a friend and was able to finish my mileage.