Take advantage of tougher conditions to build strength mentally and physically.

For those who enjoy the warmer weather, winter trail running can be challenging and requires a notably different mindset. Shorter days and less light can make it hard to leave the house  - especially when it's cold and damp outside. We can try to romanticise frost-covered pathways blended with stunning countryside trails, but in reality, lower temperatures can just as easily bring ankle-deep mud and flooded routes. The endless cycle of wet socks and mud-caked trainers can be off-putting. However, there are several benefits to hitting the trails when your motivation is lacking, making it worth lacing up for.

Get flexible.

Trail running has long been recognised as a great way to bring strength and conditioning benefits to the whole body. Winter, however, can up the ante. Tougher conditions underfoot mean we are forced to engage our core, foot and ankle muscles for balance and flexibility. Mix up your routes with plenty of hills, and you’ll also increase overall leg strength and improve your cardio. Remember to warm up before running and implement a good stretching routine afterwards to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Get uncomfortable.

Trails make us tough mentally too. Taking on the trails means concentrating and focusing completely so we don’t get lost or fall over. The more you do it, the more your confidence will increase. If you’re training for a long run or an ultra, this kind of running is invaluable for building the mental skills needed to get you to the finish.

Similarly, going out, whatever the weather, and accepting that you’re going to get muddy, cold or wet requires digging a little deeper but is excellent for building resilience. Take warm clothes and dry socks for afterwards and bask in the glory of doing something so challenging. 

Building Motivation.

If you’re still struggling to find good reasons to get out there and enjoy green spaces in the colder months, why not sign up for a race to keep your training on track? Rope a friend in with you for accountability and enjoy training together. A race atmosphere is great for raising your spirits and joining other people. Look for a race with a supportive tail-runner or a generous cut-off so you don’t feel pressured. Take a look at our next event, The Wallop - a fully supported 21k trail through the stunning Farleigh Wallop estate.  

If a race feels too much, join a club or group that offers guided running so you can enjoy the social benefits.  At Blended Trails, we hold a free guided run at all paces once a month in various locations around Hampshire.

Click here for details.