Run the Wild Times

Exploring places... not running races.

2018 Winter Issue - No.20

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Welcome to our 2018 winter newsletter!

2018 has been a really exciting year for us from launching new running adventures, to seeing our film "The Spirit of Trail Running" win Best Trail Film in Las Vegas. We very much believe anyone can get involved in trail running and want to thank you for being part of Run the Wild this year. We've got plenty more adventures for you to get stuck into over 2019, so keep tuned!

In this newsletter you will find features on: top 5 tips to get you motivated this winter; the best trail running spots in the UK you should check out in 2019; date announced for RtW night run with Suprabeam head torches; why you should be hitting the slopes this winter; and a round-up of our 2019 calendar.

From everyone at RtW we wish you a very happy Christmas and hope to see you again in 2019!

The Team @ Run the Wild

Top 5 tips to get you motivated to run this winter

Written by Simon James for Runners Need

If you are reading this article, the chances are I don't need to wax lyrical about the joys of putting on a pair of trainers on a summer's evening and getting outdoors to enjoy the best of British weather, whether that's racing through rolling green countryside or sprinting past the crowds that are gathering outside the pub on the Thames.

However, in just a few weeks, you’ll only see the seven measly hours of daylight at the weekend, or while popping out to get a sandwich at lunch. Or perhaps for the countryfiles, where winter running means being knee deep in muddy trails, you’ll be trying to spot tree roots, horse manure, or quagmire (all nicely blended to the same shade of brown) and then spending the subsequent hour cleaning the trail you left through the house on the way from front door to shower. A lack of street-lit runs will mean it’s either once round the block, a lonely head torch run through the Blair Witch inspired woods, or turning your running hobby into a weekend only activity. Either way, winter means it’s tough to get outside and get motivated for even the most dedicated of runners.

For some people, the "congratulations, you have a place" magazine from the Virgin Money 2019 London Marathon, which dropped onto your doorstep just as the clocks changed, is enough to start putting some serious training in. But for others, training for training’s sake at this time of year takes an extra human effort. I am most certainly one of these, despite having notched up numerous (and respectable, even if not impressive) marathon times, as well as a number of ultras. Below are a few suggestions, but there really is only one motivator behind them all... Give your running meaning.

So...what do I mean by that?

Continue reading...

Find out why the dark matters!

UK Adventures - Night Run

Every trail runner should know how to efficiently run in the dark! On this dark evening, in the depths of winter we will take you through the techniques of trail running at night. From looking at different types of head torches to how best to avoid trail furniture, we will help you master this exciting but often tricky facet of trail running. Join us this 28th February 2019 for just £10 per entry.

Registration includes; fully guided 11km trail run in the Chilterns just 30mins by train from London, led by qualified mountain trail running guide / England Athletic coaches with advice and tips on trail running at night, multi-day adventures and ultra runs, free usage of head torches from Suprabeam (the cutting edge of head torch technology), discounts with Suprabeam, Runners Need, Cotswold Outdoors, Snow+Rock, Cycle Surgery, Montane and Be Fit Apps.

Places are limited! Sign-up here!

Can skiing make you a better trail runner?

Sally Chapman from Inspired to Ski

Sally Chapman from Inspired to Ski is a keen trail runner and joined us a few years ago in Chamonix on one of our Introduction to the Alps weekend. Here is her take on why trail running and skiing compliment each other so well!

Cross country skiing without doubt can improve your cardiovascular system and strength for running and we all know that many of the alpine trail runners, such as the iconic Kilian Jornet are also ski mountaineers. However, this sport is not quite so popular with British holiday skiers who have just one week holiday a year on the slopes. So can downhill skiing help your running fitness?

Skiing for many is similar to the ‘pick me up feelings’ of running in the mountains, enjoying the scenery, taking in the fresh air, enjoying the sensations underfoot, and in many ways shares the same adrenaline rush with running down a beautiful alpine trail. But also, just as with trail running, it only really comes to life if you have the tools (muscle strength) and techniques at your disposal. Skiing is a bit like moving around a gym, you can focus on a set of muscle groups, your cardio system, flexibility, agility and motor skills to work all areas of fitness, it depends what your target is, but to gain all round fitness you need them all.

Most recreational skiers tend to clamp their boots and skis on, perhaps once a year and off they go, relying on what they have learnt, copied and using their equipment as the main source to balance against and break their inevitable speeds down the slopes. The tendency is to try to fit the 'same turn’, that they have learnt, into all the conditions they meet on the mountain. If you are capable and confident enough to use ‘brute force and strength’, you can possibly get away with this for a short period of time! Especially, when it may only happen one week a year. However, sooner or later you and your body will come unstuck. This is perhaps why ladies are so much keener to be in control of what they are doing, learn how to control their speed and line, whereas, sometimes men, will utilise more strength, battling against the speed with some sense of accomplishment, albeit, not that efficiently or effectively, tilting on ‘lack of control’. Maybe an adrenaline drive in itself! This can be related to most sports, your fitness, the skills you learn and practice make you a better player. For example, tennis or golf, you can learn one or two strokes/shots which then allows you to play a sort of game but it would never give you the true picture of playing the whole game.

Although with skiing, you can get away with just one or two skills for a while and with the help of gravity and your equipment find yourself moving down a slope. This form of skiing is not at all effective in improving fitness, strength or agility. It is more likely you will end up back at the chalet or hotel early, resting a strained, sore, injured muscle or limb. Learning to control your speed and line, using your equipment to do this, but more importantly being completely aware of what you are doing at any given point, how you can slow down, speed up, change direction, stop on ice, hop over a bump and so on. This is very much like running down hill or off road, where you know you have to let momentum take you but you can not completely let it overrule your body, you must soften the decent, keep core strength, flow naturally dependent on the terrain in front of you but in control, using your equipment for, trail shoes, poles, and swerving side to side to take care of your footing on more undulating, wet terrain. The similarities of balancing control, technique and speed in running and skiing have many similarities and certainly compliment each other as you become more aware, so long as you do it right! The similarities don't end there, from gaining confidence in alpine terrain, and for those who want to get better at running downhill; to gaining greater balance, core strength and proprioception often come with skiing at a better level.

The enjoyment can come, not just from the speed down the hill but the speed around the curve you make on the snow, learning to do this efficiently will not only improve your general fitness but will undoubtedly give you are much more rewarding decent!

It's why thinking about a ski course is a really good idea. The instructors can work on giving you these tools, tips and skills to utilise and focus on. Whether you are a novice skier or an advanced skier, skiing is about utilising your equipment, body and mind, to aid your flow down a mountain with the feeling of being in control and knowing what to do when. You'll soon find you're not just a better skiier, but maybe better on those downhill trails too!

Inspired to Ski offer full week courses or 3 day Performance courses in the French Alps as well as available to purchase the 'Pock’It Instructor books’, providing you with numerous tools, tips to focus on when. If you'd like to know more then check out their website here: www.inspiredtoski.com

Our pick of the best trails in the UK

Coaching Magazine

Sticking to the same handful of routes puts you on the fast track to a running rut, especially if you’re a city dweller pounding grey pavements. Admittedly, it’s hard to be adventurous when it’s a struggle even to squeeze a run into your schedule, but it’s well worth setting aside some time on a weekend and making a weekend of it because the UK has some extraordinary trail-running spots, and there’s sure to be one within a few hours of where you are.

Click here to read our top recommendations.

Give the gift of running this Christmas!

UK & Europe Adventures

Our gift certificates make the perfect present for runners, including yourself ;-). From 1 to 1 guided adventures to epic alpine trails, there's something for all. Available to purchase here.

Keep warm this winter with Run the Wild gear!

Run the Wild caps available to purchase for £15. Also our high quality "Superdry" style hoodies for £40 and our highly functional morfs (like a buff) with Run the Wild logo for £10. All for sale on our website. Click here for more info

The 2019 Running Adventure Calendar

UK Adventures

TECHNICAL SERIES: NIGHT RUN
Date: 29th February 2019
7 Miles over an evening

CHILTERN HILLS CHALLENGE
Date: 30-31st March 2019
36 Miles over 2 Days

DISCOVER RUN THE WILD

Date: 13th April 2019
13.1 Miles over 0.5 Day

European Alps Adventures

RUNNING & YOGA (only 3 places left!)
Date: 7-9th June 2019
16 Miles over 2 Days

INTRODUCTION TO THE ALPS
Date: 14th-16th June 2019
16 Miles over 2 Days

TOUR DU MONT BLANC
Date: 11th-18th July 2019
104 Miles over 6 Days

INTERMEDIATE ALPS
Date: 13th-15th September 2019
20 Miles over 2 Days

Gear Partners

Our trusted partners are: Hoka One One,
Cotswold Outdoor, Runners Need, Snow + Rock, Julbo, Montane and Suprabeam.

We secure discounts with some of our partners so if you partake in a holiday with us you will also benefit. Kit is important and it's often a costly investment that is there to look after you. You'll also get plenty of gear advice on any one of our trips from packs to poles. If in doubt about what to buy before a trip please get in touch.

What makes us different?

When you join a Run the Wild trip you are looked after from beginning to end, you become part of Run the Wild. Your qualified guide is a member of the Run the Wild team and is supported throughout the trip by a Run the Wild logistic team including refreshments stops of local produce. We include dinner on the first night in all our adventures. There are no hidden charges. We are passionate about you having a running adventure of a lifetime, making friends and hitting the trails. Find out more here.

"Exploring places... not running races."

Keep in touch!

This newsletter is a regular feature but if you'd like to keep up to date please follow us on the usual channels as well as keeping an eye on the website. We also want to hear from you about your favourite trails. If you'd like to submit an article for the newsletter please email us.