Seeking Energy From Trail

Once a week I run on the trail with Golconda Fort in the backdrop, as a part of my marathon training. It takes around 18 - 20 minutes to complete it from end to end given my current fitness level. By the end of a single loop, the legs and lungs start feeling the difficulty of the trail but now I have built up enough endurance to do four round trips of this beautiful trail.

Running on this trail always gives me a welcome break from road running. I simply love running in the nature with the majestic fort overlooking me and smiling as the sun rises behind it gradually. I am always the first one to break the cobwebs, formed overnight, and start running on this trail. There are many army cross country teams practicing there to gain the obvious benefits. Running on this trail gives me a primal feeling and it feels like my legs are getting required energy from the broken path as if they are roots of a tree.

The fresh air in that area is a welcome break from the pollution on the roads. I am quite selfish and possessive about this trail and have revealed its actual location to a very few because I fear that people will spoil it. Though the local populace around this area knows about this place but they are more interested in playing cricket or volley ball in the low grounds. I bet they feel like playing in a stadium because of the elevated trail path around it.

There are numerous benefits of running on trails. I will enumerate a few.

1. STRONGER LEGS - The continuous climbing and descending and running on uneven surface strengthens all the muscles of the legs especially ankle, calf and quads.

2. STRONGER CORE - The constant endeavor to maintain balance on the undulating surface works the core and is great stimulant.

3. PLYOMETRICS - Hit the trails and you will get the benefits of all kinds of plyometrics workout. Cross country running mimics plyos because of constant jumping over rocks, long hops over bushes or ditch etc. In turn, difference is felt while running on road as the strides become stronger.

4. INCREASED METABOLISM - Running on trails induces faster metabolism even after finishing the workout because of the regular intervals uphill and downhill. So, it means continuous fat burn even at rest.

Yesterday evening I had hit the trail again. I did one loop as a warm up and then decided to do each upslope twice. There are 5 major upslopes on this trail so by the time I finished the 10th interval, my legs were trashed. It felt so good and orgasmic that I can't describe the feelings. Sweating out does make you feel bad ass. Try it folks! Find a trail and run or hike it. It will recharge your dead batteries. It may not be next to your home, so if required drive to its start like I do. You will love it.