WFC Runners: WFC Runners

News

This week was a quiet one with regards local races this didn't stop Fit Clubbers smashing out some amazing times at parkrun. Despite the scorching weather Simon Elliott cracked the 28 minute barrier for the first time with an amazing time of 27:26. My little legged Olivia also broke her PB at Moors Valley parkrun, going under 29 mins for the first time with 28:44 on a hilly, mostly trail, course (write-up below). Special mention also to Jo Hindle for reaching 150 parkruns!

This week's running session saw the Runners head to Barton Meadows for a mixed bag session. Mixing up flat sprints with longer hill efforts saw the group work all aspects of their running. It was a hot, hard session which again mixed hard work with a lot of fun.

Read all about it here: http://wfcrunners.blogspot.com/2018/06/wfc-runners-thursday-28th-june.html

Trail Running

With no race reports this week I thought I would do a piece about trail running. Over the summer we have spent a fair bit of time running off road and it varies quite a bit from normal road running. In researching it, I found the following on Runner’s world. It is a good 21 step guide to trail running so I thought that rather than re-inventing the wheel I would cut and paste it for your enjoyment!

1/ No single trail is the same

One of the many things I love about trail running is that every trail has its own unique terrain and challenge. There are groomed trails that are wide, limestone-based and often even in surface, which make for a great introduction to running off the road. And then there are narrow "single-track" trails with a variety of obstacles, including tree roots, rocks, sand, hills, mud and more. Single-track trails tend to be more challenging in nature and offer a dynamic running experience.

2/ Leave your ego at home

Running off road can be exhausting at first, and it may take you up to twice as long as your normal run, especially in the early stages of training. It’s wise to leave your ego at home, slow your pace and focus on finding a new rhythm. In a matter of weeks, you’ll be running up hills you used to walk, and you’ll develop a sense of being one with the terrain.

3/ Keep it safe

When heading out to the trails, make sure to run with your friends or dog, tell someone where you are going and which trail, and take a mobile with you for safety. Leave a note with your planned course and bring fuel and fluids. If possible, take a trail map and ID with you, and keep track of where you are along the trail as you go. Always be mindful of what’s going on around you.

4/ Know the rules of the trail

Stop for other trail users (equestrian, hikers, mountain bikers). Uphill runners should pause for downhill runners. Stay on marked trails and run through puddles, not around them (making the trail wider). Leave no trace, and don't litter.

5/ Keep your eyes on the trail

It can be tempting to look at the nature around you, but doing so can quickly lead to tripping and falling. If you want to enjoy the sights, walk it out or stop; otherwise, focus on looking three to four feet ahead to create a line of travel, or where you going to step for the next few strides. This will keep you focused and in the moment -- one of the true gifts of trail running. You will begin to instinctively know where that line is as you become more comfortable running on the trails.

6/ Slow down

Running on trails can be a lot more demanding than the roads, especially if it's a technical single-track trail with roots, rocks, and other fun obstacles. It is best to avoid comparing your pace, as you will be slower than your normal road-running pace. Instead, slow your pace and develop a trail tempo. Run by your effort level, by your heart rate and by the tune of your body. For new trail runners, that may mean walking the hills and running the downhills and flats.

7/ Be mindful of your time

Because the trails are more demanding, it’s wise to run by time at first to gain a sense of your trail pacing versus heading out for a 6-miler that might take you 40 minutes longer than expected. Running an out-and-back course is a great way to get to know your pace and develop your trail running confidence. From there, you can develop loops and routes to fit your needs.

8/ Change gears

Adjust your pace according to the terrain, and maintain a consistent effort level as you climb uphill. When in doubt, walk. Running over downed trees or through mud and sand takes some time getting used to, and it’s best to progress slowly. Tackling obstacles will get easier as your body gets stronger and more seasoned on trails.

9/ Trail shoes

If you’re going to weave trail running into your life, it’s wise to invest in a pair of trail running shoes. They differ from road-running shoes in that they're lower profile (lower to the ground), which reduces the chance of ankle rolls with a high heel. The rugged tread offers better traction on muddy, wet trails. They should fit snug in the heel but have room in the toe box.

10/ Take care of your trail shoes

Remove the insoles, wash off the mud, and stuff with newspaper or paper towels to dry.

11/ Accessorise

Although many trails provide shaded routes, it’s still wise to wear sunscreen. Sunglasses, dark or light, will protect your eyes from tree braches and bushes. Wearing a hat and bug spray will help prevent insect bites and ticks.

12/ Carry fluids

Bringing hydration with you on a trail run is a must, as you never know how long it is going to take to complete the workout. Some days might take longer than others due to mud, water crossings and more.

13/ Grab some poles

For steep, hilly or mountainous trails, consider using trekking poles to boost aid with balance, reduce wear and tear on your body (four legs good, two legs bad), and boost your hill-climbing strength. Using poles reduces the total impact on the knees and hips, and even helps you burn more calories. Plus, you can put rubber pieces on the sticks and use them on the roads, too!

14/ Be the hill

Take short, quick steps when going up hills, and use your arms. Some hills are meant to be walked, especially on the technical trails. Tell your ego that most ultra runners walk the hills and run the downs and flats -- it’s a trail thing, and it’s okay to walk (promise)! For gradual downhills on groomed trails, lean into the downhill, open your stride and let the hill pull you down. For technical downhills or steep hills, it’s better to use a stair-stepping motion instead; move in a similar motion as you would running down a flight of stairs, keeping your torso tall and letting your legs to do all the work.

15/ Use your arms!

Keep your arms (elbows) a little wider for added balance on more technical trails with tree roots and rocks. Your stride is a little different than on the roads because you will need to clear rocks and tree roots and lift your feet a little higher off the ground. You also may need to hop left or right to bypass things on the path like tree branches.

16/ Improve your trail skills

Just as running intervals will improve your speed, running obstacle repeats on the trail will help create new neuro-pathways and boost your technical trail running skills. For example, run 10-15 minutes to warm up, then find a technical stretch of the trail and run repeats, focusing on form and finding your line. Include optimal recovery as you would with a speed interval, start with shorter trail segments (20-60 seconds), and build to longer stretches (1-3 minutes).

17/ Get strong and balanced

Another way to improve your trail running performance is to include strength and balance exercises into your regimen two to three times per week, including: lunges on a pad or stability disk, single leg squats, bridge, push-ups, dips, dead lifts, calf raises, and using a wobble board to develop foot and ankle strength and stability.

18/ Moderation and recovery

It can be tempting to hit the trails frequently at first, but it’s wise to allow for adequate recovery, as trail running - especially hilly, technical runs - will tax your body more than you may feel. When you run hard or long on the roads, you feel it, but when you run hard on the trails, you may not due to the more forgiving terrain. Make sure to weave in trail runs once per week at first and then progress slowly by adding one trail run per week every two to three weeks.

19/ Run within your means

When in doubt, slow it down or walk through it. As you gain trail running fitness and skill, your ability to navigate more technical terrain or hills will improve; until then, be cautious and run within your skill level.

20/ Split it in half

If you plan to run a trail race, aim to build up to running at least twice a week on trails (50 percent of your runs) and the rest on roads. Balancing the two will allow you to adapt to the new demands of the trail while maintaining the ability to run on harder surfaces without soreness. Start with training on groomed trails, and progress to rugged trails once you have more off-road miles under your belt.

21/ Find trails near you

There are a variety of ways to find trails near your home and on your travels. Connect with local running stores, nature reserves, national parks, social networking and, of course, Google. While you’re at it, make sure to ask about the specific nature of the trail, including wild animals, hazards, bathrooms anything you may need to know when running in a new area.

Winchester Half Marathon - Volunteers needed!

Some of you may have seen the post by Lynn on the WhatsApp group about the Winchester Half Marathon needing volunteers for this year's race. The race is on Sunday 23rd September and needs over 300 volunteers to be successful.

By volunteering you get free entry into next year's race.

If you are interested please follow this link: http://winchesterhalf.co.uk/get-involved/win-city-marshal/

Race Calendar

Here is an updated race calendar. If you have any others that you wish to add, please let me know!

Overton 5 - 2nd September 2018
http://www.overtonharriers.org.uk/club-races/overton-5/

New Forest Half - 9th September
http://southernrunningguide.com/race/new-forest-half-marathon

Baccus Marathon and Half – 9^th September

https://www.209events.com/uk-running-events/surrey_bacchus_marathon_and_half_marathon

Meon Valley Express 5km, 10km and Half - 16th September
https://www.eventrac.co.uk/listed-races/meon-valley-express

Hursley 10km - 16th September
https://www.hursley10k.co.uk

The Lake Run, Andover 10km and 5km – 16^th Septembver

https://www.andover10klakerun.co.uk/

Winchester Half Marathon – 23^rd September

http://winchesterhalf.co.uk/