Running on high terrains is an adventurous sport that offers a unique set of challenges. For active runners who long for an exciting experience, mountain top trail running is the perfect way to embrace difficult altitude challenges and take their running experience to the next level. This article will explore the thrilling and unique opportunities that mountain top trail running presents to dedicated runners, as well as essential tips for embracing the challenge of high altitude running.
1. Climbing to New Heights: Exploring Mountain Top Trail Running
Mountain top trail running is a thrilling activity suitable for even the most experienced outdoor adventurer. It reaches for the rooftops, giving runners the opportunity to leave the hustle and bustle of the city below. With your head in the clouds, you’ll experience unparalleled views and landscapes.
When trail running, there are essential items to remember. Firstly, make sure you’ve got the right footwear. The terrain can be rough and rugged, so ensure you have a sturdy pair of shoes that can grip and protect your feet. Don’t forget to bring:
- Reusable water bottle
- Sun protection
- Fleece
- Nutrients/snacks
- Map/GPS
Regardless of how high you climb, a trail running trip brings with it a unique dose of tranquility. As you get further away from the routines of the everyday, you breath fresh mountain air and hear the symphony of birds and nature.
Beyond the mental and physical challenge of mountain top trail running, trekkers can get the chance to spot majestic wildlife too. During early or late in the day, you may find yourself in the company of deer, elk and black bears. Looking up, you may even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or two.
2. Preparing Your Body for the Altitude Challenge
In order to mentally and physically prepare your body for the upcoming altitude challenge, there are a few important things you should consider.
Get Cardiovascularly Fit: Building endurance through aerobic exercise is key to succeeding in higher altitudes. Take at least a couple months to practice running, swimming, biking or any other exercise that keeps your heart rate up. This will give you a greater advantage when acclimatizing to a higher altitude.
Strengthen your Core Muscles: Core strength contributes to balance and muscle memory of forward momentum. This can come in handy when the terrain shifts, gets steep or rocky. Consider some exercises to target muscle groups in your abdomen, inner thigh, and glutes.
- Plank
- Climber
- Sit-up
- Lunges
Take it Slow and Steady: Consult a physician or altitude specialist to understand how best to acclimate to higher altitudes. Establish a gradual plan starting at lower levels and ending with the higher elevations. This offers your body the opportunity to adjust without shock.
3. Overcoming the Rigors of Uphill Runs
Uphill runs are often viewed as a slog that can take a real physical toll. But don’t let that be discouraging! With a few pointers and some changes to your running form, these lengthy runs can feel a whole lot easier.
1. Don’t try to run up the hill. Not everyone breaks out into a sprint when they encounter a hill in their path, but more often than not, runners start running faster. This is a surefire way to build up lactic acid (a contributing factor to fatigue) and tire yourself out.
2. Take smaller and quicker steps. Shorten your stride and increase your steps-per-minute. This creates a more controlled run and places less strain on your muscles.
3. Match your breathing. Uphill runs require the body to use more oxygen. To compensate, match your breathing to your steps to keep your body from becoming oxygen-deprived.
4. Find a rhythm. Stay focused and in the zone by finding a rhythm to your steps. Don’t let yourself get distracted by anything and just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
5. Visualize success. Don’t look at the top of the hill as a far-off destination – imagine yourself nearing the top with every step. This technique helps keep your mind in the game and provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment with each stride.
4. Embracing the Mental and Physical Benefits of Mountain Top Running
Mountain top running is a quickly rising activity that can benefit both your physical and mental health. From improved cardiovascular health to increased resilience, running to the top of a mountain has a myriad of rewards.
To get the most out of any session, preparation is key. Before heading out, make sure to research the terrain, check the weather, and have the proper supplies and clothing on hand. It’s also wise to ensure you fuel up before you start running so you can get the most out of the experience.
When you’re out on the mountain, take the time to enjoy the journey. The physical exertion will give you a chance to reduce stress and boost endorphins. On top of that, the stunning views will give your mind a chance to breathe and reinvigorate.
By embracing mountain top running, you’ll be able to take advantage of:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced stress
- Boosted endorphins
- Increased resilience
- Stunning vistas
Whether you’re a pro or a novice, mountain top running can provide a unique opportunity for both physical and mental wellbeing.
5. Taking in the View: Reaping the Rewards of High Altitude Trail Running
The thrill of taking on a new high altitude trail can be an exhilarating experience for any runner. With the views often resulting from such runs, it can be just as rewarding. Here are 5 perks of completing a high altitude trail run:
- Filling lungs with fresh and clean mountain air
- Surpassing physical boundaries in an incredible setting
- Altering perspectives with storybook panoramas
- Gaining a greater appreciation for nature
- Reaping the rewards of a healthy physical challenge
Filling your lungs with the clean fresh air of the mountain is a real treat. It also could give the runner an psychologically advantage in their long-distance runs with endurance and invigoration. Meanwhile, a runner often will find difficult physical challenges, like navigating uneven terrain, crossing creeks, or simply running at a higher than average elevation may prove more difficult than expected.
Although mountaintop running trails may bring with them typical physical hardship, they deliver it with a full-immersion experience of the natural beauty of the landscape. If one is hiking, running, or especially camping in such a remote area the scenes unfolding around them can prove almost surreal in their beauty, and give perspective on just how small humankind can be in relation to nature.
The combination of air, physical activity and the beauty of nature can contribute to deep satisfaction, and often the reward of completing a physical feels even greater when the environment is itself so awe-inspiring. Objectives met in such setting can leave a runner with a real sense of achievement and a renewed appreciation for the outdoors.
Embrace the challenge of conquering high altitudes and explore the majestic beauty of mountain trail running! While the experience will test your abilities and push your boundaries, the rewards it can bring and invaluable!
