TRAIL
( MIS ) ADVENTURES trail ( mis ) adventures by CARLA LEA FARINA
And the Winner is …
I have done both trail and road running , including multi-day stage races and 100-milers on the trail , and the Comrades Marathon on road , but when asked which I prefer , there ’ s a clear winner .
As runners , you have all at some point gone onto Dr Google and researched the differences in leading sports watches . It ’ s like the boxing ring of devices . So , I thought it would be cool to the same with trail and road running . Now , if you know me at all , you will already know I am biased , but let ’ s see what the results show .
1 . Terrain & Gradient
Right , let ’ s get straight into things . If you are looking for a place run non-stop , with even pace , and go for a PB , then the road is for you . If you are looking for something challenging in terms of the technicality of a route , then trail wins this round . That ’ s not to say there aren ’ t any big climbs on the road , but you won ’ t need all four limbs for that . In trail you sometimes get a full body workout ! Therefore , we will call this round a tie , as there are benefits to both . Score : 1-1
2 . Adventure Factor
No road race , in my personal experience , can beat the adventure that awaits on the trails . I mean , at what road race will you get stuck on the edge of a cliff , in the heart of the Transkei , virtually needing to be rescued by helicopter , and so lost that your mother in Joburg has to call the race organiser to help them locate you . Even though I am more prone to misadventures like this than most , this is still a handsdown win for the trail . Score : 2-1 to trail
3 . The Gear
Depending on your point of view here , you may disagree with this next one . There is very little needed in terms of gear and equipment when running on
I do enjoy road running from time to time …
road , even when running the Comrades . I mean , all you need are your shoes and licence , because with what is essentially a 90km series of water tables , there is very little else needed for a road race . It ’ s different in trail running , and there is something really cool and satisfying about packing drop bags for midrace with extra underwear in them ! And how cool do you look wearing cycling gloves on the run , so that when you trip , you don ’ t leave half of your hands behind . Score : 3-1 to trail
4 . Time
Trail takes longer . Much longer . Even days longer , when you compare a 100-miler on the road to the trail . That ’ s why the winner here is trail , because of the hardcore factor . Not only do you spend more time on your feet , but you come back with mud all over yourself , and you ’ ll have climbed some epic mountains . Just look at trail runners ’ ‘ before and after ’ pictures at a 100-mile trail race and you can see that they have been changed by the experience . OK , this may have something to do with pooping in the woods , or having strangers help you change into warm clothes , but either way , the hardcore factor is there . Score : 4-1 to trail
… But you must admit , this does look like a lot more fun !
5 . Scenery
I would like to say that trail wins this one easily , but I have to admit there are some beautiful road races out there . However , I still have to give the trail a slight advantage , because the views from the top of a mountain , or in the middle of a dense indigenous rainforest , are simply breath-taking . OK , sometimes it can be a dangerous kind of beauty , especially when you are hallucinating from sleep deprivation after running through the night , and almost fall off the cliff that you are standing on to admire said view , but still , it ’ s the kind of beauty that makes you feel invincible . Score : 5-1 to trail
OK , the final score in my little ‘ run-off ’ says trail is the clear winner , but it ’ s not about the score . All I ’ m really trying to do here is lure the dedicated road runners to try some trail running , because I believe that it replenishes your soul . That is so important in a world that is constantly trying to do the opposite . So , hopefully you now want to go explore the trails , mountains and forests . And if you need a trail buddy to show you the ropes , I ’ m always happy to oblige . Just please don ’ t count on me for directions ... because then we will be out there for longer than expected !
About the Author
While Carla ’ s ‘ day job ’ is Head Tennis Coach and Director of Tennis at Game Set Match Tennis in Johannesburg , her second love is trail running , which she tackles with an unquenchable thirst for adventure , a never-say-die attitude , and a healthy sense of humour about all the misadventures that befall her on the trails !
Images : Courtesy Carla Farina , Rhino Challenge
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