TRAIL RUNNING | PROFILE
TURNING THE
ON TRAIL RUNNING
Wild Earth recently had the pleasure to sit down with local legend and Wild Earth Athlete , Scott Page to get the lowdown on how he came to find the best trails and how his trail running is complimenting his triathlons .
Wild Earth : Tell us how you got into triathlons and what then has got you hooked on the trails ? Scott Page : I got into triathlons because of the group of people I ’ m surrounded by and train with - we are always trying to test the boundaries of fitness , health and mental capabilities . It ’ s a great group who get involved with this multi-sport community . You often find people who dabble in other sports that allow them to keep testing these limits . It just takes one person saying ‘ let ' s try something new ’ and we will , we generally don ’ t need much convincing .
WE : What was your first introduction to the trails ? SP : My first trail run was a tour through Nerang Forest by local legend Chris Redler , who also ran for Team Wild Earth a couple of years ago . This was about five years ago now , and from then I ’ ve been hooked .
WE : Have you found that the trail running has benefited your triathlons and visa-versa ? SP : Yes - 100 %! They both complement each other . Your ability to stay focussed when you ’ re redlining all the time on the trails , over mixed terrain , up and down hills with varying paces and obstacles means you ’ re always alert . I feel this awareness and focus is something that can flow into triathlons as well .
WE : Which sport do you find tougher , rewarding or more satisfying ? SP : They are two totally different beasts , but both really have the same end goal - that being to improve your fitness and to challenge yourself - ‘ to lean against the wall ’ as they say .
I find in trail running that it ’ s easier to take your mind off the pain by looking around you and taking in the serenity , as there are many beautiful distractions . Triathlon ’ s tend to have you on the rivet the whole time - you ' re completely focused and find yourself always wanting to catch the next guy in front of you , it ’ s super competitive .
WE : Have you only been into the trail running or do you have plans of some Cross Triathlons ( Offroad Triathlons )? SP : Looking back at my history , I ’ ve always really wanted to try anything and everything as much as I can , whether it ' s swimming from North Burleigh to Burleigh or tackling mountains on a bike or by my feet . I ’ m not comfortable or happy if I ’ m not being challenged .
WE : 2016 has been a big year for you with full and half Ironmans as well as the Wild Earth Coastal High 50K . What events have you got lined up for 2017 and beyond ? SP : I ' m a small businessman as well and you know you always look back and want to beat the year you ’ ve just had . This year I ’ ve set up a business , the wagon wheel has been tested and it ’ s been hard to balance at times , with throwing in my first full Ironman and a 96km team ' s race on the Gold Coast . It ’ s been a big year but I feel it ’ s been a successful year just in being able to balance it all out .
Next year is about bettering this year . I will be taking on the Ultra Trail Australia 100K which is a really exciting event and opportunity to run for Team Wild Earth .
Triathlon wise I have a half Ironman in February with the Tweed Enduro , and then towards the end of 2017 it will be about getting prepped for the next Ironman challenge .
WE : What would you say to other people who have been thinking about getting dirty on the trails ? Why should anyone go trail running ? SP : Trail running is so pure in the sense that a pair of shoes will get you out there running , along with some water and a sense of adventure and you ’ re away .
I encourage everyone to give it a go and cross over . We have plenty of people in our group , the Ratpack , who are right into their triathlons and cross over and respect and enjoy both the sport and benefits of running trails .
WE : How would you suggest they get started ? SP : Go and see the team at Wild Earth - they know their stuff as most of the team are trail runners themselves , they will be able to get you into the right gear for your trail adventure , whether it be shoes or a pack to carry some water and nutrition ... they will get you started .
You can also hook into a great website run by Matt Judd at Judd Adventures - http :// www . juddadventures . com . au . On his website you can find a number of trail running guides for the Gold Coast and Brisbane areas . You can also check out the Gold Coast Trail Runners Facebook page who have plenty of friendly members always willing to help the newcomer or partner up if you ’ re looking for a running buddy .
WE : What are some of your favourite local trails ? SP : I love spending time on the trails in the Gold Coast Hinterland for their brutality . I love that you can go out and do a six-hour epic and still get back to your car in one piece . My favourite loop would have to be Shipsterns up at Binna Burra for the ‘ take your breath away ’ factor but in saying that the Currumbin Border Trails are perfect for getting in a quick run before work as it ’ s local , still has plenty to see and do and only minutes away from town .
WE : Awesome Scott , thanks for taking the time to chat to us , and all the best with your triathlon and trail adventures for 2017 !
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