Run in the great outdoors. After a personalized assessment, you can start without fear, alone or in a group.
Appearing in France in the early 2000s, the discipline continues to gain new followers. 1.4 million French people practice it today. Trail running consists of running on more or less technical, unpaved trails in the great outdoors. It is possible in all environments where you can go camping. in the mountains, in the forest, along the sea trails… The idea is to go light for the relative autonomy of water and resources, even over long distances. In ultratrail, the most experienced run more than 80 km and up to 300 km.
Clean Air
Distances, height differences, trails. the trail combines challenges… in a postcard setting. Therefore, the discipline will appeal to those who like to spend time outside and savor the effort, or those who like to run but get bored quickly; 40 and now practicing at 49, several times a week. “It goes up, it goes down, we take a break. it changes everything.” You don’t need to live in a village to get started. you can run from home to get back into nature, or train during the week for a weekend trail run.
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Multiply the benefits
Thomas Lorblanchet, physiotherapist, 2009. for the world trail running champion and founder of Physionline, a digital platform for the health and performance of endurance athletes, the benefits of trail running are many. “It combines the benefits of sports with spending time outdoors.” Regardless of age, contraindications are limited. “Many people start (or start again) sports around the age of 40, for their health, but also because their children are growing up and they find time for themselves,” notes Thomas Lorblanchet. You need to be well supported and take your time.”
Start with confidence
At age 40, an individualized evaluation with a sports or health professional is recommended before beginning vigorous activity such as trail running. Then let’s start! The easiest thing is to find someone who is already engaged. Across France, trail associations bring runners and coaches together; this is a great place to start. “The group atmosphere allowed me to push myself,” confirms Christel Vandenbulke. Although he had never run in his life, it was this simulation that got him going; today he runs 30-80 km per week.
Good reflexes
For beginners, Thomas Lorblanchet recommends running often, but not for long, ideal distances; “Twenty minutes three times a week is more useful than an hour and a half on the weekend.” This improves the ability to withstand repeated stress mechanically (knees, ankles, etc.) and physiologically (cardiovascular). “In the beginning, you need to add other sports that work on one or the other, but separately: bodybuilding to work on strength, or cycling to strengthen cardiovascular capacity.” As for equipment, beginners need nothing more than comfortable sneakers. Thomas Lorblanchet categorically says: “If you have €100 to spend on starting trail running, especially in your 40s, treat yourself to a personal trainer rather than a pair of trainers.” And if you like it, you can quickly register for the contest. In 2022, more than 4,000 were organized in France. So many opportunities for sports tourism.
Source: Le Figaro
