Trail running may well be the first sport. “Way before we were scratching pictures on caves or beating rhythms on hollow trees,” writes best-selling author Christopher McDougall, “we were perfecting the art of combining our breath and mind and muscles into fluid self-propulsion over wild terrain.”
Born to Run, McDougall’s narrative on the Stone Age running culture of the super-athlete Tarahumara Indians in Mexico, is one of the most provocative pieces of endurance-sport writing.
To radically paraphrase the theory on which the book is rooted: one of the reasons humans became the dominant species on Earth, is because we were (are) such good runners.
“Early humans armed only with sharpened sticks would run antelope to death over great distances and thus secure an abundance of protein which in turn stimulated brain development,” explains Dr Lawrence van Lingen, the coaching guru behind Innerunner running workshops, who has worked with some of the finest athletes on the planet, including SA’s most successful trail-running export, Ryan Sandes.
“We can sweat, unlike most animals, to cool ourselves down and two legs are more efficient at covering distance than four legs.”
Well there you have it, as Van Lingen points out, “you were genetically engineered to run”.
To the trails
Running can be done anywhere: around the block or along Sea Point’s trendy Promenade.
Head beyond the asphalt and man-made paths though, out onto the dirt trails and you’ll soon discover that road running and trail running differ from each other nearly as much as road cycling and mountain biking do.
Trail surfaces are inconsistent and the ascents and descents are often steeper and more technical than what you may be used to on the road. Not one footfall is the same, meaning your balance, core flexibility and upper-body strength all come into play. The impact on your joints is a lot less than when pounding the pavement.
In addition, there exists something of a spiritual connection to the outdoors by those who love to pace up (and down) wild mountain switchbacks. You won’t often hear “roadies” gush about their connection to the cracks in the asphalt, or speak poetically about how the sun sets behind an office park.
Some ideas of where to run
Western Cape: The popular Pat’s Track around the base of Lion’s Head is a great place to find your trail-running legs. The 3.3km route starts at the Lion’s Head boom and runs a circular path, clockwise, around the base of the mountain. It features good single-track, easy climbs and gentle descents – and spectacular views, of course. Do this a couple of times before you “tame the lion” by running to the top, and back.
Gauteng: Groenkloof Nature Reserve in the Fountains Valley of Pretoria offers a variety of trails and distances catering for all skill and endurance levels. There is also a good population of antelope and birds to add to the experience.
KwaZulu-Natal: Giba Gorge, just off the N3 at Mariannhill toll plaza, is essentially a mountain bike park, but its range of manicured and well-marked trails has become a favourite among Durban trail runners. The warm showers, secure parking and freshly ground cappuccino might also have something to do with this.
Active gear suggestions
Shoes: “Get yourself a decent pair of trail-running shoes. They make all the difference,” says Dalton. “I distinctly remember the first trail run I did with trail running shoes. It felt like I had tyres on my feet, running with ease over rocks and uneven terrain.”
The lightweight Gel-Fujitrabuco Sky trail shoe was developed with three-time UTMB winner Xavier Thevenard and has a flexible plate under the forefoot, allowing runners to move quickly over rough rock- and root-strewn trails.
Tights or shorts: Tights are comfortable and can provide just the right amount of support and protection from the elements. On the other hand, you may prefer shorts. Be sure to choose something that is comfortable, durable and fit for purpose.
Hydration pack and other essentials: Never compromise on gear and food. Get a pack that sits snugly (so it doesn’t bounce all over your back when you run) and has space for a 1.5-litre (at least) hydration bladder, warm clothing, cellphone (keep it dry in a ziplocked bag along with your medical aid card), food, sunscreen (at least factor 40) and peak cap.
Lightweight sunglasses are also a necessity for long outings. When you want to take it up a level, run the way Ryan Sandes does, in the Salomon Sense Ultra 8.
Sports watch: Sandes swears by the Suunto 9 for all his trail and training requirements. It features a battery life of 25 hours in performance mode and up to 120 hours in ultra mode and is equipped with a wrist-based heart rate monitor and a barometer.
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