"Fancy running another lap?"

(This short blog post is influenced by inov-8's latest article, "Get To Grips With Trail Running" which features some top tips from inov-8 ambassadors inspiring you to step off the road and out onto the trails )

I challenge you to run 1500m, 3000m, 5000m or even 10,000m around an athletics track - honestly, the distance doesn't matter. Just experience the monotony of becoming ever increasingly dizzy. Tick off the laps one by one until you reach the ringing bell and really push yourself towards the final time you cross that ever important white line that signifies the end. You're done. There's nowhere else to go. Stop your watch - check your splits. You ran pretty fast? That's great, well done! Pat yourself on the back and allow yourself to feel satisfied. Now reflect on this experience... what did you see along the way? What did you feel? Fancy running another lap?

running my own laps in 2016 // "Fancy running another lap?"

Wait, I'll answer that last question for you. No. You really don't want to run another step on that red synthetic material.

Open your eyes. Look past the track and the housing estate in the surrounding streets. Turn your back on the oval and cast your eyes out to the horizons. Out there somewhere is a hill or a trail and it's calling your name. A path not yet traveled is eagerly anticipating your silent arrival.

Maybe you're a little bit scared or anxious. Fear of the unknown is only natural I suppose. These trails may be outside your comfort zone - a whole world away from the predictable track or your familiar roads. But still, I urge you to embrace your fear and leave the tedious track behind. It will still be there if you ever feel the need to return.

I dare you to not become exhilarated by the endless trails reaching out in front of you. There's a whole world to explore. Just step off the track, off that road. We weren't born to just run in circles. Don't allow yourself to be limited. Hop over the gate. Open your arms out wide. Find your wings. Fly. Your trails are waiting. Go. You won't ever regret it. I know I don't.

So go on. Be brave. What are you waiting for?

Don't forget you can read some more top tips to inspire you to hit the trails from inov-8 ambassadors Ben Mounsey, Damian Hall, Ben Abdelnoor and Victoria Wilkinson here.

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. there are many things i miss but the freedom is the most of it

A post shared by Heidi Davies (@heididavies98) on Oct 28, 2018 at 2:05pm PDT