Hello everyone!

It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog post, but I’ve got some exciting news to share – I’ve officially started my training plan for the Trail Verbier St Bernard (TVSB) race! Now, I know what you might be thinking – “But Sam, you’re a road runner, why on earth are you doing a trail race?” Well, my friends, I’ll tell you why. I’ve always been a bit of a thrill seeker, and the thought of gallivanting through the Swiss Alps sounded like just the kind of adventure I needed. Plus, I figured it would be a great opportunity to work on my balance and coordination (or lack thereof).

So, here I am, one week into my training plan, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride (quite literally, as I nearly fell off a mountain during my first trail run). But I’m determined to conquer this beast of a race, and I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to help me do it.

First of all, I’ve decided to incorporate some strength training into my routine. Now, I know some of you might think that strength training is just for bodybuilders and powerlifters, but let me tell you, it’s been a game changer for me. Not only do I feel stronger and more confident on the trails, but I’ve also noticed a significant improvement in my running form. I’ve been doing a mix of bodyweight exercises, like squats and lunges, as well as some weightlifting, like deadlifts and kettlebell swings. And let me tell you, my glutes have never been more sore (in a good way).

Another thing that’s been helping me to conquer the trails is my trusty trail shoes. I’ve been testing out a few different pairs and I’ve finally found a pair that I absolutely love. They’ve got the perfect amount of grip and support, which is essential when you’re running on uneven terrain. And they’re also waterproof, which is a bonus, as I’ve been caught in a few unexpected rain showers.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Sam, where are the pictures of you looking rugged and adventurous on the trails?” I’ll have you know, I’ve been too busy not falling on my face to take any pictures, but I promise to share some soon. In the meantime, you’ll have to make do with pictures of my new trail shoes and my post-workout smoothie.

In conclusion, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and I can’t wait to share my progress with you all. I hope this post has inspired you to try something new, whether it’s strength training, trail running or both!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more updates on my TVSB training.

 

Cheers!