Improving at trail running takes time. To give yourself the best chance, you need to define a race strategy that lets you progress at your own pace without getting injured. Follow a coach's advice to start out and improve at trail steadily and confidently.
Run less to run better
Run less to run better — that's the mantra of Sébastien Cornette, known as Coach Séb. Founder of L'École de Trail, he has been coaching athletes for 17 years. Also a teacher at La Clinique du Coureur, the leading organisation for injury prevention in running, he advocates the concept of "Run less to run better".
This principle aims to show that trail is accessible to everyone. By focusing on key factors such as technique and strength training, it's possible to get started in trail and make real progress.
Embracing cross-training
Embracing cross-training is Coach Séb's other key piece of advice. Don't just run — make room for strength training too. To begin with, a few small exercises will do the job.
He advocates a training strategy based on cross-training activities such as cycling. Running regularly without necessarily doing heavy sessions, and incorporating other sports into your training routine, is the key to embracing cross-training.
Enjoy your running
Enjoying your running is, above all, Coach Séb's number one piece of advice — as shared by Sébastien Cornette, known as Coach Séb! To make the most of your training sessions, you need to organise a trail training week around your personal life and work. It's by enjoying your running that you make steady progress in trail.
Check out our tips for preparing for a trail run — get ready for trail.
