Trail runs for beginners – running off-the-beaten-track in the Netherlands

Trail running as a sport has rapidly been gaining ground in recent years in the Netherlands. Runners looking for more challenging terrain without too much asphalt as well as outdoor enthusiasts looking for a new sport are hitting the trails more and more.

Trail running similar to ordinary running, but much more fun! Instead of endless asphalt and straight roads, you run as much as possible on unpaved roads that are off-the-beaten-track. You run through the woods and through fields, jump over the occasional tree root and get your shoes dirty.

There are many advantages to trail running. As you don't run on through roads, you hardly encounter any traffic so you don't have to look three times when crossing the street and there are no exhaust fumes. At most, you can expect a hare or a deer coming out of the bushes.

When you start out trail running, you can expect to go a bit faster than a walker, but slower than a cyclist. That means the best of both worlds when it comes to enjoying your surroundings. You can cover quite a few kilometres, so you see a lot, but you go slow enough to take everything in.

The beautiful surroundings probably also make running easier. By focusing on all the pretty things around you, you can cover five kilometres (three miles), or ten, without even realising Still, the distance and speed you run is of secondary importance. You will probably have to walk some difficult sections or steep climbs.

Despite the fact that a trail run can be more challenging due to the altitude gain and trickier surface than a run on the road, it goes easier on your body. Your joints will be grateful for the soft surface and, by walking the last part, they get a chance to properly cool down.

Are you ready to hit the trails? I’m also eager to get going. But, it’s easy to back out on exchanging your usual circular through your neighbourhood for a more challenging route. That’s why I’ve put together a number of trail runs for beginners in this Collection.

All routes are fun and follow paved roads as little as possible. The distances vary from six to twelve kilometres (3.7 to 7.5 miles), without any significant climbs. I’ve also ordered the routes with the shortest distance first so that you can gradually build up your stamina and technique.

To completely switch off and enjoy your surroundings, you can download the route on your phone or smartwatch so you don’t have to worry about losing the trail.

And remember: of course you can just walk if you prefer. If it gets a little too heavy for you, or if the surroundings are too beautiful for you to rush through while you are running, then you just slow down a bit. Speed and time are not important. You should concentrate on making it to the finish line and having a nice run – have fun!