Kings of the Trail #184
Go Further & Explore More...
"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going."
Beverly Sills
As runners and hikers, we instinctively know Beverly Sills’ quote is true. We understand that you can’t build endurance without running a lot; you can’t increase speed without running intervals or similar sessions, and you can’t build strength without adding some strength training to your routine. Despite there being many times when we wish this were not true, we know that hard work and ‘doing the thing’ are the best ways to get the results and hit the goals we have set for ourselves. There has been plenty more evidence of that in the past couple of weeks: Katharina Hartmuth’s incredible course record at the crazy-tough Tor des Géants race, knocking an amazing 12 hours off her own record and coming 3rd overall, and Joe McConaughy's John Muir Trail FKT, achieved by averaging a mind-blowing 3.5mph over 223 miles, including rest stops, sleeping and resupplying. It was also his third attempt at this record, so persistence does indeed pay off. Adopting and embracing this positive mindset can be the difference between success and failure. By getting up and hitting the trails when the early morning alarm goes off and you don’t want to leave your bed, or by doing those extra couple of reps or miles that seem impossible at the time, these actions build the strength and knowledge that you can do it when the time comes. So don’t look for shortcuts, but embrace the hard work, knowing the payoff will be worth it…
Until next week, be safe and enjoy the trails...
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📸 Faversham, Kent, England
Back with a banger this week…a storming, uplifting track that has all the right ingredients for a great tune to help lift the energy and get you up and moving. Banging beats, sing along vocals and just a little bit of those uplifting breaks and builds to help get you in the mood…
Each week, I update the Kings of the Trail playlist with a new selection of music. Like trail runs or hikes, the playlist will be varied and eclectic, but hopefully, there will be something for everyone to enjoy…
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