Trail Reflections

Nobody likes to give up or have a DNF behind their name, as trail runners we pride ourselves in being tough, rolled ankle? So what! “The pain will go away after a few kilometers!” Muscle cramp? “Screw that, I will stretch and continue!”. Blood? “Where is my Super Glue!?” Sharp pain? “I will take a couple of painkillers!”

The problem that most of us face... we are controlled by our mind and not by our body. Your body feels the pain and discomfort but your mind tells you NOT TO QUIT. The trick is to listen to your body and to know the difference between pushing the boundary and overstepping it.

Some warning signs to look out for:

Consistent sharp pains

Muscle cramps

Nausea and vomiting

Dehydration

Electrolyte imbalances

Disorientation

The inability to speak coherently (although some people talk in circles all the time...)

Struggling to breathe or catch your breath

Bloody urine

Injured ligaments, fractures, broken bones etc.

Hyperthermia

Persistent headache