From Road to Trail (Part 2): When Progress Plateaus, Find a New Path

Here is part 2 of 'From the road to the trail' from CurraNZ ambassador Andrea Pomaranksi. Andrea is an  elite American long-distance runner, USATF National Champion, and three-time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier. Based in Michigan, she is widely recognised for her resilience, having returned to professional competition and setting national records after being told she might never run again due to medical setbacks.

There’s something so intoxicating about running a marathon. The thrill of accomplishment crossing the line of your first is truly an unforgettable and often times life changing experience. Perhaps even more rewarding and satisfying is the process of improvement, continuing to train and see the incremental gains that coincide with your increased effort and hard work. Growth and progress makes us feel alive and gives us such great confidence in ourselves and what we are capable of. 

But what happens when our growth starts to plateau?  When you feel like you’re working harder and harder only to see very marginal gains? What once felt so satisfying can turn into frustration, burnout, and lack of motivation. You still love the sport, but what once seemed to give you life now just seems to give you anxiety. Maybe it’s time to turn your efforts to trails. Trail running is still running, but it can very much feel like a whole new sport. You get a chance to feel like a beginner again. It gives a sense of awe and wonder. It’s easier on your joints. And spending time in nature and natural settings can boost creativity and your capacity to think clearly. The culture of trail runners is also incredibly supportive and community focused so races don’t feel as fiercely competitive as the roads, and the views and scenery can be breathtaking and awe inspiring. 

With physical benefits such as reduced impact on joints, improved stability and balance, and enhanced muscular strength, as well as a plethora of mental health and well being benefits like stress reduction and enhanced focus and mindfulness, it’s worth switching to your routine and breaking up the monotony of road running and seeking out some trails instead.  Every trail run feels like a unique adventure which helps avoid the mental burnout of running the same road loop every day.  

With so many advantages and benefits, what are you waiting for? Grab your shoes and go explore some new trails. After all, aren’t we all craving a little more adventure in our lives?