For anybody considering an off road race, don’t be put off by the one that features in this video 😂 Brutal Run are a U.K. Company that specialise in races that are a little more “interesting” than normal. There are plenty of less extreme versions to start with (although maybe not as much fun😆)
Reason#6: (science perspectives here) you’re not taking deep breaths of car and diesel exhaust. This can be particularly dangerous for people with asthma, and worse for shorter people, children, people in wheelchairs, or infants/toddlers in strollers because of the way exhaust particulates settle, but overall it’s best for anyone to run on trails away from car traffic. If you don’t have any other option than to run on/beside roads, try to schedule your runs when there’s the least amount of traffic. Plus, trees and plants are cycling fresh, clean air for you to breath. And you’re totally right about it being better for your mind. Time in nature can have beneficial effects on depression and anxiety.
My gosh yes, trail running is where it's at. Firstly, no-one can see you. This is extremely important. You're mostly alone and you don't have to make eye contact with anyone. Beautiful. Secondly, shade. Thirdly, softer ground. Fourthly, beautiful wildlife. Fifthly, I've had religious experiences on the trail. When you're out there for hours and hours all by yourself you first are running away from the issues in your life. Then you're working through the issues. Then you have imaginary conversations with people. Then you're pondering other things. Then, if you run long enough and are lucky, there's absolute silence. Blessed, blessed silence. It's just you and your feet and the woods. And the world is yours and you are the world's. You are one with it and belong with it. Your footfalls are the heartbeat of the Earth. It's beautiful and I miss it so so so much it hurts and must admit I'm tearing up a bit right now.
I think there’s a couple of other benefits too - you don’t have to keep stopping for crossings, side roads, traffic, pedestrians, red lights etc - you aren’t breathing in car exhaust - you aren’t likely to get hit by a car - and just being in green spaces is proven to make us happier
I watched this video and have since rediscovered my love for our amazing local forest. Two 10k trail runs completed in the last week and absolutely loving every second!
Being now in my early 40s I can honestly say that since being a kid I never ran. When I tried I had really bad case of shin splints. So bad that gave that up 15yrs ago. Some sports doc said I have shin splints because I run in a bad way, he didnt expand and I didnt follow up on it. Came across this channel and it gave me a thought that maybe I should try again.How can I start now, before I get to your age and well will be too late for a meaningful change etc.
I’ve only just seen this, 2 years or more after it was first posted, but I’ve got to say that I 100% agree with what you’re saying about running off-road. I’ve been out of running for a year due to cancer treatment, I’m just starting to run a bit. On Sunday I did the first 2km of an 8km cross country race but it was such good fun, just gotta get a bit of strength and fitness back now!
I mainly cycle but bought a treadmill a few weeks ago and did my first road run the other day which did have a section of gravel paths included.. must say I did enjoy it but my legs were aching for two days afterwards with a shin splints throbbing type pain! So will need to look into that but some PR Lotion did help.. will try again soon, keep the content coming great inspiration👍
Been a long time since I started running but my son recently began and also went through the shin splint stage. What worked for him, based on my advice, was giving it a couple of days to let inflammation calm down and then running again, nice and slow and not too far. Basically building up the legs tolerance to running nice and gently but without so long between runs that you never move forward. Shinsplints is basically your body‘s way of WTF!!!! 😂
I used to do fell running and it's brilliant for de stressing, I believe off-road runners are more helpful and considerate and just more fun😁 I always run in Altras as well and they're brilliant for that. Never heard of these races before but look fun
I have lost count of the amount of off road events I have done and I can't agree more with you. I do run road and I do road events. I have never finished a road event with the same silly grin on my face that I have on any of my off road events 👍
I was reading something recently that said that walking over uneven ground might contribute to the delay of the onset of dementia. So another tick for off road running. Something about all those small changes to movement being good for the brain.
@@PaulWashington.. Not great, gotta admit. I started way too hard and hurt my Achilles tendon. Before that I was really enjoying my Nordic walks and brief runs off road.
Started looking around my hometown for similar things even though I don’t run because my knees are both surgically repaired but my fitness is not bad. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to try again.
I just started recently, one thing that is great about running in mountains is , if you start from low to high, at the halfway point youve done 3/4 of the work. the second half is downhill and you finish strong.
Great video Mark, completely agree, trail running is so much more engaging whilst also being a better all body workout! How do you secure your camera when you are running? Do you use a chest strap?
I have a head mount - best for footage but annoying. Chest mount, VERY bouncy. Here I used hand held on a 5" pole and just tucked into my running vest when I didnt want to hold it.
I’ve heard that it’s actually a misnomer running on hard surfaces is actually worse for your joints, as your body adapts to better absorb the impact the more running you do on the harder surfaces. Trail running is great and I agree with all the positives you mentioned. I just think sometimes people irrationally fear running on hard services.
@@leerowson627 ahhh! That’s the Salomon adv skin 5 (I also have the 12) bit expensive but you can hardly tell you are wearing it and super convenient for carrying bits and pieces. Are use the 12 for long-distance/mountain races where there is a kit requirement for things like waterproofs, et cetera
Easier on the Body: Off-road running is less impactful on joints and muscles compared to running on tarmac. It also reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries due to the varying nature of the terrain. Break from Numbers: Off-road running allows you to disconnect from performance metrics and focus on the experience. Mark mentions that he only used his Garmin watch to start and stop the race, ignoring it otherwise. Mental Benefits: Running through nature offers a unique form of relaxation and stress relief. Mark compares it to solving immediate problems, which he believes humans are designed to do. Better All-Round Exercise: Off-road running works more muscle groups and requires greater core strength. It's also more draining, making it a better workout overall. More Fun: Off-road running offers a more enjoyable experience, especially when done with friends, family, or pets. It allows for a more communal and less competitive atmosphere.
Hi Mark, enjoying the content, been through a fair bit of it now. Out of interest, can I ask where you find and book your trail runs, mostly interested in 10k, up to 1/2's off-road. I've found a site called find a race, but I'm not sure if that's the best place or not. Would be good to know. Thanks.
@@MarkLewisfitness Cheers Mark, appreciate you getting back. All the best with the future content and races. You have made me want to enter a Duathlon now too... I was laughing so hard when you just cycled off into the finish area on that Duathlon at the end of lap 1, so frustrating, however, made for good youtube content, especially as you then exited there at speeds as if the Walking Dead zombie cast were after you on your triathlon bike! 😄
I love a good brutal run, was fairly disappointed with the lack of shit (mud) and water obstacles lol! Bagshot was awesome, remember telling the Mrs it’s only a 10k be done with in the hour…. 3hrs later….. never assumed a brutal run would be quick after that 😂 This your first brutal?
I still can't wrap my head around the idea that I'm not going to slip or sprain my ankle. A rabbit hole, a hump or rock hidden under grass... also my house is on a small hill and I know from experience how slippery the grass is when wet. It seems like these trails are somewhat cultivated. there are fallen branches and pools but other than that in general it is wide and maintained. I don't think we have anywhere like that around me. Either it's tarmac or it's extremely narrow and wild.
I agree Mark, I'm lucky enough to have awesome bush courses on my doorstep with all types of terrain and surfaces. Check out my strava. 😉 Keep up the great training and content, loving it. 😊
Could not agree w everything you said....I’d add, that for some, running beyond 5 or so k off road should also be avoided cuz your unbalanced bone structure will not enjoy it....hiking in the hills and trails at a brisk pace could serve many folks a lot of good. Did 10x Alpe d Z on Saturday....is that too repetitive? #neveragain. #NO 2-12!
Same here 😂. Tried running with my jack Russell on the pavement but had to stop at every lamppost for a sniff etc. Far better on the moors off the lead.
For anybody considering an off road race, don’t be put off by the one that features in this video 😂 Brutal Run are a U.K. Company that specialise in races that are a little more “interesting” than normal. There are plenty of less extreme versions to start with (although maybe not as much fun😆)
Reason#6: (science perspectives here) you’re not taking deep breaths of car and diesel exhaust. This can be particularly dangerous for people with asthma, and worse for shorter people, children, people in wheelchairs, or infants/toddlers in strollers because of the way exhaust particulates settle, but overall it’s best for anyone to run on trails away from car traffic. If you don’t have any other option than to run on/beside roads, try to schedule your runs when there’s the least amount of traffic. Plus, trees and plants are cycling fresh, clean air for you to breath.
And you’re totally right about it being better for your mind. Time in nature can have beneficial effects on depression and anxiety.
My gosh yes, trail running is where it's at. Firstly, no-one can see you. This is extremely important. You're mostly alone and you don't have to make eye contact with anyone. Beautiful. Secondly, shade. Thirdly, softer ground. Fourthly, beautiful wildlife. Fifthly, I've had religious experiences on the trail. When you're out there for hours and hours all by yourself you first are running away from the issues in your life. Then you're working through the issues. Then you have imaginary conversations with people. Then you're pondering other things. Then, if you run long enough and are lucky, there's absolute silence. Blessed, blessed silence. It's just you and your feet and the woods. And the world is yours and you are the world's. You are one with it and belong with it. Your footfalls are the heartbeat of the Earth. It's beautiful and I miss it so so so much it hurts and must admit I'm tearing up a bit right now.
Says it all.
I think there’s a couple of other benefits too - you don’t have to keep stopping for crossings, side roads, traffic, pedestrians, red lights etc - you aren’t breathing in car exhaust - you aren’t likely to get hit by a car - and just being in green spaces is proven to make us happier
Indeed.
You can't beat exercising in nature, hearing the birds, the smell of damp woodland, love my bike rides here around the vale of belvoir 😍
Love off road running, waist high mud, rocks and gravel, retention ponds, trees and bushes, what fun!
I watched this video and have since rediscovered my love for our amazing local forest. Two 10k trail runs completed in the last week and absolutely loving every second!
Being now in my early 40s I can honestly say that since being a kid I never ran. When I tried I had really bad case of shin splints. So bad that gave that up 15yrs ago. Some sports doc said I have shin splints because I run in a bad way, he didnt expand and I didnt follow up on it. Came across this channel and it gave me a thought that maybe I should try again.How can I start now, before I get to your age and well will be too late for a meaningful change etc.
I’ve only just seen this, 2 years or more after it was first posted, but I’ve got to say that I 100% agree with what you’re saying about running off-road. I’ve been out of running for a year due to cancer treatment, I’m just starting to run a bit. On Sunday I did the first 2km of an 8km cross country race but it was such good fun, just gotta get a bit of strength and fitness back now!
I mainly cycle but bought a treadmill a few weeks ago and did my first road run the other day which did have a section of gravel paths included.. must say I did enjoy it but my legs were aching for two days afterwards with a shin splints throbbing type pain! So will need to look into that but some PR Lotion did help.. will try again soon, keep the content coming great inspiration👍
Been a long time since I started running but my son recently began and also went through the shin splint stage. What worked for him, based on my advice, was giving it a couple of days to let inflammation calm down and then running again, nice and slow and not too far. Basically building up the legs tolerance to running nice and gently but without so long between runs that you never move forward. Shinsplints is basically your body‘s way of WTF!!!! 😂
@@MarkLewisfitness Thanks for the advice, will defiantly keep it up. See you in Watopia👍
Brilliant Mark, totally agree with you. Off road is the way ahead
Couldn’t have put it better myself Mark anything off road is great out of the way of people just you and nature enjoyed it lots of water and mud 👍
I used to do fell running and it's brilliant for de stressing, I believe off-road runners are more helpful and considerate and just more fun😁 I always run in Altras as well and they're brilliant for that. Never heard of these races before but look fun
Yep, lone my Altras! Just a nightmare getting in the UK if buying direct due to Brexit!!!!!
I have lost count of the amount of off road events I have done and I can't agree more with you.
I do run road and I do road events.
I have never finished a road event with the same silly grin on my face that I have on any of my off road events 👍
Yep, no question...more fun!
you're an inspiration! I entered a marathon for Oct 2nd and I have a lot of work to do to just be able to finish
How did it go?
Thanks for this video - it has confirmed for me that I will stick to mountain biking and that off-road runners are all nuts 😛👏
There is science all over this video. Lovely!!
I was reading something recently that said that walking over uneven ground might contribute to the delay of the onset of dementia. So another tick for off road running. Something about all those small changes to movement being good for the brain.
37 year old, 340 pounds, took my first off road running steps today. I'm combining it with Nordic walking at first.
How are you getting on?
@@PaulWashington.. Not great, gotta admit. I started way too hard and hurt my Achilles tendon. Before that I was really enjoying my Nordic walks and brief runs off road.
@@p.o.3889 Nordic walk is good, don't be discouraged by injury. All the best :)
This has opened my mind to what else is out there 🙌🏻
This is absolute perfection! Thank you for making this.
Another great video thanks Mark!! I love that sarcastic sense of humor, keeps me coming back everytime there's a new video!!
Started looking around my hometown for similar things even though I don’t run because my knees are both surgically repaired but my fitness is not bad. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to try again.
I just started recently, one thing that is great about running in mountains is , if you start from low to high, at the halfway point youve done 3/4 of the work. the second half is downhill and you finish strong.
Great video Mark, completely agree, trail running is so much more engaging whilst also being a better all body workout!
How do you secure your camera when you are running? Do you use a chest strap?
I have a head mount - best for footage but annoying. Chest mount, VERY bouncy. Here I used hand held on a 5" pole and just tucked into my running vest when I didnt want to hold it.
That was great so inspiring Well done
This just like swimrun events except the water is a bit deeper very enjoyable
hey Mark another great video ! this sounds like a trick question, but i am 6 ft 4 and wandered how to utilize my long stride to my advantage?
I’ve heard that it’s actually a misnomer running on hard surfaces is actually worse for your joints, as your body adapts to better absorb the impact the more running you do on the harder surfaces.
Trail running is great and I agree with all the positives you mentioned. I just think sometimes people irrationally fear running on hard services.
Love your channel!! Another great video. What Salomon are you wearing for that race?
Those where Altra Superior - very light and fast!
@@MarkLewisfitness sorry mark i meant the vest!
@@leerowson627 ahhh! That’s the Salomon adv skin 5 (I also have the 12) bit expensive but you can hardly tell you are wearing it and super convenient for carrying bits and pieces. Are use the 12 for long-distance/mountain races where there is a kit requirement for things like waterproofs, et cetera
@@MarkLewisfitness Thanks Mark... still trying to decide which to purchase!!
Fantastic!
I like to commute on runs to half and half road trail
Easier on the Body: Off-road running is less impactful on joints and muscles compared to running on tarmac. It also reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries due to the varying nature of the terrain.
Break from Numbers: Off-road running allows you to disconnect from performance metrics and focus on the experience. Mark mentions that he only used his Garmin watch to start and stop the race, ignoring it otherwise.
Mental Benefits: Running through nature offers a unique form of relaxation and stress relief. Mark compares it to solving immediate problems, which he believes humans are designed to do.
Better All-Round Exercise: Off-road running works more muscle groups and requires greater core strength. It's also more draining, making it a better workout overall.
More Fun: Off-road running offers a more enjoyable experience, especially when done with friends, family, or pets. It allows for a more communal and less competitive atmosphere.
facts
Hi Mark, enjoying the content, been through a fair bit of it now. Out of interest, can I ask where you find and book your trail runs, mostly interested in 10k, up to 1/2's off-road. I've found a site called find a race, but I'm not sure if that's the best place or not. Would be good to know. Thanks.
Find a race is good. I use that and then join some running Facebook groups as they often list stuff. Find a race will have 99% of stuff
@@MarkLewisfitness Cheers Mark, appreciate you getting back. All the best with the future content and races. You have made me want to enter a Duathlon now too... I was laughing so hard when you just cycled off into the finish area on that Duathlon at the end of lap 1, so frustrating, however, made for good youtube content, especially as you then exited there at speeds as if the Walking Dead zombie cast were after you on your triathlon bike! 😄
I need a lie down after watching Mark do this off roader
What trail trainers do you recommend?
Altra
That’s a great video
What did the person want at 0:50?
It was a scripted, pretend person. It was a joke about him wanting to go back to bed after learning that the course was going to be deep with water.
One reason not to run off road if Ur not big dude.. is I watched a lot of serial killer movies.. you simply don't off road n go to haunted houses
The roads in Manchester are so bad that it's almost like trail running
Comedy gold
I love a good brutal run, was fairly disappointed with the lack of shit (mud) and water obstacles lol!
Bagshot was awesome, remember telling the Mrs it’s only a 10k be done with in the hour…. 3hrs later….. never assumed a brutal run would be quick after that 😂
This your first brutal?
Camberley I was referring to with lack of muddy bits 🤣
I've done a few now - always good fun!
Another benefit of going offroad is that it's easier too stop for a snack on a leaf or a shrubbery or whatever vegans snack on... :P
Pond weed. 😂
How was the car fumes not a reason in itself?
Kind of disappointed with your new movement to becoming a Vegan, there was no footage of you stopping to eat some of the foliage on your run. 😉
Had a bowl of hay for breakfast...wasn't hungry 😂
I still can't wrap my head around the idea that I'm not going to slip or sprain my ankle. A rabbit hole, a hump or rock hidden under grass... also my house is on a small hill and I know from experience how slippery the grass is when wet.
It seems like these trails are somewhat cultivated. there are fallen branches and pools but other than that in general it is wide and maintained. I don't think we have anywhere like that around me. Either it's tarmac or it's extremely narrow and wild.
I agree Mark, I'm lucky enough to have awesome bush courses on my doorstep with all types of terrain and surfaces. Check out my strava. 😉
Keep up the great training and content, loving it. 😊
Could not agree w everything you said....I’d add, that for some, running beyond 5 or so k off road should also be avoided cuz your unbalanced bone structure will not enjoy it....hiking in the hills and trails at a brisk pace could serve many folks a lot of good. Did 10x Alpe d Z on Saturday....is that too repetitive? #neveragain. #NO 2-12!
Could not agree MORE. (Edit not working)
How crazy is the price of this race … take up hashing
Looking for an action man who loves wearing pink socks who can hit 1,000 watts + in September. If you know of said human please let me know.
To me, running and being in nature are practically inseparable.
10/10 content. Only thing I’ll point out is the frequent mouth noises during commentary. Little off putting. Hydration / green apples will help.
5 reasons to stay on the road.
1 Bears
2 mountain lions
3 snakes
4 scorpions
5 spiders
Great points. I exclusively run off road because my running buddy prefers it. He’s a spaniel…
Same here 😂. Tried running with my jack Russell on the pavement but had to stop at every lamppost for a sniff etc. Far better on the moors off the lead.