The Farsighted Runner

First, find a trail…

Since moving to the Netherlands from the US I’ve been able to indulge my passion for trail running without pause. Although the weather here rivals England in its annual number of dreary days, the rain tends to be acceptably light enough for trail running year round. And I’m fortunate because finding nearby trails couldn’t be easier in this country.

There are two main footpath systems in the Netherlands. The lange-afstand-wandelpaden bisect the country, and consist of a long distance trail network that intersects the Western European nations of Belgium, France, and Spain. Streekpaden, on the other hand, are local footpaths.

I’ve lived in two distinct regions of this country–both fairly rural–and in both have tended to prefer the regional trail systems over the international system. However, both types tend to be clean, well maintained and easy-to-follow. On occasion, the lange-afstand-wandelpaden run parallel to major roadways, and my slight preference for the regional trails mostly has to do with the fact that they tend to be a bit more remote.

Navigation to a particular voetpad is a simple task with the aid of a regional bicycle map (the network and quality of cycling trails in the Netherlands is unparalleled — and fortunately so is their documentation), as on them footpaths tend to be clearly marked. However, I rarely use a map (with the exception of long distance bike trips), opting to explore — unencumbered and without direction — while on foot.

Next, make sure you have access to water

Perhaps 3/4 of my regular runs take place on wooded trails. After spending the last half a year running on local rural fietspads (i.e., cycling paths), I stumbled upon a lengthy stretch of trail in an area that consists entirely of forest, tall grasses, and pasture. I love it enough to return this particular path again and again.

My longer runs have forced me to carry provisions–on a two hour (or longer) run, water is a necessity. I generally prefer “out-and-back” runs because they allow me to hide a bottle of water behind a tree or under a patch of bushes–that way, I can give my hands a break by not having to tote water the entire time (I have yet to embrace the use of hydration belts or packs). On my way back, I retrieve it before heading home.

Leave no trace

I’ve been known to safety pin a plastic baggy to my shorts as a receptacle for used tissues and energy shot wrappers. A greener option would be to sew a couple of pieces of fabric together to make reusable bag (a future project here at Farsighted Runner).

But how about reducing the number of wrappers that end up in the landfill in the first place? Good, inexpensive refueling options for long runs include dried (or frozen) fruit and homemade oatmeal raisin or no-bake cookies. Heavy marketing of energy shots and gels makes it is far too easy to forget that these alternative, humble foods are the perfect pick-up when energy levels start to sag. Just make sure not to over do it — I find that a small handful frozen grapes or single cookie is enough.

And finally, be nice

I came across this useful post at the Kansas City “Trail Nerd”, Bad Ben’s, site. Not only does it reiterate some of what I’ve mentioned here (in terms of leaving no trace behind), it also includes some ethical guidelines (e.g., always lend a helping hand to those who appear in need) and safety tips (e.g., don’t wear headphones if the trails are also accessible to cyclists).

So, go out. Find a trail. Enjoy it — just don’t forget to respect it and your fellow trail runners and ramblers, too.