LEARN TO RUN THE TRAILS.
An 8-week course designed to turn you into a more confident, capable and well-rounded trail runner.
You'll run the trails of the Afan Valley, learn how trail running differs from road running and discover the skills, equipment and knowledge that can make a huge difference once you leave the tarmac.
Running. Trail skills. Workshops. Gym training. Recovery. Everything you need to take your running further.
ROAD RUNNER TO TRAIL RUNNER.
Road running and trail running might both involve putting one foot in front of the other, but they are very different experiences.
On the trails, the terrain changes constantly. Your pace changes. Your footing changes. Climbs, descents, mud, rocks, roots and technical sections all become part of the run.
This course is designed to help you understand those differences and become comfortable running them.
THE AFAN VALLEY.
You won't be learning trail running from a treadmill.
We'll be out on the trails of the Afan Valley, using the terrain around us to develop your skills and confidence.
You'll learn how to deal with climbs, descents, uneven ground, changing pace and the demands of running off-road.
You won't just learn about trail running. You'll actually run the trails.
SAME RUNNER. DIFFERENT SKILLS.
Trail running requires you to become more aware of what's happening underneath and around you.
ROAD RUNNING
- More consistent surface
- More predictable pace
- Fewer changes in terrain
- Less technical footing
- Limited elevation changes
TRAIL RUNNING
- Uneven and changing surfaces
- Climbs and descents
- Technical terrain
- Constantly changing footing
- Different pacing demands
MORE THAN JUST RUNNING.
The eight weeks combine running, education, strength and conditioning and recovery to help you become a more rounded trail runner.
TRAIL RUNNING
Guided trail runs through the Afan Valley to build your distance, confidence and ability on different terrain.
TRAIL SKILLS
Learn how to approach climbs, descents, technical sections, pacing and changing terrain.
WORKSHOPS
Practical sessions covering the equipment, knowledge and preparation that can make trail running easier.
GYM TRAINING
Strength and conditioning designed to support your running and help build a more resilient runner.
RECOVERY
Use the sauna and plunge pool as part of your recovery throughout the course.
COMMUNITY
Train alongside other runners, learn together and experience the trails as a group.
THE THINGS I WISH I KNEW.
One of the biggest parts of becoming a better trail runner isn't simply running more miles.
It's understanding what you're doing and having the right equipment, preparation and knowledge.
We'll cover the things that can make your trail runs safer, more enjoyable and more efficient.
FROM 5 MILES TO 10+.
You don't need to arrive as an experienced trail runner. You do need to be able to comfortably run a minimum of 5 miles before starting the course.
5 MILES
Build your understanding of trail running and become comfortable moving over different terrain.
10 MILES
Develop your endurance, pacing and ability to manage longer periods on the trails.
HALF MARATHON
Build towards the distance and confidence needed to approach a trail half marathon.
RUNNING ISN'T JUST RUNNING.
Trail running puts demands on your body that road running doesn't.
That's why the course also includes gym-based strength and conditioning sessions.
We'll work on the strength, stability and conditioning that supports your running and helps you become a more capable runner.
TRAIN. RECOVER. RUN AGAIN.
SAUNA
Recovery sessions in the sauna give you time to relax and unwind after the training.
PLUNGE POOL
Cold-water recovery as part of the Mountain Fitness Academy experience.
BECOME A MORE ROUNDED RUNNER.
By the end of the eight weeks, the aim is that you don't simply have more miles in your legs.
FITTER
Improved endurance and the ability to handle longer trail runs.
STRONGER
Better physical preparation for the demands of trail running.
MORE CONFIDENT
Greater confidence on climbs, descents and changing terrain.
BETTER EQUIPPED
Understand what equipment you need and how to use it.
MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE
Understand hydration, nutrition, navigation and trail preparation.
MORE CAPABLE
Ready to take on longer and more challenging trails.
YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO RUN 5 MILES.
This course isn't designed for complete beginners. You should already be comfortable running at least 5 miles before joining.
From there, we'll develop your trail running ability and work towards longer distances over the eight weeks, with the aim of building towards 10 miles and potentially a trail half marathon.
STOP RUNNING THE TRAILS. START RUNNING THEM.
Eight weeks. The Afan Valley. Trail skills. Workshops. Gym training. Sauna. Plunge pool. And a whole lot of running.
JOIN THE TRAIL RUNNING ACADEMY →