Mountain trail running is a demanding sport that can’t be taken lightly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trail runner, certain mistakes happen regularly and can ruin your experience—or even put your safety at risk.
1. Underestimating the elevation gain
Distance alone isn’t enough to gauge the difficulty of a trail run. A 20-km run with 1,500 meters of elevation gain is much more grueling than a flat 30-km run. Always analyze your GPX track before setting out to determine the actual elevation gain, segment by segment.
2. Setting out without studying the elevation profile
Knowing the climbs and descents in advance allows you to adjust your pace from the start and manage your energy over the course of the run. Segly generates a detailed elevation profile for you in just a few seconds.
3. Not planning your nutrition properly
In the mountains, energy expenditure is much higher than on flat terrain. Bring enough water and food based on the elevation gain and the estimated duration of your hike.
4. Ignoring the weather at high altitudes
Conditions can change very quickly at high altitudes. Check the local forecast (not the one for the valley) and always bring an extra layer, even in good weather.
5. Not testing your gear beforehand
Boots, backpack, poles… Everything must have been tested on previous outings. The day of your hike is not the right time to discover that a piece of equipment is causing you pain or not working properly.
Good preparation starts with a thorough analysis. Upload your route to Segly and set out with all the information you need.
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