Читать книгу Fastpacking. Multi-day running adventures: tips, stories and route ideas онлайн

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Fastpacking is for all trail runners. It’s not a race and it’s up to you how far you go each day. Slowing down is the secret to multi-day running. Compared to a typical run, you can expect to be much slower, mixing running – probably at the pace of a slow training run – with plenty of power-walking. Few people have the fitness to average more than about three miles an hour on hilly or mountainous routes over several days. That’s not fast; it’s the pace of an average walk.

A word about walking

Fastpacking is just like ultra-running in that you will do a lot more walking than you would on a typical long run. This is due to the extra weight on your back and the fact that you’re doing it for several days. When fastpacking, most people will usually walk the hills, and run the flats and downhills, unless the terrain is very technical. A leisurely pace also gives you more time to enjoy the views!

How do I train for fastpacking?

If you are already a trail runner, then training for fastpacking has the same principles as preparing for stage races. You need to get your legs and body used to sustained effort over multiple days and to be able to recover quickly. Back-to-back runs – for example, a long run on a Saturday and another on a Sunday – are a key component. The length of these runs would depend on the distances you are aiming to cover in your trip. Although not necessary, you could also squeeze in a brisk run on the Friday so you enter the back-to-back weekend fatigued, to get used to running on tired legs.