Hey I have never really been a runner. However, I hike alot and a couple weeks ago someone went running by me on the trail and it dawned on me that if I got into trail running I could do some hikes that would normally be far enough that only backpackers go. (I live outside of a NP)
Anyways I walk 13 miles for work (Mail Carrier) and I hike on my days off. I have a good cardio base and I have gone on three runs.
One for 4 miles, I didn't track anything I was just curious if I could maintain a run without getting gassed.
Second I ran 5 miles 900 feet of gain in 59 minutes.
Third run, I ran 6 miles 1200 feet of gain in 61 minutes.
My heart rate is pretty high, but it feels so good to trail run, my legs, joints and muscles feel good.
Can I just keep doing this? I see people talking about training plans and whatever else, but I just want to hit the trail.
I do want to clarify that I do have a goal. I want to be able to run long distance 15 to 20 miles and be able to have an average pace of 10 minutes a mile. I feel like I could cover some good distance with that pace.