7 - Trail running

"Trail running is a sport which consists of running and hiking over trails. It differs from road running and track running in that it generally takes place on hiking trails, often in mountainous terrain, where there can be much larger ascents and descents." (Wikipedia)

Unfortunately, we don't have mountains in the Netherlands. But we do have a couple of hills. Three of them are higher than 300 metres, only just, and they are about as far from my house as you can get. So our trails are pretty flat and consist of shell paths, riding tracks, and narrow trails through woods, heath and dunes. I run through small woods where you can hear the traffic passing on the roads nearby. It's all I've got and to me these trails are far more interesting than asphalt roads that run through suburbia.

I like running very early in the morning when it's quiet and all you can hear are birds and the sound of your feet hitting the ground. It smells nice as well, especially when it has rained, and there are all these lovely variations of the colour green, especially when the sun starts to rise. I often chase off some rabbits and twice I've seen a fox: reddish brown with a big tail. As I came around a corner my first fox was standing in the middle of the path, looking straight at me, not at all afraid, relaxed and curious, almost as if he wanted to ask me what I was doing in his territory. He looked me over and then slowly turned around and disappeared into the bushes. I had goose bumps all over and a big smile on my face. I felt kind of special meeting this fox, as if he allowed me to see him. I know that doesn't make sense, but I don't care. Anyway, seeing him really made my day. People say there are deer in my neighbouring woods as well, and I would love to meet them but so far I haven't yet. 

Trail running is something I would love to explore more, in different places and for longer distances. I know someone who just ran 100 kilometers through the Swiss mountains. Awesome...