A lifetime experience to remember - 14 memorable kilometers at Madari Nature Trail with Andriana

When most people start running, they start running on the roads or maybe in non-pandemic times on a treadmill. Running is a great form of exercise, it lowers our levels of stress, increases our sense of well-being and we all know how good being active is for our physical health. However, if you want to elevate your sense of freedom and well-being then you really need to try trail running!

"If you want to see beautiful places, find hidden spots right on your doorstep or go on a mini adventure, then get on the trails,” says medalist Robbie Britton. “There's nothing better than getting lost in a muddy forest or running up a hill ‘just because it's there’.

It was mid of June when I decided to hit the trails and try something completely different in comparison to my running style. I decided to sign up a random race and execute a 9km 'run for fun' with 340m elevation gain.

The day came by so quickly and I was overall pleased with the results - 4th woman overall. In that moment, in that race, is when I realized that trail running truly is the ultimate freedom of movement in the form of running. Our ancestral routes lie in the wild and something magical happens inside our brains when we move through green spaces. Deep down in all of us there is a connection to the wild. Whether it’s a feeling of adventure and nervous excitement that come from stepping onto a new footpath, watching the sunrise over the mountains or staring up at the stars, it’s something that resonates deeply inside all of us.

Connecting with nature is something that scientists are just starting to understand much more about, particularly in regards to its benefit to mental health. Individuals who are highly connected to nature report a higher psychological well-being, being happier with who they are as a person, their social well-being, emotional well-being and also life satisfaction and personal growth.

SO THIS WAS THE STARTING POINT WHERE I FALL IN LOVE WITH THE TRAILS.

Figure 1: Spilia Trail Run Race (pic taken around 7:00am)

The rewards though are amazing. What could have been a dull training run, becomes something that engages all your senses and is a healthy distraction from the usual weekend plod. Some of my best memories are running along mountain paths, feeling a total sense of freedom. Not only do you get to break away from the confines of the road but you have the ability to leave the stop watch at home. It’s not always about pace, as this will often be dictated by the trail.

So, I decided in July to sign up for an upcoming trail run race, 9km 'run for fun', even though my friends wanted me to do the 25km, I refused to do so and went for what it felt comfortable at that time, although, I thank them for their support (you know who you are!). Lazanias Trail Run Race was in someway different than the Spilia Trail Run Race. The first 2km were killers to my legs but the rest felt like the mind boundaries were gone, and I was free to explore a lot more of the world as a result.

Figure 2: Lazanias Trail Run Race (pic taken at 06:00am)

Running on trails is by its very nature more difficult than on a road, so throw away those PBs and minute mile expectations! The trail will dictate the pace so go with the flow. Roads will never produce the steepness trails can, nor the rocks and tree routes. Some areas of trails are completely unrunnable, especially in bad weather! So set your objectives based on the trail and leave your pacing expectations at home.

Given the time I was not ready for something above my limits, 2 weeks after the Lazanias Trail Run Race, I decided to execute a scored 3 route (in trail running it means difficult) at Madari Nature Circular Trail with 725m elevation gain, one of the most difficult trails in Cyprus. I began with a positive mindset but the first 4 km was the most difficult part since I sprained my ankle in a downhill - pain, fear and hopelessness were among the first feelings. However, that was not the point to give up and throw my dream away. I continued slowly and steady to execute each step in order to reach the next peak of the route. Mid way through, fatigue started to hit me and I was feeling dizzy around the 8th km as I was dehydrated and out of breath BUT that was neither the time to give up.

Figures 3 & 4 : Couldn't resist to just stop for a minute to relax and admire the magnificent view (fatigued and dehydrated). Although, these unbelievable views always put a smile on my face.

Finally, I kept going and reached the next peak, major thanks to Andriana for her unbelievable motivation, we managed to complete the trail after 2 hours and 52 minutes. What I have learnt from this trail is that nothing is impossible, you just need to have the courage and motivation to do it! Leave your fears and second thoughts to the side and just remember the magnificent joy that you will experience once you finish it.

Heading out into nature is a great way to bring out your adventurous side. Dare yourself to head out to the trails without a clear plan, and explore the local area! When it comes to trail running, there is no such thing as a wrong turn. Go ahead and get lost – you may discover a hidden gem.

Trail running is challenging but at the same time is rewarding - 'GO WHERE YOU FEEL MOST ALIVE'. In this regards, I am sharing a personal poem that I wrote after Lazanias Trail Run Race.

Figure 5: Beautiful Mountains Poem

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” Dune

Figure 6: Somewhere between the 5th and 10th km. Can't remember the exact km since I was so fatigued and dizzy.