Hit The Trail Archives -

Hit the trail with Anne-Laure Saux

No matter where you are, there are new paths to run and trails to discover. Join Anne-Laure as she takes us for a run along her favourite trail route in Bordeaux, France.

My philosophy is: it doesn’t matter what sport you’re practicing as long as you enjoy it. After finishing my first marathon, my passion for running continues to grow and grow.

I’m always pushing to discover new playgrounds off the beaten track, in the city or out in the wild. Whether it’s near my home in Bordeaux or in one of the places I’ve visited around the world, I’m always looking to share my love of exercise on my blog Bonjour Darling.

Discovering the trails

I absolutely love running. I’ve always ran from time to time, but for the last two years it has become a true passion and nothing can stop me now.

After always running on roads and paths, I have discovered a new love for trail running. I’ve been tempted since my first Spartan Race, but my new-found passion was confirmed during a race I did recently in Bilbao. I realised it was time to go and discover a trail run on my own.

I started off by getting the right pair of shoes, then I searched for a running spot close to my home in Bordeaux where I could run in the wilderness, with hill climbs, descents and a beautiful view. That’s how I discovered Ermitage Park.

Let the adventure begin

A few kilometres away from Bordeaux, Ermitage Park is really easy to access. It’s located only 6km from the city centre and you can run along the banks of the Garonne to get there. Once at the park entrance, in front of an arch covered with graffiti, at first you could be a bit puzzled and wonder if you’re on the right track, but cross the arch and let the adventure begin.

Start running, discover the lake, take small paths through the woods, climb the stairs and make your way to the top of the park to appreciate a magnificent view of Bordeaux. If you want to run further into the wilderness, Palmer Park is not far either. To get back to the city centre you can follow the riverside again, but this time try the left bank. This side is wilder and will smooth your return to civilization.

Running in the Challenger ATR 3

The look of the Challenger ATR 3 surprised me. I tend to always run with the same type of shoes, so these were quite a change, but they intrigued me. to take up trail running, I knew that my basic running trainers would not be appropriate.

“I feel like I have a better stride and my foot now falls more on the front and not the heel, without my control.” Anne-Laure Saux

When the shoes arrived and I put them on I was surprised. The soles that looked imposing in photos are not that big, and ultimately, I really liked them. From that first step when I started running, I liked them even more. I feel like I have a better stride and my foot now falls more on the front and not the heel, without my control.

Learn more about the Challenger ATR 3 shoes Anne-Laure wears.

Hit the trail with Charlie Watson

No matter where you are, there are new paths to run and trails to discover. Join Charlie as she takes us for a run along her favourite trail route in Henley-on-Thames, UK.

I have been an avid runner ever since completing my first marathon in London in 2012. I’m not a natural runner, in fact I have to work really, really hard, but I truly believe that anyone can run a marathon if they want. And I’m proof of that. I’ve run hundreds of miles running new trails and new races across the globe since.

My goal is to champion the journey to a healthy, more active life where honest fitness and food makes wellbeing more accessible to all. You can read more about my goal on my Runner Beans blog, which aims to pace the way to healthy without missing out on any of the fun.

My favourite way to explore new areas

When I train for a marathon, I often run 5-6 days a week, most of which are done in the early morning and so require an easy running route straight out of my front door. I ran hundreds of miles this winter on the only lit two-mile route near my house, which was the one safe place to run in the dark.

On the weekends, I was craving some excitement and a different challenge to my runs, so I’d run further afield. I’d drive to new trails and sign up for races across the country to add some variety to my training. Changing up the scenery gave my training that boost in both motivation and inspiration. It also ensured I actually took in my surroundings rather than just focusing on my pace and breathing. Plus, running is always my favourite way to explore a new area.

Running along the River Thames

I love this run as along the River Thames – it makes me so happy running alongside the water. It helps me feel calm, eases any mental stresses and the route is usually pretty flat. It’s an out-and-back run in a loop because of the lack of bridges to cross the river in Henley, however I don’t mind. It helps knowing that you only have to cover what you’ve already run.

“Changing up the scenery gave my training that boost in both motivation and inspiration.” Charlie Watson

In the early mornings and even on the bleakest of days in mid-winter, there are always other runners out there and rowers on the river, and I love feeling like part of this secret club that works out no matter the weather.

Perfect for any terrain

My run covers a lot of terrains, from road, to path, to trail and grass – and often a lot of mud when it’s wet. My shoes have to stand up to all the demands I put on them, which the Speedgoat 2 were able to do with no problem.

They provide support and comfort over undulating terrain, and I was especially appreciative of the thick sole when running over cobbles, shingles and exposed tree roots. Despite looking chunky, they are very lightweight, perfect for packing in your bag for holidays, mini breaks or when you want to explore a little closer to home.

Learn more about the SPEEDGOAT 2 SHOES Charlie wears.

Hit the trail with Friederike Franze

No matter where you are, there are new paths to run and trails to discover. Join HOKA fan Friederike Franze as she takes us for a run along her favourite trail route in Wandlitz, Germany.

I’m a passionate travel and lifestyle blogger living in Berlin, Germany. One of my great passions is fitness, which I follow in adventures all over the world.

You’ll often find me hiking through new terrains, from the forests of Germany to the glaciers of Iceland, exploring new landscapes and capturing my journeys on camera.

Finding freedom in new locations

Nothing is more liberating, beautiful or exciting than exploring a new and unknown trail. Every route we run for the first time is something unique. Our senses are heightened and everything we see, smell and feel on that path is exhilarating.

Whenever I travel, I pack my running shoes and get out on those roads to discover somewhere new. It could be in the morning at dawn when you’re the first one on the trail, or at night with a headlight switched on, when the whole road is yours.

What I love about this run

This trail run takes you about 8km around Lake Liebnitz near Berlin. The area is idyllic. From muddy paths to stony roads, and dense forest to lake-side views, the trail offers almost every terrain. It will take you uphill and downhill, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the lake. Even if you are a beginner, there is so much to see and explore that you’ll forget all about how far you’ve run.

“I realised I was avoiding tricky terrains in my old running shoes and was limiting myself so much. In the Speedgoat 2, even when running up and downhill, I feel stable and protected.” Friederike Franze

The route is the perfect place to run without your phone to distract you. Listen to the sounds of the forest and lake, and all paths are so well signposted you’ll stay on track.

If you want to run further, there are so many more routes between Bernau and Wandlitz. The mixed woodlands of pines, beeches, oaks and alders is the perfect place to explore just outside of the city.

Why the Speedgoat 2 is perfect for long distances

The Speedgoat 2 has a cushioned midsole made to absorb hard impact and give you a more stable running base. The open mesh construction keeps my feet cool and the wide toe area gives my feet lots of freedom, so they don’t crush your toes when you run downhill. Also they are so lightweight, making them perfect for long distances.

I realised I was avoiding tricky terrains in my old running shoes and was limiting myself so much. In these shoes, even when running up and downhill, I feel stable and protected. At the end of my run, I dipped my feet in the lake to cool down and even with wet feet and socks the shoe fit fantastically and brought me safely to the car park without slipping.

Learn more about the SPEEDGOAT 2 SHOES Friederike wears.

Hit the trail with Anne Englebert

No matter where you are, there are new paths to run and trails to discover. Join HOKA fan Anne Englebert as she takes us for a run along her favourite trail route in Hérault, France.

I fell in love with running in California while I studied there for a year at university. After returning to France, my passion really grew. I started a blog Anne and Dubndidu, became a sports coach and eventually wrote several books on sports and nutrition.

Combining the values of different sports, including running, fitness and yoga, with a healthy and positive lifestyle, I’ve united a beautiful community of runners all around France named the Dubndiduteam.

Why it’s important to run in new locations

After suffering a stress fracture, which is a fatigue-induced fracture of the bone, I can finally slowly start running again this summer. Slowly but surely.

Summer really is my favourite season for running. Yes, it is hot, but the days are longer as well. During the summer holidays, we often have more time to run and discover new routes, so if you go on holiday (unless you’ve already come back), don’t forget to pack your trainers and set new challenges for yourself.

What I love about this run

Because of my injury, at the moment I am allowed to run, but only on the trails. This pushed me to look for new running paths in the Montpellier region. One of my favourite spots is along the Salagou lake. Located at the heart of Hérault region, the beauty of this artificial lake will take your breathe away.

“One of my favourite spots is along the Salagou lake. Located at the heart of Hérault region, the beauty of this artificial lake will take your breath away.” Anne Englebert

You can run there, but also simply take a walk or do some mountain biking. I am delighted to share this route because I first started to share my runs on Instagram specifically to share the paths that I adore, the landscapes of the south of France, these precious moments in harmony with nature and my environment.

How the Speedgoat 2 help me on my run

I wore the Speedgoat 2 trail shoes during this run. They are a little different from what I usually wear. It’s the first time I’ve tried them, but they’ve come highly recommended. They have more cushioning and are adapted to the trail path. Their upper mesh is very light for summer, which is good to keep your feet cool.

“What I like about the Speedgoat 2 is the comfort they give me, which reassured me enormously during my recovery and return to running.” Anne Englebert

What I like about these shoes is the comfort they give me, which reassured me enormously during my recovery and return to running. They are not aggressive but, in fact, very stable and comfortable, even when the path is made of small pebbles. Of course, they have been designed for rougher trails, but they are suitable for other types of route as well. In the end, they allowed me to regain my confidence while running.

Learn more about the Speedgoat 2 shoes Anne wears.