Why Mixing Up Your Running Will Transform Your Training

Adventure Athletes
Jun 22
2 min read

Running is Running

Like most people, my first steps into running were on the local streets and cycle paths. With a bit of training, I managed a 10k and then moved up to a Half Marathon. The buzz of race day and the sense of achievement were addictive.

Discovering Trail Running

Everything changed when I stumbled onto trail running. Suddenly, time and pace didn’t matter. It was about moving through nature at your own speed—sometimes hiking, sometimes jogging—completely away from cars and crowds. Pure peace.

I spent a year training this way, going on hiking adventures, running trail half marathons (and getting destroyed by hills), and eventually finishing my first trail marathon.

Stepping Up: Track & Club Running

Obsessed with improving, I found an online post from a fell running coach who recommended weekly speed sessions on a track. I joined my local club, Westbury Harriers, for their track workouts. It was a shock—running so fast I could barely breathe—but the structured sessions and friendly atmosphere made it fun. Within weeks, my fitness shot up.

Trying Everything: Intervals, Races, Fell Running & XC

That led to club interval sessions, road relays, 5ks, 10ks, my first fell races (yes, a road club introduced me to fell running!), and cross-country season. Every session was tough and humbling, but the sense of achievement was massive—and the post-race buzz lasted for days.

The Power of Variety

Fell and ultra running on trails and mountains are now my main focus, but I genuinely believe mixing up your running brings huge benefits. Most people stick to what feels safe, but you don’t know what you’re missing until you step outside your comfort zone.

There’s a lot of talk about trail vs. road, PBs vs. fun. The truth? There’s no right or wrong—do what makes you happy. But if you’re willing to try a new race, training session, or adventure, you might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

At the end of the day… it’s all running.