Trail running has exploded in popularity in recent years and coming soon on the Newcastle 2020 running calendar is the Coastal Ascent.
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The Coastal Ascent will be held on February 16 and is a trail running event with a range of distances on offer, including a 25-kilometre, 11km, kids beach bolt and a 5km course which has been added this year.
All courses start and finish at Dixon Park. The 25km and 11km courses provide a challenge for all runners with two sets of 100 steps at the start, 2.5km of sand running, single track running and some hill climbs and descents.
The 5km course is unique, allowing those new to trail running and junior runners the chance to complete a challenging trail run which starts on Burwood Beach before quickly heading into bushland.
Race director, run coach and trail running expert Vlad Shatrov said this year's event followed the success of the inaugural Coastal Ascent last year.
"Trail running is a growing sport in Newcastle, across Australia and around the world," Vlad said.
"We were thrilled with the number of people who gave the Coastal Ascent a go last year and are stocked to be back again to show off the best of Newcastle as well as providing a fantastic challenge and atmosphere for everyone."
Ahead of this year's Coastal Ascent, I had the pleasure of talking to a few first-timers about what enticed them to give trail running a go.
Deb Alterator, who is in her late 50s and started running in her mid 50s, is an avid parkrunner and loves the "sense of community" running offers.
Deb told me she started out at parkrun - the free 5km event held in various locations around the region every Saturday morning - and has gone on to run half marathons and is now taking on the 11km course in the Coastal Ascent.
She volunteered for the event last year and loved the "sense of support and encouragement" that was given to all participants.
It looked like a lot of fun and what she has found recently during some trail runs through Glenrock is that it is.
Trail running is less impact on your body than road running but can be an all-over workout.
"It's a different running style; you really need to use your core and you're using your hands even," Deb said.
By taking part she is also hoping to "show other ladies of my era that you can get out there and you can walk it, you can run it and you can just have fun".
Belmont North 38-year-old Chad Wardle has entered the 5km course for his first trail run.
He told me he also got into running through parkrun and is a regular at the weekly Buddha Bolt in Lake Macquarie. He told loves "the social side" of running and the support.
"The running community is so good," he said. "You can be the slowest, unfittest person in the world and the encouragement that you get is amazing."
You can find out more about the Coastal Ascent, including a training program, through www.coastalascent.com.au/.
Upcoming Fitness Events
Maximum Adventure Race Series Lake Macquarie, Cams Wharf, February 15: Suited to a range of fitness levels, this event involves mountain biking, trail running and kyaking in teams of two.
Coastal Ascent, Dixon Park, February 16: A trail running event that has 5km, 11km or 25km courses.
Sparke Helmore Newcastle City Triathlon, Newcastle Foreshore, February 23: For the novice to the experienced there are three courses of varying distances to choose from.
NewRun, Newcastle Foreshore, April 5: Distances on offer include 5km, 10km, 21.1km and 42.km as well as a kids' 2km.
Summer Sessions Week #9
Partnering up for a workout has many benefits: training together pushes you harder; committing to someone else keeps you accountable to turn up to the session; and having someone else is supportive and encouraging.
Try this partner workout, where you work through the exercises, taking it in turns to complete the total amount of repetitions. Modify the exercises to suit your level of fitness and ability.
100 squats, 60 burpees, 100 lunges, 60 push-ups, 100 mountain climbers, 60 pull-ups/rows, 200 skips, 60 shoulder press, 800-metre run, two-minute hover.
Send your health and fitness news to r.valentine@newcastleherald.com.au.
Renee Valentine is a writer, qualified personal trainer, mother of three and amateur trail runner.