Finding Solace on the Trails: How COVID Rekindled Our Love for Nature and Fueled the Rise of Trail Running
In 2020, the world changed. Social distancing along with a sense of doubt shaped our daily activities. Gyms shut down, team sports ended as well as our usual ways to reduce stress plus move our bodies became unavailable. But in this disorder, a good thing happened. People found nature again. We looked for safety outside, and trail running grew in popularity - it became a calm place for many who wanted comfort, exercise in addition to a link to something bigger.
We stayed inside our homes also many of us wanted open areas and fresh air. We wished for a break from the constant news as well as worry. Parks and paths became a safe place. We could leave our houses plus connect with nature. Walking became popular. For those who wanted more active movement, trail running offered a mix of exercise, adventure next to time in nature.
The quietness of the paths offered a welcome break from the loneliness of lockdown. Our feet made a rhythm on the dirt paths. Leaves rustled in the trees. The high views from a mountain peak brought calm and a sense of what mattered in a world that felt more disordered. The paths became our gyms, our therapists along with our escape routes.
Beyond the mental and emotional benefits, trail running also offered a much-needed physical outlet. With gyms closed, many people turned to running as a way to stay active and maintain their physical health. And as they ventured beyond the paved roads and onto the trails, they discovered a new world of challenging terrain, stunning landscapes, and a sense of accomplishment that came from conquering a difficult climb or completing a long run.
The pandemic also created a sense of community among trail runners. In-person races as well as group runs often ended. But online groups and virtual challenges helped runners stay in touch plus keep going. People shared their path trips, offered support next to celebrated what others did. This built a helpful network that went past physical distance.
The world has started to return to a new normal. The love for nature also trail running that grew during the pandemic will probably stay. The paths have given us comfort, power along with a new liking for nature. We still face the difficulties of this century, but the paths will stay a place where we find peace, recovery as well as connection - this links us to ourselves, to nature in addition to to each other.
< Back to Blog
