Most trail runners usually train alone or in small groups of friends or colleagues, relying on personal experience and their knowledge of the terrain. This approach certainly has value, as it encourages independence, adaptability, and a genuine passion for the mountains.
At the same time, training under the guidance of an experienced professional can be not only useful, but truly beneficial.
A certified International Mountain Leader who is also an active trail runner can provide focused and knowledgeable support thanks to both technical expertise and deep familiarity with mountain environments. While accompanying runners, the guide observes, advises, and helps refine performance: improving running technique across different types of terrain, developing more effective race strategies, and managing effort, pacing, and recovery more efficiently.
Training with a professional also encourages greater self-awareness. Runners learn to listen to their bodies, recognize signs of fatigue, and make clearer, more informed decisions in mountain environments.
All of this leads to a more complete and safer preparation process, that not only increases the enjoyment of training, but also helps runners arrive at races better prepared and more capable of expressing their full potential.
Trail Running Training: What it includes
Trail running training sessions with Alpmagic are mountain-based outings lasting one or several days, depending on the needs and goals of the runner or group.
Single-day sessions involve trail running routes with varying distances, elevation gains, and levels of difficulty, tailored to the objectives of each participant. The itineraries typically include a combination of climbs and descents comparable to real trail running races.
During the sessions, runners work on pace changes, rhythm management, and technical skills that improve running efficiency while helping conserve energy. Individual reactions, behaviors, and sensations are also analyzed in order to identify the best running setup and the most effective race strategy.
Training sessions also include practical moments dedicated to race nutrition, equipment management, and mountain safety.
Multi-day sessions are particularly useful for preparing for prolonged effort and for experiencing night running in preparation for long-distance races.
We also organize one- or multi-day reconnaissance outings dedicated to exploring race routes before the actual competition. This is especially valuable for ultra-distance and endurance races such as UTMB, Lavaredo Ultra Trail, UTLAC, Tor des Géants, SwissPeaks, and similar events.
Previous trail running experience is not required to join our training sessions. In fact, they can be the ideal opportunity for anyone who wants to try trail running for the first time in a fun, educational, and safe environment.
What we offer
After assessing your needs or the needs of your group, we design the activity and present a proposal that includes at least two alternative itineraries to choose from. Once approved, we provide:
- the final training program
- a certified International Mountain Leader with trail running experience who will accompany and coach you
- any necessary materials (obviously excluding personal trail running equipment)
- reservations for any necessary services, such as overnight stays in mountain huts, shuttle services, buses, cable cars, toll-road permits, and similar arrangements
What you need
As mentioned above, previous trail running experience is not required.
For beginners, only a few simple things are needed:
- some familiarity with running
- good overall health (no medical certificate is required)
- appropriate equipment, which we explain during the planning phase
For runners preparing for races through one or more dedicated training sessions, we recommend:
- good overall health (no medical certificate is required)
- A solid base level of fitness and running training
- some previous experience with trail running
- a brief summary of previous experiences and races completed
- complete race equipment
How to organize a training session with us
To organize one or more trail running training sessions with us, you can:
- call us at +39 320 2154798
- email us at “info@alpmagic.com”
- fill out and submit the contact form on our “Contact” page
