Motivation

Hattie Pearson completes the 50km Ultra X Race in Madeira

SportsShoes x Nike Communities in Residence athlete, Hattie Pearson has completed the 50km Ultra Race in Madeira, after having never run on the trails at all before this year. Hattie tells us why her amazing trail running community of 10 Iron Women and SportsShoes Ambassador Eleana Matos are so important to her success and shares some tips for others, particularly women, looking to get into trail running.

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The importance of more women on the start line of trail races

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I come from triathlon, so I’m used to seeing very low participation of women at the start line. It’s an issue that’s really important to me and coming from zero trail running this year, going to my first Ultra Marathon and completing that, I believe that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’. So, hopefully, in proving to myself that I can take on this mammoth challenge, I’m able to inspire others, particularly women to do the same.

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The true meaning of trail running

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Since taking up trail running this year, I’ve already discovered that it is so much more than pushing yourself to a PB. Often the terrain is uneven and you never know what’s round the corner (quite literally!), so you have to take each hill, each mountain, each segment as it comes. I’ve found that it really builds confidence and having that community of other runners, particularly women to lean on, is such a great way to build your self-esteem and learn a new skill, whilst discovering lots of parts of the world that you might otherwise never see. Through all of that, I’ve learned a lot about myself, as often you’re spending long periods of time on your own or on the trails with other people that otherwise you wouldn’t be able to.

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Advice to new trail runners

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Especially for women, safety first is really important. You might not feel confident to go out onto the trails alone, especially if there might not be phone network or signal, so find somebody who might want to take up the sport with you, whether that's an existing friend or a work colleague or even finding a new community, such as a trail running club. There are loads all around the UK and the trail community are so friendly! The pressure really is off, because often people aren’t running for a certain time, it's about taking in the scenery, having great conversations and opening whilst you’re on the trails, as well as discovering new things and making new friendships along the way too.

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Hattie's Nike Trail packing list

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Are you feeling inspired? Then join our SportsShoes Strava Run Club and become part of our inclusive community.
And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.