A TRAIL OF THOUGHT
The power of isolation
ByRichardBowles
As more and more runners take advantage of
Australia's beatiful national parks, the great expanse
and unique challenges of the Outback are fastbecoming the last truly isolated running spot on Earth
U
nless you're a dedicated
road-runner, you're probably
not taking weekend runs
through the suburbs to
appreciate the scenery. And why would
you want to if not absolutely necessary?
As trail running devotees, we are fully
aware of the benefits to be gained from
venturing away from human habitats and
into nature’s own. Australia is a
landmass of 12 million square
kilometres, 91 per cent of which is
covered in native vegetation. So aside
from obligatory training runs in the city,
isn't the chance to explore this 91 per
cent by foot compelling reason enough to
lace-up, get out and explore this great
southern land?
Our land Down Under is famous the
world over for its natural wonders and
wide-open spaces, perhaps the most
notable of these being the Outback. Not
surprising — its giant expanse of rust reddust under uninterrupted blue sky is
awe-inspiring. Merely standing in the
heart of our country triggers a sense of
overwhelming isolation and wonderment.
Tackling this vastness by foot, however,
takes meticulous preparation.
The Outback's boundless beauty can
mask brutality which, let's face it, can be
more than a little thrilling for us trail
runners. Half the excitement of any trail
we run is the potential hazards of
ankle-twisting terrain or possible knee
grazes; it's this attentiveness to potential
dangers that is a key skill of trail
negotiation. A skill we all pride ourselves
on mastering. The Outback, however,
offers significantly more danger, with
more consequential risk than mere skin
scrape or bruised ego. Not entirely the
great Australian trail running promotion
you were hoping to read about. But, hey,
don't fret, it's just about putting the usual
considerations at a higher priority; it's a32 / Outdoor