KISSING THE ROADS

MOST PEOPLE, WHEN THEY START RUNNING, LACE UP THEIR SHOES AND BEGIN BY HITTING THE PATHS, PAVEMENTS OR ROADS…THEY MIGHT EVEN HOP ON THE ODD TREADMILL HERE AND THERE. AND MOST OF THE TIME (WELL, UP UNTIL THE LAST FEW YEARS ANYWAY), RACES WERE DONE ON ROADS, OR AT THE VERY LEAST ON FLAT SURFACES. THAT’S HOW ISOBEL TAIT BEGAN RUNNING, UNTIL SHE CONSIDERED TAKING HER SPORT TO THE TRAILS TO GET AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF EVERYDAY LIFE. IT GOT HER THINKING AND WONDERING WHY OTHERS GRAVITATED TOWARDS THE TRAILS, AND WHAT TOOK THEM AWAY FROM BEING A ‘ROADIE’.

WORDS: ISOBEL TAIT

IMAGES: SUPER SPORTS IMAGES, PHOTOS4SALE, GARRY WYNARDS

Mick started running 18 years ago at the tender age of 32. A mate rang him up the night before the Barossa Half Marathon saying he was going to run, and wanting to know if Mick would join him. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mick was in.

He busted that one out with no training in a swift 1:29 time. This led to 14 marathons, with a PB of 2:39. That was enough of the marathons for Mick, so he tried his hand at the Ironman, and seven of those later, he needed a new challenge – the trails were calling!

Not one to take half measures, Mick’s first trail race was the Yurrebilla 56km. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the best day for him, but it didn’t stop him – it simply lit a fire in his belly to keep going and do more.

Mick has raced trails all over the world, his favourite place the Dolomites in Italy, and says he’s enthralled with trails because of the people.

“I find the people are much more friendly and approachable compared to road runners,” he says.

“Whether you’re an elite runner or a backof-the-pack runner, everyone is considered equal and approachable. Everyone encourages each other on, unlike road running that’s very competitive and where no words are exchanged.

“You get to meet so many runners in trail ultras and can chat for hours and push each other along making long lasting friendships.”