520 confession day we hold hands through the most beautiful scenery

    If a marathon doesn't satisfy you, then try trail running.

    Just for easy memory, not looking to format it well.

    The distance isn't long, the results are average, but the process is worth it. The scenery on the mountain is truly beautiful. After running marathons for a long time, you might feel that life isn't complete without trail running. Starting from 30 to 50 to 100 kilometers, just like how I went from half marathons to full marathons, I began to challenge myself step by step.

    The early morning at Yuquan Mountain Park was a bit gloomy. Taiyuan in May isn't too hot yet, with a slight breeze. The day before the race, the organizing committee thoughtfully sent a text reminding all runners to keep warm, which was much appreciated. The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, and there was a forecast for rain.

    Of course, as usual, my 'girlfriend' was my partner for this race. We've run together in7events this year. I feel safe with her presence, so I didn't think this race would be too difficult, after all, it's only30k, and the cutoff time was generous. She said... only1500meters of elevation gain. So I agreed, oh, that's low~ I quietly packed a lot of energy gels, which she will remember forever and laugh at me for a year because I usually don't eat them during marathons.

    Warming up, the opening activities were full of energy. Cute mascots danced in the wind, lifting the atmosphere. With such enthusiasm (and nervous excitement), the race began. After running1kilometer,500meters of steep steps started, a grueling pace. Having just run stairs the day before, I was still sore. The beer and barbecue the night before resulted in an upset stomach. I told my partner to go ahead, I couldn't keep up, I needed to go to the bathroom. She stayed with me, and we climbed up using both hands and feet. After entering and exiting the mountain, we reachedCP1, took a breath, and hoped not to quit.

    Climbing and climbing...

    The scenery was nice, I could still run. Although it wasn't as grand as a marathon with 30,000 people, the air in the mountains was so fresh that all worries disappeared. At this moment, I was enjoying everything, feeling very excited. After entering a narrow path, a strong wind blew, making me sway. I told my 80-pound partner to grab a tree because the wind was too strong. Suddenly, it started hailing. We were at the top of the mountain, with no one before or after us. The hail hurt our faces, oh, this must be the Forget-Worry Pool. No wonder. Trail running is indeed harsh, with all sorts of unexpected challenges.

    Oh my, the wind was so strong that my hair was flying. The photographer's candid shot made me look like I was electrocuted. Later, I just wanted to go back and have a hot pot (which I still haven't had). Then I got energized, running uphill and downhill, passing people along the way. The beautiful countryside path was definitely a geographical wonder. Nearing the end, I skipped the last aid station.

    Like the wind, I ran the last stretch of the mountain road, finally nearing the finish line. Hand in hand, we crossed the line in 3 hours and 50 minutes. A volunteer asked: How many kilometers? I replied: 30k. What? 30k already? We haven't taken the finish line photo yet. Hahaha, hence the following ugly photo.

    520-style dog abuse, crossing the finish line hand in hand.

    And so, we finished the trail run. Although not tired, the strong wind made us dizzy. Thanks to my partner for guiding me along the way, as my eyesight isn't great. The organizing committee's markers were too few, and we took the wrong path several times.

    We happily won the top two places.

    The wilder the trail, the wilder the heart. When you can't hold back anymore and enter the mountains, don't think about anything else. You'll only hear your heartbeat and footsteps echoing in your ears. At this moment, you are destined to be captivated. As you traverse mountains, it's not just about running; it's a sensory and psychological experience constantly being challenged in the mountains or on the peaks. That experience is irresistible. Looking at the ridges from the top, shrouded in mist, the feeling of tranquility is indescribable. This is the charm of trail running.

    Only after experiencing it did I understand why I was so eager for trail running. Deep down, we have an immense longing for freedom. Only trail running allows for free indulgence and wild running. When the body and nature merge, that's when you reach the realm of running.

    A marathon is just the starting point of wild running; trail running is the true beginning of experiencing the run. We should enjoy this free wild run. If you have the heart, go wild.