Every tribe has its rites and customs and being a trail runner is no different. Join Scout as she shares 10 sure-fire signs that you’re part of the gang — toenails or no toenails!
# 1 You’ll always get amongst it
From dirt, rocks, mud and sand, to wind, rain and perhaps even snow, the elements are never a valid excuse.
# 2 Your trail running shoe collection is the only shoe collection you have
You have a pair to wear while the other pair dries out, a pair you prefer to only wear when the trails are slippery and sandy, then there is a pair that provides more ankle support than the others.
# 3 You’re not really into counting the Ks
As a trail runner, distance is usually measured over hours rather than kilometres.
# 4 Your feet look better with no toenails
Toenails are so overrated.
# 5 No really, we’re serious about the toenails
If you have more than 3 toenails intact, then you haven’t been running enough!
# 6 Your hydration pack is barely washed
Because you know you are more likely to get sick from the murky pool of water that you refilled it from.
# 7 Bum bags have never gone out of fashion
‘Nuff said.
# 8 Even your shower likes to get dirty
Come Sunday night your shower is stained with mud, leaves and everything else you’ve picked up on the trail.
# 9 Snacking is your main meal
Your car is stashed with emergency calories, somewhere in your workplace is a drawer stocked with nut bars and I bet you’re eating right now!
# 10 Most of all, you’ve perfected the art of pooing in the bush
If not, now’s the time to learn!
Feature image by Chris Ord
All other images by Jon Harris
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