Blog

Musings on swimming, running and riding for everyday athletes.

24 Nov 2025

How to Choose Your First Trail Race in Portugal (A Simple Guide for Beginners)

Getting into trail running can feel intimidating at first — new terrain, elevation, technical sections, different distances…But the truth is: Portugal has an amazing variety of beginner-friendly trail races, and choosing your first one is easier than it seems. If you’re thinking about stepping off the road and into the trails, this guide will help […]

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21 Nov 2025

Trail da Amizade 2025: community, beautiful trails and a special giveaway to join the race

The Trail da Amizade is one of those events that perfectly represents why trail running in Portugal keeps growing: scenic routes, a welcoming community and distances for every type of runner — from complete beginners to experienced trail athletes. And this year comes with something extra: we’re launching a RaceFinder giveaway where you can win […]

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20 Nov 2025

Quick Checklist: Are You Really Ready for Your Next Race?

Whether you’re lining up for a 5K, 10K, half marathon or a trail event, there’s always that moment of doubt before race day:“Am I actually prepared?” To help you start with confidence (and zero stress), here’s a fast and practical checklist to make sure you’re truly ready. 1) Training done — even if not perfect […]

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19 Nov 2025

The Top 5 Mistakes Almost Every Beginner Runner Makes (and How to Avoid Them)

Starting to run is simple — but it’s also incredibly common for beginners to make the same mistakes over and over again.The good news? They’re all easy to fix. If you’re taking your first steps into running, here are the five most common mistakes and how to avoid them so you can feel better, improve […]

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18 Nov 2025

Waiting for 2026 to start running? You don’t need to — here are the best beginner-friendly races you can join right now

Are you waiting for January to “start running seriously”? Or waiting for 2026 to sign up for your first race?You don’t need to. There are short, accessible and beginner-friendly events happening in the next few weeks — perfect if you want to start now instead of “one day”. If your goal is to run your […]

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17 Nov 2025

Proença Cross Trail 2025: One of Portugal’s most beautiful (and toughest) end-of-year challenges

Some races don’t just test your legs — they reshape the way you experience nature, silence and effort.The Proença Cross Trail is exactly that kind of race. Technical trails, endless climbs, tiny villages hidden in the forest, and that special atmosphere only true trail runners know.From 19 to 21 December 2025, Proença-a-Nova becomes a meeting […]

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14 Nov 2025

Cycling in the Rain: Safety Tips for Autumn & Winter

Riding in the rain isn’t every cyclist’s favourite plan… but sometimes it’s the only way to keep the routine alive during autumn and winter.Wet roads, cold air and lower visibility bring challenges — but with the right preparation, a rainy ride can be safe, productive and even enjoyable. Here’s how to stay confident on the […]

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13 Nov 2025

Common Mistakes Cyclists Make — and How to Avoid Them

Road cycling is one of the most rewarding sports out there — the freedom, the speed, the challenge, the views.But even experienced cyclists fall into habits that can slow progress, increase fatigue, or make rides less safe. Here are five common mistakes, why they matter, and how to avoid them so you can ride stronger, […]

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12 Nov 2025

Moments Only Trail Runners Understand

Some people think trail running is just running off-road.But anyone who’s ever felt the mud under their shoes, smelled the forest after rain, and climbed a hill just for the view — knows it’s so much more than that. Trail running is part endurance, part humility, and part freedom.It’s the kind of running that teaches […]

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11 Nov 2025

UTMB in Portugal: What the UTMB Index Is and Where to Earn It

If you’re a trail runner, you’ve probably thought it at least once:“One day, I want to run UTMB.” UTMB® (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) is the pinnacle of trail running — an annual gathering in Chamonix where athletes from all over the world take on long, emotional, technical routes through the Alps. But the journey to Chamonix […]

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10 Nov 2025

Training Outdoors in Autumn: How to Maintain Your Rhythm as Days Get Shorter

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and great conditions for endurance training — but also fewer daylight hours, unpredictable weather, and changes in routine.To keep consistency without overtraining, it’s important to adjust how you train, not just what you train. Here’s a practical, structured guide for runners, cyclists, open-water swimmers and triathletes. 1) Adjust Your Schedule to […]

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