Trail Notes

An occasional email from the trail.

A new route, a reflection, or a lesson that took me 30 years on the trail to learn. Written when there's something worth saying, not to a schedule. No noise.

If you’re reading a T-RUN book, this is where new editions and revisions are announced first.

Occasional notes from the trail. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy

Popular posts from this blog

Modřany Gully Long Run

Image
Wild, challenging, and just outside Prague. What to expect Modřany Gully (Modřanská rokle) is my go-to long run — this gorgeous nature reserve sits just south of Prague, with the trailhead outside Zbraslav on the east bank of the Vltava, around nine kilometres downstream from the city. This one’s a proper challenge—technical climbs, runnable descents, and a mix of surfaces: forest singletrack, packed dirt, loose clay shale, and rocky sections to keep you on your toes. Key highlights: Vltava Riverside Trail – A calm, flat start along the river, perfect for easing into the run. Quiet, partly shaded, and very runnable. Ascent to Hradiště – The first proper climb. It’s steep and scrambly in parts, but the views pay dividends. Hradiště Observation Tower – A 360° panorama over Modřany Gully. Total photo op. Hálkův Memorial – A stone monument in the forest, dedicated to Czech poet Vítězslav Hálek—worth a quiet pause. Šance Climb & Ravine – A wild, rugged ascent on loose sha...
Read more

Chasing Elevation: Lessons From the Ups and Downs

Image
Every climb builds patience, every descent teaches trust — that’s the real lesson of chasing elevation. More than a number Runners love talking about elevation. It’s the number that makes a run look epic on Strava, even if it’s just a few loops up and down a local hill. But elevation isn’t just about numbers or bragging rights. It’s a teacher. Every climb, every descent, has something to offer if you’re paying attention. The ups Climbing forces you to slow down. It’s humbling. You can’t fake fitness when the trail tilts up — lungs and legs will tell the truth straight away. But that’s why I love it. Each climb builds strength and aerobic capacity, but it also builds patience. On Prague’s trails you won’t find endless alpine climbs, but you’ll get punchy little ascents that demand respect: the gullies in Modřany , the ridges above Chuchle , the sneaky steps in Prokop Valley . They may only last a few minutes, but string enough together and you’ll know you’ve worked. Watch t...
Read more

Adventure Durability

Image
Adventure is a muscle. If you stop using it, you lose it. Not adventurous? People often say they're "not adventurous." I don't think that's true. I think adventure is a bit like endurance. If you stop using it, you lose it. Nobody expects to sit on the sofa for five years and then run a marathon. Yet many people expect to feel excited about exploring somewhere new after years of following exactly the same routines. Adventure has muscles Curiosity. Confidence. Comfort with uncertainty. The willingness to take the path you've never taken before. Like any muscles, they either grow or they weaken. I never thought about this until I started building T-RUN. Originally, I travelled long distances looking for adventure. Mountains. National parks. Famous trails. Then one day I realised something. The adventure wasn't far away. It had been there all along. Hidden valleys. Forgotten forests. Ancient paths. Nature reserves just beyond the last tram st...
Read more

P1 More from the trail and navigation

P2 Trail notes sign-up

Trail notes

An occasional route, idea or lesson from the trail, and first word on new guides and editions. Written when there's something worth saying, not to a schedule.

Join trail notes

P3 Attribution

Copyright © 2025–2026 James Wood All rights reserved
Privacy·Disclaimer
Write to me: james [at] truntrails.com