Exploring the Varieties of Running: My 2026 Plans

From flat pavement to forest trails and obstacle courses – a fresh take on running in the new year

When I first started running a few years ago, a simple run on flat, paved paths was enough to make me happy. I followed a Garmin training plan and soon completed my first race, then multiple half-marathons. Most of my running (about 80%) still happens on relatively flat, paved or even gravel surfaces near my home. These runs help me clear my mind, think through the day, or reflect on what’s happened. It’s my mindful workout routine, simple and effective.

In 2025, I began exploring other forms of running. Joining a sports club in Munich introduced me to trail running on Sundays. Unlike my usual flat runs, trail running means gaining elevation through woods with uneven terrain full of roots and stones. In winter, fallen leaves cover the trail, adding to the challenge by hiding obstacles beneath. Trail running demands constant attention to the path, so I rarely check my watch or worry about speed. It’s more about focus, balance, and adapting to the environment. Plus, the social side of group runs and occasional gatherings at mountain huts adds a nice community feel.

Sometimes a trail run is more like “fast hiking” - especially when the terrain gets to steep or dangerous like here. The image shows the last few meter up the “Kofel” mountain in Oberammergau nearby Munich.

Then there’s Obstacle Course Racing (OCR), another exciting twist on running. It mixes trail running with obstacles like walls, monkey bars, and rings. The OCR community I joined trains both endurance and strength—running short distances, doing burpees, functional exercises, and practicing obstacles outdoors, even in winter. This variety keeps things interesting and is a great all-around workout.

We may not have the Munich Olympic Stadium like at the Spartan Race, but don’t worry—we still crawl up and down plenty of other stairs on all fours.

All these types of running—flat road running, trail running, and OCR—complement each other and push my fitness in new directions. Looking ahead to 2026, I plan to keep the mix going, focusing more on trail runs and OCR events, enjoying the fun rather than competing. I’ve already signed up for some races with friends, aiming to improve without pressure.

That’s my running outlook for 2026. What’s your plan for the year ahead?