“Trail running combines three elements that I seek in various aspects of my life: a sense of freedom without borders; a challenge in continuously overcoming its limits, and the discovery of new places that are not easily reachable”
Cristina Tasselli
For me, trail running is the rediscovery of the most primitive and inner positive aspects of us human beings: the competition and the challenge with ourselves, as well as the journey and the discovery of the unknown. Every race is different; every challenge is always fascinating.
MARCO MORI
Cristina Tasselli and Marco Mori are Founders of TRM – Trail Running Movement, a sports association specializing in training and nutrition programs for Endurance and Ultra Trail Running. The award-winning athletes and coaches share their thoughts and suggestions with us.
“Trail running is an athletics discipline that involves the entire body and also engages the athlete mentally, accustoming him or her to face difficulties, to maintain high levels of concentration to plan and find unexpected solutions,”
explains Cristina Tasselli. To date, the coach is the only Italian woman athlete to have travelled 900 km and 55,000 m. D+ in the mountains in a single stage race, the Transpyrenea, organized on the border between France and Spain.
“Nothing is ever discounted or completely predictable, as external conditions are constantly evolving. That is why we need good basic preparation, a spirit of adventure and the desire to overcome one's limits and fears.”
“Trail running is a unique sports discipline because it combines the practice of sport with the pleasure of living in direct contact with nature and its incredible landscapes, which are always changing in terms of colors and smells,”
adds Marco Mori, Tasselli’s co-founder of TRM – Trail Running Movement.
The love of nature plays a fundamental role in the passion for this discipline: “Trail running is escapism from the civilized world, a dive inside the pristine beauties of Planet Earth,”
Nature, with its sudden climate changes, along with the involvement of the involvement of the entire body in an activity characterized by variations in rhythm, from low to high intensity, determines the choice of the most suitable clothing:
“I choose the garments for training and competitions according to three main criteria: comfort, breathability and thermoregulation. The garments worn must adapt to various situations. In addition, the races last many hours, and the wrong clothing can compromise the performance,”
So, what are the most suitable garments in action during the race?
A breathable, thermoregulating t-shirt, with long or short sleeves depending on the climate, and a sweatshirt like Ocelot:
“My favourite for cold climates, when the temperature drops as low as -10°C”
explains Mori,
“Tailored for trail running, thanks to the following details: the openable high neck, ideal to protect yourself from lashes of cold wind, the comfort of the fit achieved due to the ergonomic design and flat seams that indulge the movements of the body during physical activities, and thermoregulation.”
“For post-race, when the body has given its maximum and needs to safeguard the temperature with the last of the remaining energy, Cosmic is definitely among the best garments there is;
"it is a technical merino jacket, enveloping and with a cap that closes the “shell” to promote heat conservation both pre- and post-races, or in moments of maximum concentration or recovery of energy.”
And what are the most suitable race garments for her?
Cristina Tasselli has tested (and appreciated) many Rewoolution items, starting from the underwear.
“The products have everything you require for high-impact activities causing intense sweating. They guarantee comfort, quick drying and freedom of movement.” The socks, “Thanks to the absence of seams, prevent the occurrence of blisters, even when worn for a long time.” Then, there is the sweatshirt:
“Pollux is among my favorites. The high neck makes it particularly suitable for use with a backpack, protecting the most delicate parts of the body, while the zip allows you to open it without removing the backpack, increasing ventilation in case of more intense workouts.”
The neck warmer is finally revealed as a multipurpose garment: “Soft and stylish, I use it both to protect the neck and as a bandana in night workouts, in mild climates, wearing over the headlamp.”
