Sanna's Trail Diary: October

Hills, Half Marathons & Trail Magic

October has always been one of my favourite months to train. The air turns crisp, the trails shift in colour, and there’s that quiet excitement that comes with building towards winter miles. It’s the start of my big winter training block — the time to lay foundations for what’s ahead.

This month, I’ve been spending more time in the local hills, giving my legs a proper wake-up call as I prep for my race in November and the big one in January — the Arc 100 miles. There’s something grounding about returning to those climbs, feeling the burn in your quads, and knowing every step is a small investment in future endurance.

Hitting the Road… Unexpectedly

In a surprising twist… I hit the road! Yes, me, doing a road race — shock horror. The Cardiff Half Marathon was a whole different world: no poles, no pack, just my Baslow waistband and a tiny 300ml bottle. It felt almost too easy to get ready. But the best part? I clocked a PB of 1 hour 30 minutes. Not too shabby for a trail runner venturing onto the tarmac!

Women on the Trails

To top off the month, my Women on the Trails event took place on the 26th of October. Twenty-two amazing women joined me to take on the trails together. We swapped stories, talked gear, laughed a lot, and soaked in every bit of the scenery. It was one of those days that remind me why I love this sport — it’s not just about miles and medals, but the community we build along the way.

October has been about challenging myself, embracing new experiences, and celebrating the joy of trail running with others. Winter training is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see what the next month brings!