Hiking and Trail Running with baby in Südtirol
K65 at Innsbruck Alpine Trail Festival
The long waited September month that brought Thorsten’s parental leave finally came. The first part we filled it with hiking and trail running in Tirol and Südtirol.
We spent the first week-end in Innsbruck where Thorsten ran (and was again on the podium) the K65 of IATF 2021 (Innsbruck Alpine Trail Festival). The same distance I run last year with Thomas in the belly (without knowing it).
The beautiful Valle de Cassies
Our accommodation for one week in Südtirol was Blaslahof (https://www.blaslahof.com) in Valle de Cassies or Gsieser Tal: a small apartment only for us, a huge playground for children, very pleasing sauna and pool area and hiking tracks from the house door.
It is our second time in Valle de Cassies: a beautiful region with a lot of hiking possibilities, from paths close to the valley, the well known Almweg 2000 and then up to summits above 2500 m. The hikes are not dangerous, but they might require some stamina. The paths close to the valley are also very appealing for walking or good for starting (again after pregnancy break) with trail running.
Goal of the week: stay active
We wanted to have an active vacation, by alternating hiking, long walks and trail running. Hiking we did always the three of us, walking sometimes together or one of us alone with Thomas and trail running was our separate escape on the trails.
We did three hikes and all of them above 2000 m. They say one should not go above 2000 m altitude with babies. The reason is the lower oxygen level and pressure. We just gave it a try and if Thomas would have given signs he doesn’t like it of course we would have turned back. But he didn’t complain: he was either sleeping or actively looking around and on the top he was full of energy. We didn’t remain for long time at the high altitudes anyhow and we were hiking slowly, so there was no pressure difference shock for him.
The hikes were around 5 to 6 hours long. We used to take 2 or 3 breaks for stretching, drinking or changing pampers. Sometimes at the end Thomas made it clear to us that we were a bit over his patience time. So we were singing to distract him.
Hiking
Hörneckele 2127 m
This was our first hike. It was steep and I had the impression we will not reach the summit because we were advancing quite slowly. Then Thorsten told me: just keep going and don’t think that much. Me not thinking ? This happens only when I do trail running. But anyhow the landscapes were amazing, the view from the top was worth it and Thomas was not complaining. He was actually enjoying the top :D.
No name 2311 m
This was supposed to be a hike along the Almweg 2000 to the Kaseralm hut, popular for its food. To deserve the Kaiserschmarrn we were dreaming about, we hiked also a no name summit. Just before reaching the hut we shortened the way through some area surrounded by an electric fence. Apparently we were not allowed to do that and the lady from Kaseralm was really upset and yelled at us. So this was it with the good food, we moved forward to another hut on the spontaneously changed route :D.
The other hut was quite empty. Actually nobody was there anymore beside the waitress who was cleaning the tables. Not really inviting to stay, therefore we continued to hike further. Thomas had something to eat and our reserves were still holding. Down in the valley there was another hut, but again no luck, there was no food there. So this day was very reach in beautiful landscapes, but a cathastrophy for our taste senses. In the end ordering a pizza saved the day and actually delighted our stomaches.
Gerichtshals 2239 m
I was quite tired at the beginning of the hike and agreed to go only to the Randl hut (https://www.suedtirol.info/en/experience/randlhutte-1862m_activity_69397). The weather was so nice and would have been a pity not to take advantage of it. My batteries were empty but after a delicious Kaiserschmarren and a huge glass of water with elderflower syrup, they were fully recharged and we continued towards Gerichtshals summit. And this was so worth it! The landscapes were fascinating and the view from the top amazing. I really recommend this one.
Trail running
Each hike was followed by a trail running day. We took turns in taking care of Thomas while the other one was running. We either walked with him, played on the playground inside or outside or sleeping while he was sleeping ( I must admit I was doing that :D).
We even had a rainy trail run day and even if it was not that inviting to go outside, I took advantage of this chance to put my brain to sleep and just concentrate on the trail. This is my only chance to stop thinking: running in the mountains.
Coming back in shape is not easy for me, but the taste of freedom that I feel when I do run is worth all the sweat, short breathing and muscle pain.
Walking and relaxation
The long walks we used for talking and planning or just quietly enjoying the Talblickweg, a path along the valley. It always gave us a lot of peace.
Sauna was on the menu almost every evening. Of course we didn’t have the luxury to go together since one of us remained with Thomas, but each of us enjoyed one hour of totally quiet atmosphere since at that hour nobody was there anymore. With baby some of the activities shift a bit and you should take advantage whenever the time fits.
The end
The week full of activities in Südtirol didn’t make me that tired as I was expecting. And this is because there was a lot of physical activity and the brain could take a break. What makes us tired are actually computers and handys. Since we didn’t use them much during our staying, we came back home with a clearer and more relaxed mind.
I wish you all to be able to disconnect like this from time to time.
- Continue being sporty with two small children - January 31, 2024
- “Training Camp” Vacation as a family of four - January 28, 2024
- First Hike as a family of four - November 21, 2023
