Is it Possible to Run With a Backpack?

I am training to run The Ancient Road in Denmark in 2020 as fast as possible. It is +400 kilometers, and I need to run it with a backpack.

I am planning to go from the top of Denmark, Skagen, to the German border in under a week. I was hiking Camino Frances in 2016 where I was running with a huge backpack many of the days, and it is not that difficult as you think.

This time, I don’t need to bring such a big pack, but to answer my question:

Is it Possible to Run With a Backpack? Yes, it is possible to run with a backpack. I was running up and down mountains in Spain with a huge and heavy backpack without problems. You just need the right backpack and of course to stay in shape. It helps with solid shoes as well.

If you have a hiking- and running-backpack, you can adjust it, so it is sitting tight, and it is not that annoying to run with. Who doesn't remember running with home from school with a huge school-bag jumping up and down…. Damn…. It is nothing at all like that anymore.

Just do it

A lot of the people I run with don’t like the idea to run with a backpack, and they always make fun of me, when I show up to training with my fanny pack.

If you get used to running with a backpack it is possible. You don’t have to bring such a huge one as my Camino-partner on the picture, but there are a lot of good and small ones made for marathons and ultrarunners.

Strengthen your core

A good advise whether you are training to run long distances with or without a backpack, is to strengthen your core.

Every morning I do some small exercises because I don’t have the time to go to the gym that often because I run and work all day.

• Kneeling extensions

• Abdominal Chair Crunches

• Plank/Side Plank

• Hip Lifts

And in the evening I use a foam roller and kettlebells. You can find some nice training gear if you visit https://billigfitness.se

So, remember to train your core before going on long runs with a backpack, because you have to get used to the extra resistance and weight a backpack give you on a run.

I came back from the Camino as a better runner than ever because it is very good training to walk/run with some extra weight if you want to take your running to the next stop.

This was just some small thoughts about 2020-plans and how I can become a better runner.

Thanks to Billig-Fitness from support to make this article and to offer nice and cheap training equipment.