My Transformation Journey with the CapitalTrails Community

A personal story of transformation, community, and the beauty of exploring nature's backyard safely.

Three years ago, if someone had told me I'd be planning my weekends around monthly trail runs and discovering hidden forests within Delhi NCR, I would have laughed. I was a road runner through and through, pounding the pavement with my earphones in, focused solely on distance. Little did I know that a casual podcast during one of my regular runs would completely transform not only my running journey, but my entire relationship with community and the outdoors.

It all started during a typical training run in 2022. While listening to a new podcast – Find Your Ultra, I stumbled across a conversation about something called CapitalTrails community in Delhi NCR. The hosts and their excitement were infectious. They spoke about trail running not as just another form of exercise, but to explore, connect with nature, and be part of something bigger.

In June 2022, I was on a Triund trek with one of my friends and my rail jacket was left in McLeodgunj. While returning the weather got bad and to reach fast, I started running downhill and that feeling has never left me since then. I felt belonging there on the trails. With that excitement I signed up of Solang Sky Ultra 2022 – 30Km race.

The Gateway Race That Opened My Eyes

The Solang Sky Ultra was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Gone were the familiar city streets and predictable road surfaces. Instead, I found myself navigating technical mountain terrain, crossing trails, and scrambling over rocks at altitude. The 30km distance that I could comfortably complete on roads became a humbling 7-hour journey of discovery, determination, and sheer grit. Somehow, I managed to finish the race in time.

Image credit - The Hell Race

But more than the physical challenge, it was the sense of belonging that struck me. Fellow runners weren't just competitors; they were companions sharing an adventure. The race embodied something I had never experienced in road running – a genuine sense of accomplishment, camaraderie and mutual support.

As I crossed the finish line, exhausted but exhilarated, I knew I wanted more of this. The seed for my trail running journey had been planted.

Discovering the CapitalTrails Community

The next adventure that I planned was to finish my Advance Mountaineering Course (AMC) in April 2024. AMC humbled me more and made me very cautious of my adventures. Safety became primary and my itch of returning to mountains frequently took the back sheet. Now I am looking for something adventurous in the neighborhood. Rock climbing was one option, but I remembered the podcast on CapitalTrails, and I thought of giving it a try.

In July 2024, almost two years after that transformative race experience, I finally attended my first CapitalTrails monthly meet. I'll admit, I was nervous. Would I be fast enough? Would I know the routes? Would I fit in? Do Delhi really have amazing outdoors? These concerns melted away the moment I arrived at the meeting point.

CapitalTrails isn't just about running; it's about creating a community of outdoor enthusiasts who believe in exploring responsibly and supporting each other. From that very first meeting, I was welcomed with open arms. The group included runners of all abilities – from absolute beginners taking their first steps on trails to seasoned ultrarunners who could navigate complex terrain normally.

What struck me most was the inclusive nature of the community. Whether you choose the long run (typically around 18km/3 hours), the short run (approximately 8km/1.5 hours), or even just the hike option (about 5km/1 hour), everyone is equally valued and supported. The beauty lies not in how fast you go, but in the shared experience of exploring Delhi NCR's hidden natural treasures together.

The Magic of Monthly Exploration

Since that first meet in July 2024, I try not to miss any monthly gathering. In fact, I've started planning my entire schedule around these Sunday morning adventures. Each month brings a new location, a new challenge, and new discoveries.

One month, we might find ourselves exploring the ancient trails of Sanjay Van, where Delhi's history unfolds beneath our feet as we run through forests that have witnessed centuries of change. The next month could take us to the serene lakes of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, where nilgai graze peacefully as we navigate trails and discover hidden water bodies formed in old stone quarries.

The variety is endless: the rolling hills of Aravalli Biodiversity Park, the technical trails of Mangar Bani, the historically rich paths through Mehrauli Archaeological Park, or the challenging terrain around Damdama Lake. Each location offers its own unique character, its own lessons, and its own rewards.

Building Confidence Through Community

What I love most about the experience of CapitalTrails is how it has systematically built my confidence as a trail runner and outdoor explorer. When I started, the idea of navigating unmarked trails seemed daunting. The monthly meets provided the perfect environment to learn these essential skills gradually and safely provided you just don’t follow the fellow explorers, you also try to navigate yourself.

Navigation Skills: Through the community's guidance, I learned to use GPX files and Gaia GPS mobile app effectively and understand natural landmarks. By merely observing the experienced members generously I learned a lot like how to identify trails, recognize potential hazards, how to navigate when the route is closed due to new developments in the forest and always have backup navigation plans.

Trail Etiquette: The community instilled in me the importance of respecting the environment and other trail users. I learned about yielding right of way, how to pass safely, the importance of staying on designated trails, how to explore in the group and the crucial principle of leaving no trace except footprints.

Safety Awareness: Running in groups taught me about risk assessment, weather awareness, and the importance of being prepared for various scenarios. The community's emphasis on safety created an environment where I could push my boundaries while always having support nearby.

Environmental Consciousness: Perhaps most importantly, I developed a deep appreciation for the natural spaces around Delhi NCR and understood my responsibility when I’m there.

The Revolutionary Race Format

One of the most intriguing aspects of CapitalTrails is their unique race series – completely self-supported, self-navigated, and self-timed events. This format represents a departure from traditional organized races and embodies the true spirit of trail running. The idea of self sufficiency is something I’m applying in my road races as well.

In a CapitalTrails race, there are no aid stations waiting with water and snacks – you carry everything you need. There are no route markings or volunteers directing you (Don’t try to ask volunteers on checkpoints about the route, they might mislead you :p) – you follow a GPX file and navigate independently. There are no timing chips or finish line announcers – you scan QR codes at checkpoints to record your progress.

This might sound intimidating, but it's incredibly liberating. The format encourages self-reliance, environmental responsibility, and a deeper connection with the landscape. It strips away the commercial aspects often associated with organized races and returns to the pure essence of exploration and personal challenge. Oh! Have I mentioned about the finish line trophies and we have normalization of ranks based on gender and age (Finishing first might not mean rank 1).

The "leave no trace" philosophy is central to everything CapitalTrails does. Participants are expected to pack out everything they bring in, respect wildlife, stay on designated trails, and leave natural areas exactly as they found them – or better. This approach ensures that these beautiful spaces remain accessible and pristine for future generations of explorers.

Overall running with CapitalTrails made me celebrate genuine experiences over artificial achievements. It's about connecting with nature and fellow runners in a simple, unpretentious way. We create an environment where newcomers feel welcome, experienced runners share their knowledge freely, and everyone works together to preserve the trails we love.

The Transformation Effect

Looking back at my journey, I realize that joining CapitalTrails has transformed more than just my running. It has changed my entire relationship with the outdoors and my local environment.

Physical Transformation: Trail running has made me stronger, more agile, and more resilient. The varied terrain has engaged muscles I never knew I had, improved my balance and coordination, and enhanced my overall fitness in ways that road running never could.

Mental Benefits: The focus required for trail navigation, the calming effect of natural environments, and the meditative quality of moving through forests have significantly improved my mental well-being. Trail running has become my primary stress management tool.

Environmental Awareness: I now see Delhi NCR through completely different eyes. What once looked like a concrete jungle is a region rich with natural spaces, each with its own ecosystem, history, and beauty. I've become an advocate for preserving and protecting these areas.

Community Connection: The friendships formed through CapitalTrails extend far beyond running. This community has become a support network, a source of inspiration, and a group of like-minded individuals who share values of adventure, conservation, and mutual support.

Expanded Exploration: The confidence gained through community runs has emboldened me to explore new areas independently. I now regularly discover new trails, visit different natural areas, and feel comfortable navigating unfamiliar terrain.

A Message to Aspiring Trail Explorers

If you're reading this and feeling a spark of curiosity about trail running or outdoor exploration, I want to share some encouragement and practical advice.

Start Where You Are: You don't need to be an experienced runner or outdoors person to begin. CapitalTrails welcomes absolute beginners and provides multiple options for different fitness levels. The community's supportive environment makes it the perfect place to take your first steps on trails. I have brought my friends and wife to the meets, and they loved the experience.

Safety in Numbers: One of the biggest barriers to outdoor exploration is safety concerns. Joining an established community like CapitalTrails provides the safety of group travel, experienced leadership, and local knowledge that makes exploration both safer and more enjoyable.

Gear Doesn't Have to Be Expensive: While specialized trail running shoes are recommended for technical terrain, you don't need to invest in expensive gear to start. Many community members are happy to share advice about budget-friendly options and what equipment is truly necessary versus nice-to-have.

Learn by Doing: The best way to develop trail running skills is through practice and community involvement. Navigation, pacing, nutrition, and safety skills are all learned gradually through experience and mentorship from more experienced community members.

Respect the Environment: Trail running communities worldwide share a commitment to environmental stewardship. Learning proper trail etiquette, Leave No Trace principles, and respect for wildlife isn't just about being a good community member – it's about ensuring these beautiful spaces remain available for future generations.

The Ongoing Journey

As I write this, I'm already looking forward to next month's CapitalTrails Asola race / adventure happening on 7^th September 2025. The anticipation never gets old – wondering where we'll explore, what new trails we'll discover, and what challenges and rewards await.

The monthly webinars continue to expand my knowledge about local ecosystems, navigation techniques, safety protocols, environmental conservation, and question answer sessions. Each session adds another layer to my understanding and appreciation of this incredible hobby.

But perhaps most importantly, I continue to meet amazing people who share this passion for exploration and conservation. Each new member brings their own perspective, their own knowledge, and their own enthusiasm to the community. This diversity of experience and background is what keeps the community vibrant and welcoming.

An Invitation to Adventure

Delhi NCR might be known for its bustling streets and urban energy but hidden within and around this metropolitan area are incredible natural spaces waiting to be explored responsibly. The Aravalli hills, ancient forests, pristine lakes, and historical trail networks offer endless opportunities for adventure, fitness, and discovery.

CapitalTrails has shown me that you don't need to travel to distant mountains or exotic locations to experience the transformative power of trail running. Sometimes, the greatest adventures are waiting right in your neighborhood, accessible by a short drive from the city. I love riding my bike to the start line and back (another positive for me).

The trail running community offers something unique in our increasingly digital and disconnected world – genuine human connection, physical challenge, environmental awareness, and the simple joy of exploring the natural world. It provides a counterbalance to urban stress, a way to stay physically active, and a community of supportive individuals who share similar values.

Whether you're a seasoned road runner looking for new challenges, a fitness enthusiast seeking variety in your routine, or someone who simply wants to explore the outdoors safely and responsibly, communities like CapitalTrails offer the perfect entry point.

The trails are calling, the community is welcoming, and the adventure is waiting. All you need to do is show up, be respectful, stay safe, and be ready to discover a whole new world that's been hiding in plain sight.

Your first trail adventure is just a single step away. Why not take it on the coming meet or race?

To learn more about CapitalTrails and upcoming monthly meets, visit capitaltrails.in. The community welcomes runners and hikers of all experience levels and is committed to safe, responsible exploration of Delhi NCR's natural spaces.

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This contents of this article are the author's personal views and have been shared voluntarily. CapitalTrails is not responsible for any permissions related to any of the images used in this article.