Have you ever wondered what trail running has in common with other activities or sports? Well, I have. In fact, I wrote an article comparing baseball to trail running. Since I consider myself an aficionado of jigsaw puzzling, I thought it would be a fine time to draw another comparison. Let me know if you agree that trail running and jigsaw puzzling are analogous, or at least somewhat so.
Basics
Selecting a Puzzle – category, pieces, and manufacturing vs Selecting a trail – route, distance, and design
Category: When picking a puzzle, there are so many categories from which to choose – artistic, whimsical, scenic, comical, still life, photographic rendition, etc. Likewise, with trail running, you may pick a route that has anything from single track to rocky, smooth and flowy to punchy hills, or perhaps a water crossing or screaming downhills.
Pieces: Like a variety of distances, the number of puzzle pieces reflects your commitment to the task. Choosing 500 pieces for a first puzzle may be similar to choosing a 5K distance for your first trail run. Once familiarity and experience factor in, increasing piece choice and distance go hand in hand.
[Fun Fact: In 2022, I completed 14 puzzles adding up to 27,000 pieces.]
Manufacturing: Not all companies are created equally in terms of puzzle construction. Some puzzles are made too thin so the pieces don’t completely intertwine, and others have sizes and shapes that are incongruous. Likewise, there is an art to designing and building trails to achieve optimum results.
Preparation
Planning the puzzle – location, sorting, and building vs Planning the run – location, gear, and fuel
Location: The number of pieces and the dimensions of the puzzle will determine where you can assemble it. Choose wisely as some spots in your home simply will not work. Maybe it’s because the table is too small, or maybe a lingering cat is ready to pounce on a table and cart away the pieces. Use the puzzle picture as your guide. As you are deciding where you are going for a run, consider whether you will run to a trail, or drive to a trailhead, and how much time your workout will be. Use a map as your guide. The decision-making process is truly methodical in both instances.
Sorting: Pieces can be sorted by shapes and/or colors according to the puzzle design. It’s best to first turn over all the pieces to determine whether they are border pieces or those for the guts of the puzzle – the interior. Before heading for a run, sorting gear and choosing the right footwear and apparel for conditions is important from head to toe (the border). Similarly, the interior, also known as the digestive system, must be considered. Eating and hydrating before, during, and after the run is imperative to a successful outing and recovery.
Build: It may be easier to set the border first and then start filling in the design so the construction becomes a step-by-step process. Be aware that sometimes, especially with the border, two pieces seemingly fit in the same spot. Make sure to check if you really do have the right piece in the right place.
Run: Talk about step-by-step. Trail running is one foot in front of the other. Plan your foot plants, put the steps together, and construct your route. When in doubt if you are on the right path, stop and consult your map to insure you are on course.
Finish
It is rewarding to complete a puzzle and admire the accomplishment, especially if it is a challenging 3000-piece puzzle with an intricate design. Likewise, finishing a trail run leads to satisfaction, even more so if it is a challenging and hard-earned effort.
[Fun Fact: World’s biggest puzzle is 40,320 pieces.]
To select your first, or next puzzle, visit Puzzle Warehouse or Serious Puzzles. If you’re a puzzle nerd, visit this spot.
