Why are these aspects important, how do you make sure you’re making the right choices about each, what are the benefits of trail running, and how can you become better at it? These are all essential questions that we’ll cover to help you learn more about trail running before getting into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Do I Start Trail Running?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You’ve picked a great sport! If you’re reading this, motivation clearly isn’t a problem, but you need to know how to actually begin and do it right so that you get the most out of the sport and don’t fail and get demotivated on your first try. Following these steps, there’s no reason not to get hooked on this sport from your very first run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trail running can push your body hard, and your shoes can take a beating. You want shoes that support your body and give you enough grip to where you can feel confident on the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s nothing worse than being halfway through your run when your feet, ankles, or calves start having issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you need trail running shoes to get started? In my opinion, no–however, there is a lot to consider about shoes, so make sure you read on later in the article to find out some tips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you’re running in the mountains or in a forest, you are separated from any kind of urban shelter when you’re trail running. The temperature and weather can bounce around a lot, especially in the mountains (where at some times of the year you can expect rain at least once a day).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plus, depending on where you go, you won’t be able to count on finding a restroom or a drinking fountain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For these reasons, it is important to have the gear you need for the route you’re running. Rain or snow, cold or hot, bathroom or not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might be surprised to know that there may be trail runs closer to you than you might have imagined! <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you search on the internet “trail runs near me”, you can easily turn up popular locations and established routes. This is a fantastic place to start, and you’ll even be able to find trail runs where they are rated by difficulty by different communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out All Trails<\/a> for some rated trail runs near your location. This is a fantastic resource where you can find people’s experiences on different trail runs. The runs are rated by difficulty so you don’t get stuck somewhere that you can’t get out out of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you’re starting out, start small! <\/strong>There’s no reason to do an all-day trail run at first. If you’re an established runner, just try an hour-long run. If you’re not there yet, just try 15-30 minutes of an out-and-back trail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hansel and Gretel used breadcrumbs when they were walking through the forest. Perhaps that’s not the best way to figure out where you are, but Hansel and Gretel were on to something–it’s easier than you think to get lost in a forest or in nature. Make sure to bring some way to find a way home.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In our modern world, a smartphone is a convenient and easy way to keep track of your progress and help you know where you are. Make sure you have a full charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don’t or won’t have the internet at your location, it’s important to download maps ahead of time. <\/strong>AllTrails has the ability to download trail maps ahead of time so you won’t have to rely on a spotty (or non-existent) internet connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don’t want to bring your smartphone but want to bring a GPS, perhaps you should look into a running GPS. If you don’t know what that is or if you haven’t heard about their advantages over smartphone GPS’s, check out this article<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Running, especially when getting started, can be daunting to get the perfect technique. But I’ll be the first one to say that it’s more important to get out there and get started without obsessing over your technique. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The key is to start small so you don’t push your body too hard towards injury. Pay attention to any pains or discomfort and that will help guide you to proper technique over time. If you want some more specific technique tips, we talk about this a bit further in this article. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you’re aware of how to get started, we’ll dive into the details on these points to give you more guidance on which decisions to be making that will work best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Local roads and trails, guidebooks and websites\/apps (like Alltrails), and running clubs are all great resources for finding a good trail run to start with. You may find that you’re intimidated by the thought of going on your own and would prefer to start with a group, in which case searching for a local trail running group can be a great place to start, so you can benefit from running with people who know the area and who are more experienced than you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meetup<\/a> is a popular app that helps people of like hobbies to find each other. If your friends and family aren’t into trail running, this is a good option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are running on your own or with another beginner, you will need to do the research yourself. Many towns and cities keep maps of roads and trails that you can access; otherwise, there will likely be an app or map online for your area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your level of fitness, choose something easy. <\/strong>It’s better to try a more manageable route on your first run and challenge yourself as time goes on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A common mistake is choosing a distance similar to what you’re able to do on the road. Trail running is not the same and is more challenging, mile for mile. <\/strong>You’re going to be running up and down hills and navigating scree, mud, deer crossings (literally), and other obstacles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For myself, it takes me an hour to run 4-5 miles while trail running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trail running will stretch your body further than road running. <\/strong>You’ll be facing a lot of obstacles, very uneven ground, and intense slopes that you won’t find on normal roadways. It’s important to have good technique, so here are a couple of things to look out for that I’ve learned in the book “Runner Anatomy”:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some other general trail running technique tips are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting from the bottom up, shoes are the most important item for trail runners. Going along a gravel path will probably be okay to do in road running shoes, and you’ll likely get away with it without too much trouble, but as soon as you encounter roots, rocks, mud, or other slippery or uneven surfaces, having the right shoes can become super important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s a class of running shoes called “trail running shoes”, also called trail shoes or trail runners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Trail running shoes emphasize traction and are designed for stability and foot protection. <\/strong>This means that traditional trail running shoes are usually a little beefier than regular running shoes, but there are also both minimalist and maximalist versions of the shoe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A helpful way to think of the difference between regular running shoes and trail running shoes is to think of bike tires that are designed for the city versus mountain bike tires. Mountain bike tires are usually thicker with deeper groves to provide good traction, and trail shoes are similar, with extra cushioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All that being said, trail running shoes aren’t completely necessary. You can get away with regular running shoes–I know this because I’ve done it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, you have to listen to your body, and I think the trail running shoes are a great investment if you are wanting to run out on the trail. Dealing with a lack of traction isn’t a showstopper, but it is more work–why not get shoes that are built for it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rest of your outfit can be pretty simple–whatever you would use to run comfortably in the city. If it’s hot, shorts and a t-shirt will work fine as you’re getting started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you progress and start to take on more challenging terrain and increase your mileage, your clothing should consist of layers on your top half. The weather changes in the mountain can be unpredictable, and pockets of cooler and warmer air are also common as the terrain changes around you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There can be large temperature variations during the course of your run, and you should also be prepared for rain, wind, or other changes in weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Running in colder months requires a bit more planning, but the basic layering you should think about is as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For longer runs, as you progress, bear in mind that carrying water will become necessary, and wearing a water vest or backpack should be considered as part of your gear. You can of course just bring a water bottle, but when you’re trail running having two hands-free (not to mention having balanced arms) is a crucial safety precaution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You want to be able to catch yourself if you trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned above, make sure you have some way of finding your way home. If you’re good with maps, then that might be all you need. A smartphone, a hiking GPS, or a watch GPS are all good options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other gear includes everything from first aid kits, food, and sun protection, to headlamps. Still, these don’t necessarily need to be considered for your first trail run and can be further explored later down the line if you really enjoy the sport and find yourself doing it more regularly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re in a remote area with nobody around, then it’s worth it to plan for extra safety gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trail running brings unique terrain that will challenge your body and your level of physical fitness in new ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Physically, trail running can be better or worse for your joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trail running can be better<\/strong> as running on dirt is easier on your joints than running on the road. If you want a more in-depth comparison of road running vs. trail running, see our article, here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, trail running can be worse going up and down hills, running on uneven ground, or even having to deal with mud and other hazards can lead to injury and hyperextension if you’re not careful. If you trip on a rock and mess up your knee, you lose all the benefits of a lower impact surface. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Trail running is a great way to develop balance and build strength because it forces you to adapt your running style, gait and pace constantly as you cover different terrain and adjust your movement to the surface and obstacles accordingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With hills, you need more technical footwork, which can push and grow your running ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re fortunate to live near mountains, running at higher altitudes makes for a strong cardiovascular system as your body has to work harder to pump oxygen to your blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trail running works more muscles than road running, as the variety in the terrain trains not only your legs but more muscles in your core that help you to stabilize, and also in your ankles and feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Surrounded by the beauty of nature, without the distractions of urban running, trail running can be a great getaway for the mind, escaping the chaos of cities and swapping it out for the peaceful, calming effect of nature instead. It is a well-researched fact that being in nature is good for the soul (check out my article here<\/a> if you want to learn about some interesting studies on the outdoors and happiness).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t During one month of this year, I trail ran every day, and the peace I found out in the woods was amazing. It was rejuvenating in ways that running on a treadmill will never be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many runners see trail running as a more relaxed and easy-going sport and less competitive than road running, though not any less physically challenging. With the chance to get in touch with nature, trail running can be more meditative and act as a good tension release and a way to mentally clear one’s head. Reducing rumination, or negative thought spirals, exposure to nature will do more for you mentally than a run of the same distance in an urban area would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you think of trail running as being covered in dirt and running through forests? It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. ‘Trail’ is quite a generic word, and there are many different types of trails. What counts as a trail run is kinda broad and covers any running in nature, usually on dirt and not on a tarred or poured surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s all about getting out of urban spaces, so running on a sidewalk in a park is great, but is generally not considered trail running.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Trails vary in how they look, and some are wide, groomed dirt roads that people can run alongside one another one, while others are small mountain paths that at first glance might look impossible to run on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These small paths are known as single-track paths, these paths don’t allow for more than one person to run along with them in either direction. Multi-use trails are often made from crushed gravel or stone and are suitable for bikers, runners, and horse riders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trail running is more technical than road running and also involves walking, despite its name. Because it is in nature, it usually involves terrain that is not flat or consistent in slope, and especially on mountains, lots of uphill and downhill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Surfaces can vary from gravel or mud to rocks or softer, sandy trails. Roots, rocks, branches, and shrubs all play a role in providing some natural obstacles, but this adds to the challenge and variety along the way, which makes it all the more fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like with anything, getting good at trail running requires practice. The more you do it, the better you will become at it. If you’re looking to improve at trail running but perhaps only have limited access to trails, say just over the weekend, then try to cross-train<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doing other types of exercise, whether it be just road running or core workouts, or other training programs that improve your strength and fitness, will make trail running easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Getting-ready-for-a-trail-run-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/picture>Shoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Be Prepared With The Right Gear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Picking The Best Routes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bring a GPS <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Technique<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Choosing The Right Route for Trail Running<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trail Running Technique Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Gear Do You Need To Trail Run?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Shoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/RunningShoes-On-The-Trail-edited-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/picture>Clothing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/WaterproofJacket-trail-running-snow-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/picture>Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
GPS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Safety Gear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefits Of Trail Running For the Body<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Joints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Strength and Running Technique<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Trail Running For the Mind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/nice-trail-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/picture>What Counts As a Trail Run?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Do I Improve At Trail Running?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cross Training Exercises<\/h3>\n\n\n\n