Trail Running 101
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Tribro posted 2 years ago.
I love trail running. I try to run as much as possible on trails rather than pavement as it's easier on the knees/joints. I think your local club is a great place to start, but I don't know that you need to approach running trails much differently than your normal running.
You'll want to get some trail running shoes, however, as they usually provide a little more support and traction. A good local shop should be able to put you in the right trail shoe.
Other than that, I don't know. It would be interesting if there are some basic/standard rules/advice for trail running that differs from running on the road. Anyone?
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kylie posted 2 years ago.
Some areas I know are different are:
(1) where you look: in road running it's straight/at horizon, but on trails you have to watch more where you place each foot. I think I've heard to watch about 3 steps ahead, but I can't be sure.
(2) picking up your feet: withe the rocks and such, you just have to lift your feet more.
(3) less cars to dodge! :) More trees to dodge....
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,5033,s6-51-195-0-3621,00.html looks to be a good article.
Here is a blog about trail vs road from a tri guy: http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2004/02/trail-running-vs-road-running.html
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rcortesi posted 2 years ago.
kyillee wrote:
Some areas I know are different are:
(1) where you look: in road running it's straight/at horizon, but on trails you have to watch more where you place each foot. I think I've heard to watch about 3 steps ahead, but I can't be sure.
It will become clear very quickly if you are looking in the wrong place... trip...;)
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kylie posted 2 years ago.
Of course there is the trip indicator, but just like in other aspects of tri there is what works and there is what is optimal. If you look too close, it can slow you too much and hurt your neck, etc.
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trigirl97 posted 2 years ago.
Thanks for the info. And getting hurt is definitely not something I want, so will probably try to find some beginner-friendly trails. ;)
Until then, I'm going to try to sneak on a golf course near my house and run on it. I figure I can head out early in the a.m. It's accessible to the public from a neighborhood road. It's so green and pretty... :)
"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." ~T.S. Eliot
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Anton posted 2 years ago.
Trail running is our natural running melieu. No roads thousands of years ago...Our bodies take to it as if we were fish to water.
It's a far better workout than roads. I've run both for many years and while I love both,trails are my first true love. Here in the mid-Atlantic we get a plethora of trail types...Roots and rocks and hills (no, I mean HILLS) abound.
One basic rule to trail running....If you look up you go down! Don't stare at your toes mind you but a little ahead. Our brains are hard wired to remember where to put the feet. For me,because I have to pay attention, a three hour trail run zips by.
Trail runs tend to be a little slower but use more of the upper body. Trail running is harder..once or twice a week makes for some strong gams.
Trail running is better for the legs ,so you don't see many impact injuries...but the damage you do to yourself can be MUCH more traumatic if you don't pay attention!
Check out the running book section of your local book store and find a trail running book that you are comfortable with..
Oh...golf courses don't count!...That's cross country!
Happy running...
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
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Beldrueger posted 2 years ago.
Everyone here has offered excellent points. I'm a mountain biker and trail runner.
I prefer running in the following order:
1) Trail Running
2) Outside Running on paths
3) Treadmill
I prefer biking in the following order:
1) Mountain Biking
2) Road Biking
3) Trainer
In both cases the gap in preference between path running and treadmill or road biking and trainer is much smaller than the gap in preference between hitting the trails. I love getting out to trails.
Time just goes by so much faster. You have to pick the right type of trails. I generally find that fun mountain biking trails also make good trail running.
Hi all,
After a weekend camping trip and huffing up the side of a hill a few times, I am thinking about doing some trail running to complement my tri goals.
I have no idea where to start. Can anyone point me to some good articles on things a beginner should know? I did find my local area trail runner group. I guess that would be a good place to begin as well.
I don't plan to do races any time soon but just thought it might be fun to add a trail run every now and then to get me off the hard pavement.
Thanks!
"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." ~T.S. Eliot
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