Would you want to go trail running? So, put on your shoes and get moving! Trail running may be that simple when it gets down to it. However, there are times when trail running may be frustrating. When you go trail running, you should expect to get dirty, spend time outside and get one with nature. At the same time, you should work on strengthening your body and mind.
To get yourself prepared and ready to start hitting the trails, read this beginner’s guide to learn more about the tips and information regarding trail running.
Set Precautions First
Typically, taking a few precautions to ensure your safety when trail running is a good idea. Thus, this is because numerous factors could affect your experiences, such as winding and undulating trails, different types of terrain, and constantly shifting weather and routes with few other people.
Since you can find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, take precautions like being familiar with your route, taking a map with you, letting someone know where you went to run and carrying a basic first-aid kit.
Get Dressed and Go Out
Although you can complete some trail runs with the same pair of running shoes that you wore on the roads or during your most recent marathon, it is in your best interest to invest in a solid pair of trail running shoes.
Trail-running shoes are made for off-road runs on natural terrain and include trail-specific characteristics to improve the runner’s experience. These attributes include traction-enhancing sticky rubber outsole lugs, strengthened sidewalls and rock plates, and protecting toe bumpers.
Trail-running shoes are available in a variety of colours and styles. When it comes to trail running, you’ll want to ensure you have a broad selection of other essential equipment, such as a suitable hydration pack, arm sleeves, trekking pole and waterproof jacket.
Terrain Training
Finding the proper trails is never an option; there will always be sections of the route that you find rugged or a different terrain you like to run. However, transitioning from a road or track to a path might take a lot of work. Fortunately, there are several alternatives and terrain kinds to ease into it gradually. Most parks and easy trails offer topography equivalent to road running, allowing you to start gently.
If you are a newbie, start with short walk runs (2km – 5km) to allow your body (particularly your legs and ankles) to acclimate to running on more rough terrain. Trail running demands concentration, and injuries may occur quickly if you trip on an uneven rock or take the incorrect step.
Try Something New
Trail running forces you to confront the great outdoors and allows you to explore uncharted regions. Running on trails is an excellent all-around exercise since it improves cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance.
When we go trail running, we often find ourselves in situations forcing us to go outside our comfort zones. Whether we are trying a new activity for the first time or racing a 100-mile event, this is true. This challenge is a method of personal development, which, when overcome, results in a feeling of contentment and pleasure.
Find a Trail Team and Community
Finally, one of the essential aspects of trail running is ensuring that you engage in the activity securely, having adequate preparation for it, and seeking as much guidance as possible. To enhance safety, it is strongly recommended that you search your neighbourhood for a group of friends or other individuals who share your interests and get started jogging with them. You may find many trail running clubs and organisations online or via social media. These clubs and groups help connect runners and schedule outdoor activities.
Joining a trail team not only helps you come in contact with individuals who are more acquainted with the trail routes than you are, but it also puts you in touch with people who can advise on which trails will be the greatest match for your level of fitness as well as any other considerations.
Running with a group or joining an organisation that specialises in trail running is another excellent way to become a part of the community of trail runners. Therefore, you experience the trails while also doing so in a larger group, which increases your chances of staying safe and gaining motivation from other runners to climb more mountains in the future.
