Introduction to Trail Running: Going Off The Beaten Path

Welcome to our introductory trail running series where we will be covering trail running for beginners. Whether you are new to running or a seasoned road runner looking to explore trail running, this series is for you.This series of articles will cover everything you need to know to begin and continue your trail running journey. The next articles will cover everything you need to know to begin and continue your trail running journey. This series will cover the following:

• Trail Running: Gear and Safety
• Trail Running: Shoes
• Trail Running: Nutrition
• Trail Running Races and How to Find Them
• Trail Running: Groups
• Trail Running: Techniques and How to Improve your Experience
• Trail Running: Running Metrics

What is Trail Running?

Trail running can be defined as any running activity not on paved roads. It takes the term “off the beaten path” literally. Being more than the distance run or the calories burned, it is all about the experience. Your heart will race not only from the cardio, but from the ever-changing views and terrains.

In trail running, you engage one of your biggest bodily assets, your mind. The difference in terrain will include several obstacles, from the uneven path to a tree root zigging and zagging across your way. Your mind will engage as you break out of your straight line running and move to a more open and cross-thinking mindset. The health benefits go beyond the mind though.

Is Trail Running better for me?

Running on an even, straight surface is a good workout. However, you will find that there are all new muscle groups that engage when you run on trails. Hills, nature, and weather will all physically change the surface, and your muscles will be the first to notice. Differences in clothing, for example, having to run in a winter coat will be much different than the same old gym shorts and t-shirt on the treadmill. Your legs will experience a change to the status quo as they are forced to engage muscles required to fall at an angle or lengthen a stride unexpectedly. You start to find that running uphill is a battle but running downhill uses many different parts of the leg to control your speed and keep you from toppling over. Your heart adapts to the changes in elevation and the adrenaline rushes while you run against a steep drop off with a breathtaking view.

Why should I start?

As you lose track of the miles, you will focus more on the beauty of nature. You will see more than the screen on your treadmill, or the same repetition of the house decorations your neighbour's put up. You will notice the wildlife, and the oddities of nature along your trail. No two trails are the same, so while you get a change of view, you force your body, muscles, and mind to adapt to new terrain each time you go out! These changes only add excitement to this sport as you realize that your five-mile run that used to take 40 minutes, now takes an hour and a half, and you don’t even notice the time difference!

Running isn’t everybody’s favorite workout. Things like the same old sound of feet hitting pavement, or the never changing view of the gym can make running boring, or uninteresting. When you introduce these new elements, your mind will thank you as your motivation soars to the top of the cliff you just traversed.

Where do I start?

These changes may seem intimidating, but remember, the speeds, lap times and paces are not the focus with trail running. The focus is getting out into nature and experiencing the trails that cover this beautiful planet. Don't hesitate to go to your local park or nature preserve, find the first trailhead you see and start running! Stay up to date with our articles to make sure you have the proper Trail Running Shoes. Whether you are a first-time runner, or your soles are worn from the same concrete path, trail running can be a great workout for everybody. It offers different views, different workouts, and different mindsets when it comes to running.

 We are sure you have a lot more questions on how to have a fun, but safe trail running journey. This series will give you insight into the basic aspects of running on the trails. We hope you find them helpful and give you the information you need to get out there and take the trails head on!

We are sure you have a lot more questions on how to have a fun, but safe trail running journey. This series will give you insight into the basic aspects of running on the trails. We hope you find them helpful and give you the information you need to get out there and take the trails head on!