Trail running allows athletes as well as casual runners to enjoy the beauty of nature, while they get into and maintain their shape. It is truly refreshing to leave the roads behind you in favor of the wide-open wild. Whether you’re getting into running for the first time, a seasoned road runner looking for a change of pace, or even an experienced trail runner, here are six tips that will help you become better at trail running allowing you to hit those trails with speed and confidence.
Gear Up and Fuel Up
You can always run trails in the same clothes and shoes you wear while running on the road, but a bit of specialized gear will greatly improve your trail running experience and boost your performance exponentially. It is important that you use some supplements, just like the ones that can be found on Supplement First. This is key to any good run. Next, invest in some good trail running shoes. These are different from road running shoes as they will provide the traction and support you need for the sometimes rough and slippery terrain you can expect to find on the trails. Once you have done that you should focus on your clothing. Attire that is made of wicking material is excellent for running. It will keep you dry and comfortable out in the elements. Lastly, a GPS watch is a good investment. It can be useful for tracking your path as well as helping you find your way back if you find yourself lost, or make a wrong turn.
Build Core Strength
The importance of balance cannot be stressed enough when it comes to trail running. It’s your core muscles that keep you steady on your feet when the going gets tough and the terrain becomes uneven. Whether you find yourself climbing a steep grade over fallen leaves, hopping along a creek full of slippery rocks, or slipping downhill over a bed of round stones, the ability to stay upright is constantly being challenged and utilized on a trail run. Consider adding exercises such as planks or clamshells to your post-run stretching routine as they will improve your balance. The improved balance will increase your overall speed and stamina and should help you prevent too many serious injuries.
Reward Yourself
Sometimes we can be like a dog who needs the bone at the end of a stick. We need that motivation to push us when we start to teeter on the edge of fatigue, or we are underway with a tough climb or descent and you are ready to fall to your knees. A reward like cracking a cold one, a chocolate bar, or some other indulgence waiting for you at the car could be that push you need to keep you going. It can be the thing that helps you to feel good again and like it was all worth it at the end of a long, hard run. Rewards that you earn after meeting certain goals are a great incentive.
Don’t Get Caught Up on Your Watch
If you are someone who typically sticks to the roads, you probably love reading and beating your stats. It can be exciting to measure your distance, pace-per-mile, and race times with what feels like the precision, care and detail typically found at a medical practitioner. I am here to inform you and to clear the air once and for all, a trail mile is slower than a road mile. Terrain that is filled with hills and bumps combined with the technical nature of most trail runs means that you will run a mile slower than you would on the road. You do, fortunately, get a better, scenic adventure.
Join a Club
Surrounding yourself with like-minded people will help you to run harder and further. Running with more experienced people who are faster than you can really help you push yourself and become better quicker. An added bonus of joining a club is that you always have someone to run with. If your usual running partner is ill, you have a club of members to ask if someone wants to run with you. Click here to find some clubs around Colorado.
Embrace the dirt
To be a good trail runner, you can’t be afraid of dirt. You are going to be running through puddles, creeks, and mud that completely cover the trails. You are going to get muddy and if you aren’t, you’re doing something wrong.
Trail running is a great community filled with fantastic people and can take you to some beautiful locations. Use these 6 tips to become a better trail runner and to boost your running experience in no time at all.