11 Things You Must Know Before You Go Trail Running

You’re interested in trail running and experiencing nature in a new way. I understand trail running is vastly different than road running. The biggest immediate difference is you are in a changing landscape and keeps your mind active and looking around. For anyone looking to get started in trail running. There are many things you should take into account these 11 tips will help get you on the right path.

So, What Is Trail Running?

Trail running is simply running on anything that is not a road, or a human-made surface (aka concrete, sidewalks, parking lots, etc.). So if you’re looking for an adventure that exceeds city limits and pushes you out into the natural world around you.

After all who wouldn’t prefer to get great views when running over busy roads or crowded sidewalks. Like many free spirits, (trail runners) you should try out various parks or go into the depths of the wilderness to run up mountains and sprint through the forest like a hunter looking for food. At least this is how I imagine myself when I’m in the wooziness.

Know What You’re Getting Into:

Trail running is a lot different that traditional road was running. Sorry, but you’re not going to get perfectly paved trails for you to run on 100% of the time. Many times you will be “in the thick of everything” so I like to say. Often you’ll find yourself sidestepping a lot as you are running so that you don’t trip on a root or rock.

Note: You will fall or trip eventually so just expect it to happen. Me I’m a little clumsy so it happens more often than I’d care to admit. Let just say I’m working on my situational awareness.

Protect And Spray:

The worst thing that hit me when I started running on trails was the bugs. These guys are a relentless force that is planning to take us all over. So to help a little, before I run into the forsaken forest, I hose myself down with some 20 bottles of bug spray, If anything it helps keeps the flying bugs away (magical cobweb protection).

 

For example, I went on a run this morning, and I plowed through at least 15+ of these suckers, with a happy spider waiting to get me. If you’re up for it, just run with a stick in your hand and wave it like crazy as your running, so you have a fighting chance against spider man’s siblings. Want an Idea as to how you may feel when your first to start a run on any trail just check this out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gVBVdgs3Sw .

 

Hydrate, Fuel Up, And Hydrate Again:

As with any run, you have to keep yourself fueled and hydrated, so you don’t crash or pass out. I would highly recommend that you get used carrying your food and water during a run. If you can do this, you’ll be a benefit because you can adapt and change your diet and hydration levels during training for a race to give you the best results. Something to keep in mind for people that plan on taking trail running further and do runs over 10k’s. Unlike road races, you don’t have the luxury of a water station every mile or two. So when carrying your food and water take time and try out various food types. I prefer real food and nutty bars on the trail because they are a very carbohydrate dense and full of calories.

Preparation Is Key:

Taking the time to prepare yourself for the trails best is the most important step to keeping ahead of possible issues that can arise out of nowhere. A few things I do before I go face first into a run is release muscle tension. Every day I go through various mobility drills, releasing the stress on my pain points (calf, foot, knee, etc.). After doing this, I can feel the tension on my body release.

Prior to doing mobility drills daily, I had a lot of pain in the glutes and feet. Stretching is something that many people overlook in all types of training. So take some time out of your day (I do it right when I get up) and stretch out the tightest parts of your body and just feel the tension release.

Luckily If you see yourself in my previous position, we have a series of movements and drills for you to get the tension release you’re looking for. If you start doing this now, it will help you with injury prevention before and after being on the run.

Stop And Smell The Roses!

When you are road racing, it’s hard to think about stopping and just enjoying the surroundings. When you’re out on the trail and nature all around you, it’s hard not to take it all in. So when you’re not out there trying to smash your previous PR on a trail, just think “stop and smell the roses.” At the end of the day, you being able to go out and enjoy nature is an amazing thing so consume all its beauty.

 

Running With Your Buddies:

When out on the trails it’s best to bring someone with you to enjoy the moment with. If you’re like me, you’ll bring your best pal lilah (my dog). Just as any training partner she gives me the extra push to keep going when the climb sucks and lets me know when I should back off a little and relax for a moment.

But, If you’re not one to run with others, you should at the very least let others know where you’re going in case of an emergency. I say it’s just better to bring a super dog that can carry you back like a pro and get you both to safety.

 

 

Keeping An Eye On Time:

I know it is hard sometimes to judge when it will get dark. Especially when running in the mountains, darkness can be a thing real quick after a particular time of day. So my big tip for this is to either make your way to Google to get an idea of sunrise and sunset or just start running earlier in the day to prevent any possible issues. After all, could you imagine being out on the run thinking you’re fine in the dark then woosh! You just fell off a cliff. Yep, that would suck. Now if you are someone that is looking to do some overnight running a very bright headlamp (350+ lumens ) is going to be your best bet. This way at the very least you can see where you are going and have overall, a decent night.

After all, could you imagine being out on the run thinking you’re fine in the dark then woosh! You just fell off a cliff. Yep, that would suck. Now if you are someone that is looking to do some overnight running a very bright headlamp (350+ lumens) is going to be your best bet. This way at the very least you can see where you are going and have overall, a decent night.

Check out our post on flashlights to make sure you’re getting the best buy.

Dress for Temperature Not Just Weather:

I do this wrong still. But it’s something to keep in your mind. I have a tendency to focus on the type of weather over the actual temperature outside. In my case, I usually end up taking off a majority of the clothes I brought.

When you are looking to prepare for the run of the day properly, it’s a smart idea to think about the temperature outside. Because if it’s raining your going to be wet and do you want to be wearing clothes that will hold a lot of moisture and add more weight? I think not. So it’s best to find what works best for you in various weather scenarios and expect the worst. At the very least grab a jacket to keep you a little warm and a light raincoat to keep you a “little” dry.

 

Know Your Gear:

This one will get you more than once, for me it usually comes in the forms of blisters. When you are just getting started in trail running its best to stick with what you use already and make a gradual transition into a new gear. For some people, this may not be much of an issue. If you’re like me and have hot feet when you run jumping right into new shoes could put a damper on your training plans. Along with your shoes, it’s also important to test your other gear out and find what you like to bring and what you need for your style of training. Just because a gadget or piece of equipment is out there doesn’t mean you need to use it.

This one will get you more than once, for me it usually comes in the forms of blisters. When you are just getting started in trail running its best to stick with what you use already and make a gradual transition into a new gear. For some people, this may not be much of an issue. If you’re like me and have hot feet when you run jumping right into new shoes could put a damper on your training plans. Along with your shoes, it’s also important to test your other gear out and find what you like to bring and what you need for your style of training. Just because a gadget or piece of equipment is out there doesn’t mean you need to use it.

Have Fun!

Make sure you are always having an amazing time! Some days are going to suck, and others are going to be the best you’ve ever had. Just remember to keep your mind on the positive and just keep running!

 

Are you ready to face the trails of nature and become a king of the wilderness?…

Kole Riggs