New to trail running?? Tips to transition from road to trail
Trail running is basically running on on the bitumen but along the bush, up mountains, along coastlines and other open spaces. The paths might be sand, rocks, dirt, mud, gravel or a bit of everything.
If you are a little nervous about trying it, here are a few tips to get you transitioning across to the dirt and on your first adventure. Trust me, you won’t regret it and get hooked.
Think time not distance
5km on a trail is not equiviant to 5km on the road. No 2 trail runs are also the same either, as you also have different elevation and terrain to deal with. When you first start, think about your runs as time not distance ( ie. I will run for 1hour).
Get a hydropack to carry water
There are no water fountains on the trails, so the best way to carry water is with a hydropack or a running belt with water.
Pick your course
Ease into the trail runs. Start off with a less technical trail or flatter route, just so you can get used to it. There are plenty of time to tackle to hills, building distance and technical, challenging runs. Don’t be afraid to walk either. If you need to walk up a hill, that is perfectly okay. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Run with some friends
Head out with someone who knows the area or even with another running buddy (it is also much more fun when you are with each other.) If you do end up going by yourself, tell someone where you are going.
Look at where you are going ( not your feet)
By looking ahead, you can plan your route that you are running. You can dodge that log that is sticking up or the loose rocks before you hit them. By looking at your feet, you are less adaptive to change your run path last minute. You also never just run on a straight path. Trail running is about being agile and you might need to move left or right along the path as you go.
You might have sore legs the next day
When you are trail running, you have to switch on your stabiliser muscles in your legs. Your core, glutes, quads, calfs, feet and ankles need to work a bit harder to adjust to the uneven terrain. So, after your first run you might be a bit sore. Stretch and roll on out post run, and you the DOMS won’t be as bad the next day.
Trail Running is a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. Plus, you wil have the opportunity to experience some incredible landscapes.
If you have any other questions about hitting the trails for the first time, please don’t hestitate to contact me or come join us on one of our social runs. It is the perfect way to build up your confidence and have heaps of encouragement along the way.