Benefits of Trail Running
Trail Running
Seagulls on the Run advise you to consult with a professional before undertaking any form of physical activity including trail running.
Please note I am a trail runner and not an expert on the body or mind. The following are my beliefs, built on my knowledge as a personal trainer and running coach. They are also based on my experience being physically active and trail running for many years. Observations of those around me and the comments of others.
On the body
Avoiding concrete and tarmac (bitumen for the non Brits) for the softer, varied terrain of the trails can provide more cushioning and less direct force on the feet, ankles, knees and hips.
The change of pace as you ascend and descend, take smaller then larger steps as you negotiate tree roots and rocks, mounds and diverts, puddles and streams, sand and mud, fallen trees and low hanging branches, twisting, turning, climbing and constantly changing direction means every footstep will be slightly different from the next. Working multiple muscles in a variety of ways. Building strength and agility. And avoiding the repetitive movements that cause long term stresses and wear and tear on the joints over the kilometers.
It uses the whole body and relies on core strength and stability, and builds endurance.
On health and wellbeing
Evidence suggests there are mental health benefits from spending time outside and being close to nature. So if incorporated with physical activity, specifically trail running, the benefits to your overall health and wellbeing can only increase.
It is a great opportunity to get away from the pollution of the built up environment of our towns and cities. And not just the air and noise pollution but visual pollution also.
General health
Physical activity helps to build strong muscles and bones, maintain and increase joint movement and prevent injury. And it reduces the risk of, or helps manage, many chronic diseases.
The physical fitness, core strength, stability and agility that results from navigating uneven terrain and constantly changing direction whilst trail running will help to future proof yourself as you age.
Emotionally and mentally
The endorphins released during exercise can help improve energy levels, mood and sleep leading to improved resilience and self confidence. Add that to the reported benefits from being exposed to the natural environment and you are on a definite winner with trail running!
There are a number of studies that have found physical activity helps depression. And there are a number of views as to how this may work including the release of chemicals including serotonin, endorphins and stress hormones.
I am no expert but what I can say is I have met so many people, many friends who suffer depression and anxiety who say running and specifically trail running helps manage the symptoms.
**A big NO to music whilst Trail Running** I NEVER run without a phone when going off the beaten track for safety reasons and of course for the essential pre run, post run, and mid run runfie’s (selfie on the run). But listening to music as you run is a big NO NO for me. Unless you are 26 hrs into the toughest race ever, having sustained a terrible injury hours previously and are not only struggling mentally but finding it almost physically impossible to put one foot in front of the other and still have a further 108kms to go, THEN AND ONLY THEN is music allowed to keep you going! Check out our blog to find out how DU135 chewed me up and spat me out.
Being out on the trails is an opportunity to actually ‘see’ the world around you. To hear the sound of your feet connecting to the trails, the rustle of the wind disturbing the leaves as you pass by, the animals scurrying around you. Feel the warmth on your face or the wind in your hair.
So often we go through our days without really noticing anything. The familiarity of the same streets and buildings that we pass everyday blur into the background and we are too busy connecting with social media to connect with anything else.
We can often zone out during exercise, being caught up the our playlists, audio books and Netflix, the things we use to take our mind off what we are actually doing.
Leave all that behind on the trails and take the opportunity to be ‘present’ and ‘in the moment’.
Socially
Providing you with an opportunity to meet and interact with others.
The trail running community is known to be friendly and welcoming lot. Whether just running the trails or entering an organised event you will inevitably come across someone happy to stop and chat.
More RUNNING ON TRAILS info:
