Running on Trails
Trail Running
Still to be convinced of the awesomeness of the trails, read on….
Trail Running v Road Running
No run is EVER the same
Trail running connects you to nature, its beauty and its harshness. The rocks, roots and uneven terrain slow you down. Providing an opportunity to feel the stillness. Appreciate the beauty around you and wonder at the awesomeness of the places trail running can lead you. Left just as mother nature intended; wild and untamed.
It is an inclusive activity. Available to all levels of runner and not just the domain of the elite, undertaken only by ultra athletes on the gnarliest of terrains. It‘s a great mix of fun and fitness on a variety of terrain. From gravel paths, dirt road, fire trails, single winding tracks. From nicely maintained trails to bush bashing through overgrowth to find neglected tracks. Along the flat, the undulating and steep ascents and descents. And yes there may be the occasional short stretches of running along roads. But that’s only to connect one trial to another! No single trail, or trail run is the same, each has its own unique terrain and set of challenges.
And if you find the right trails, you can run them time and time again without getting bored. The same trail can change daily caused by the effects of the weather, erosion and the odd tree blocking the trail.
Duration has no correlation with the distance covered, not all kilometers are equal in Trail Running
Before you start on a trail run chuck you ego in the boot and slam it shut.
The uneven terrain with its roots and loose rocks will inevitably slow you down. And this slower pace is something road runners initially find hard to adjust to. But time spent on trails will inevitably result in you being less focussed on distance and duration. You will find your rhythm, feel at one with the land and just enjoy the run.
Even a ‘short’ run can take hours as you navigate the terrain. Discover new and unplanned trails, otherwise known as getting lost! Make frequent stops to admire the views and to take the odd runfie (selfies on the run). There is no such thing as ‘non stop’ run in the trail running world. It’s a case of getting out there and coming back at some stage, with a stop off for the obligatory post run coffee.
The GST rule
Don’t rely on any distance advertised. Whether you`re running with friends or at official running event, the nature of the terrain means you should always allow to add or minus 10%. Which is not necessarily a problem unless you are literally ‘dying’ for the end or need to run a specific distance. Mentioning no names but a fledgling seagull has been known to run passed the finish line and around the car park to gain the additional meters needed to claim her first ever half marathon.
Types of Trails
The terrain for trail running is as varied as the landscape. It includes:
- Mud and clay
- Loose and hard packed sand
- gravel, loose stones, rocks, roots and fallen trees
- puddles, streams and small river crossings,
- single track
- dirt roads
- open gravel paths and fire trails
- bush tracks with undergrowth and tree canopies
- nicely maintained
- wild and overgrown
- flat, undulating, steep inclines and declines
- straight or winding
So if you run the majority of time on any of these any unpaved surface feel free to call yourself a trail runner. And welcome to this awesome club.
Seagulls On The Run Disclaimer:
Trail Running is addictive - once you come to the dirt you will never go back.
