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Trail-running is an activity that generally means running on any surface, whether it’s paved or not. It is a great way to start your fitness journey and allow for fantastic outdoor adventures.
Whether you are putting in the first miles, or just planning on transitioning from running to trail-running, this article will serve as a guide to help you start strong on this journey. Now, let’s get started.
Gear Up
The first step to start trail-running is to get yourself equipped with the appropriate gear. Although trail-running seems simple, preparation is a must to tackle the off-road terrains you plan on exploring. Weather changes, getting lost, longevity, and hunger are just a few of the issues you may be facing. Hence, it is a must to pre-plan things and take the proper gear with you.
For hunger and thirst, be sure to pack plenty of small snacks, water, or any other energy drinks. If your route is far away from civilization, a first aid kit and a waste disposal kit are essential additions to your gear. Also, make sure to get protection from harsh weather with proper clothing and take a map to guide you as well. Finally, a hydration vest or running pack will serve you well to carry all these things with you.
Get Yourself Trail-Running Shoes
Trail-running shoes are an important part of getting you properly equipped. There are three types of shoes: light trail, off-trail, and rugged trail. Each of the categories come with their different advantages, so you should choose the one that is appropriate for your route and experience.
If you are willing to take a look at trail-running shoes, Runner’s Lab has detailed descriptions of each pair of shoes with the best prices and customer reviews to help get you a good idea.
Plan Out Your Route
Before you head out the door, you need to know where you are going. Trail-running routes come in many different variations. here are endless routes to challenge yourself from flat gravel paths and running by riversides or train tracks to going on uneven and rough mountain ridges.
While pushing yourself to be better is praiseworthy, knowing your current physical limitations is also necessary. Make sure you are well protected and capable of finishing your routes. We recommend starting slow, with short and relatively easier runs to get you adjusted to the ways of trail-running. Also, be sure to plan adequate rest periods in between to prevent injuries and fatigue.
Sharpen Your Skills
There are many techniques to teach yourself and practice when it comes to trail-running, so they come to you easily when you need them. Keep quick feet and raise your knees high to avoid getting your legs caught up in roots and rocks. When going uphill, your stamina reserves will be challenged as they require a mix of power and cardio. In contrast, going downhill, don’t lean forward or backward too much so that you don’t lose your balance. Be mindful and plan your foot placements before executions, and you’ll find yourself maintaining pace in any route.
Work on Your Mental Game
As trail-tunning can be quite demanding at first, the most important part to train is perhaps your mindset. Without a strong mindset, you’ll find yourself getting demotivated quickly and having a hellish time reaching your goals. A weak mentality will make a kilometer or two feel like ten, so it’s important to keep your focus. Additionally, mental fatigue can also ruin your physical form.
Meditation and thinking about your goals are good methods to keep yourself motivated. Trick your brain with small achievements, and you will see that you remain consistently motivated to reach the next one. Since running itself is a form of therapy, you will see the process bear fruitful results in your day-to-day life.
Find Yourself a Companion
Like gyms, trail-running is also a fitness activity that can tire you out quite a bit. This makes it hard to get up the next morning and even skip their next run. There is no better way to keep yourself motivated than to get yourself a partner who will push you?
Finding a trail-running partner will help you stay consistent, as you will both be pushing each other to get up the next day. Furthermore, it makes the process much more fun and will keep your mind distracted from the strain your body is feeling. Whether you’re starting together or you met in a trail-running community, trail-running buddies share advice and get better together.
Train Yourself For the Run
Cross-training is an amazing way to prepare your body for the harsh conditions you may be facing during your run. The unstable, up and down roads are never easy on the body. To become more efficient in this activity, training to become stronger and more agile will show you great results.
Exercises that strengthen your lower body and core will enable you to power through those long routes. Agility drills and plyometric exercises are great to prepare you for the road. Furthermore, working on getting your ankles stronger will make it easier when running through dynamic surfaces.
Strength training and agility training will also help in making you healthier, so why not start now?
In Conclusion
It is never too late to pick up a fitness activity that brings nothing but positive effects to your life. Trail-running has tremendous benefits for both your physical and mental health. There is nothing as good as a run to clear your head out of all the negative thoughts after all. And when you do that in nature, your body will release all the happy endorphins that will calm your mind and bring a sense of fulfillment and joy.
One more thing to remember at all times is to stay safe, so don’t over-exert yourself and be careful on dangerous routes. We hope that this article has helped you prepare to get into the world of trail-running. Good luck and have fun!
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