Monday, October 17, 2016

New to Trail Running? Follow these tips to get out on the trails

Trail running can improve your performance and provide an escape from the paved path.   But how to get started?  The following two articles offer tips to help newbie trail runners experience the joy of trails with the added benefits of increased strength, stamina and mental focus. 


In the Runner’s World (http://www.runnersworld.com/) article 3 Things Every New Trail Runner Needs to Know (http://bit.ly/2eHfTLr ), Jenny Hadfield (@coachjenny) gives 3 great tips to begin running trails.  She recommends running by perceived effort – not pace (yes, it is ok to walk the steep inclines),  run by time - not miles and lastly, but perhaps most importantly, run mindfully.  



Trail run at Lost Lake in Yellowstone National Park, Texas, July 2016. Photo image by Christy Ahsanullah.

The Beginner’s Guide to Trail Running (http://bit.ly/2efpavl published on the Daily Burn (http://dailyburn.com/life/) by Emily Faherty (@emfaherty) shares tips from trail running expert Ian Sharman (@sharmanian). Sharman recommends researching the trails first, making sure you have the right gear, to put safety first, take it slow and stresses “it should be fun”.

The top tips for getting out on the trails are:

  •  Take it slow – focus on the minutes and not the miles and walking is ok – really!

  • Be mindful– know where you are going, keep your focus in the trail and be safe. 


  • Run by Effort, Not Pace - the uneven surface and often hilly terrain can mean you burn more calories and get stronger – focus on the outcome of your performance.

Taking it slow, focusing on outcome, and being mindful are great ways to approach trail running.  Take running off road and onto the trails and see where it may lead you and above all: HAVE FUN!  To find a trail near you, visit American Trail Running Association (http://trailrunner.com/find-a-trail/) and Trails.com (http://www.trails.com/activities.aspx?area=14939)

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