Trails - A Runner's Best Friend
I do not consider myself a good trail runner. I like running trails, but I don't run them enough to truly become great at them. Trails differ from road running in the fact that the terrain is always changing, often they are filled with steep hills and dodging rocks, roots and poison oak is common. So why should you add trails to your training, especially if your focus is road running?
Trails will MAKE YOU A STRONGER RUNNER. Here's why:
- Trails build stamina and help you remain light on your feet. You learn how to run more efficiently by your constant awareness of your surroundings and the path in front of you.
- Trails will give you strong calf muscles. Every time I run a trail, my calves are screaming at me at the finish. Don't get me wrong, it's a good soreness, because I know I have been working.
- Because of the hills and uneven ground, trails make your whole body strong, but especially your quads, calf muscles, core and the smaller muscles in your feet. Think of trail running as strength training, endurance training and cardio!
- Trails provide a solitude where you can find calm, be alone with your thoughts and truly just appreciate all your body is capable of.
- Trails get you out in nature and help you enjoy the fresh air. I always feel more alive on trails. I am more aware of my surroundings and the rush of the wind at my back or sun on my face.
- Trails are more technical than road running and allow you to really learn about your body and capabilities. After running a trail, the road always feels easier and my feet fly across the pavement.
If you are primarily a road runner, or have been thinking about running trails, I highly recommend you do so. Start out running a short distance so that you don't become too sore. A mile on the trail feels much longer than one mile on the pavement. Work your way up to higher mileage by adding on an additional 10% a week. Let me know your favorite trail run location in the comments!
Happy Trails!