The trail makes me feel so free. Primal even. I get very dirty, I ignore my split times, and I concentrate on escaping deeper into the woods.
Because I’ve never raced on trails, I’ve never thought to train on trails. Why go off road if I’m only participating in road races? This was my thought process, until recently.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am completely in love with distance running. Through running I found a strength inside of me that I didn’t know I had. My goal each year is to get a little bit better, but more importantly, my main goal is to just keep running. I don’t want to ever quit running. I want this feeling for as long as I can have it. Trail running has allowed me to look at running with fresh eyes. I’m experiencing the excitement I felt when I first discovered running. I have embarked on a whole new world of running. I can certainly see how adding trail running to the mix would prevent runner burnout. I never thought I’d be able to appreciate running more than I already did, but I can safely say that trail running has increased my love of the sport of running.
One of the very first things that appealed to me about trail running was the increased connection with nature. Road running allows for a certain type of communing with nature, certainly. There’s just something about being outside, free of a vehicle, and feeling the body move for hours at a time. This is what I find so stimulating about long runs. I feel like Henry David Thoreau out there on a long run, even if the majority of my run is through suburban streets. But, I have to say, running through trails is just pure magic. It makes me feel primal. On the trails I have completely escaped the concrete jungle and I’m truly in nature.
I find that trail running is very different than road running. It’s almost as if it is an entirely different sport. I find that instead of closely monitoring my pace like I do on a road run, I run to the tune of my own body. On the trail, there’s no more pace, instead I think about effort level and the terrain. Additionally, I can’t map the distance out before I get there since I can’t exactly google map an off road trail, so that only adds to the intrigue. When I set out on a trail run, I run according to the feeling of my body and the terrain. Whatever distance I end up with is what I end up with. Whatever average pace I maintain, is what I end up with. I do not tailor my run to anything other than the way my body is feeling and the terrain.
Trail running is proving to be an excellent way for me to cross train and recover. With road running I tend to run in a straight line. With trail running, I must routinely side step and change my stride length to avoid roots and other obstacles. My pace varies because of fluctuating terrain, and all of this requires patience. Patience is a wonderful quality in a runner. For, isn’t that the quality that makes a distance runner successful? You cannot be impatient on the trails. I have found that you just can’t. Furthermore, you have no desire to be impatient. I find that I concentrate on the terrain, and this close attention completely engages my mind in my activity.
I find that trail running is helping me develop better running habits. I have to pick up my feet quickly and raise my knees high to clear tree branches and roots. Quick feet and high knees are good for running form. I am also finding that navigating the trail requires balance, coordination, strength, agility, and power. I can feel that I am working different muscles because of the elevation and uneven surface. I am working my stabilizing, lateral muscles and this makes for a tougher workout. All of this work will surely improve my road running.
Am I a road runner? A trail runner? Let’s just say I’m a runner. I’m not willing to give either up, and luckily I don’t have to. I can enjoy my long runs through my suburban neighborhood and take to the trails whenever I please. I am absolutely fascinated by both road and trail running. Recently I have encountered runners that are either trail runners or road runners exclusively, with no wavering. Some trail runners claim that they are more laid back and that road runners are more uptight and commercial. From my limited knowledge, I can see a little truth in these beliefs, but personally, I think that all runners are just a little bit off. I mean that in a good way; I mean, I’m right there in that group too, remember?
Runners are just a little bit different. We’re extraordinary. We are our own breed.
You’re shots are amazing! I just wish I could get on with running as much as other people. I will forever be envious. x
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Thank you! Taking the pictures & writing & publishing the blog helps me stay motivated to run. I hear you … I am envious of other runners quite often. I wish I were faster, I wish I didn’t struggle so much, etc. But then I remind myself that the point is to compete against myself. As long as I’m getting better I am succeeding. Keep up your good work. Think about how far you’ve come when you get discouraged.
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I love trail running. Always sore after running trails if I don’t do them for awhile. A good kind of sore of course
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Yes, exactly. Isn’t that so interesting? I’m really fascinated by it.
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Nice post! I love trails although I tend to spend more time on coastline to be precise but it’s the varying terrain and nature that keeps me interested. I’ve done a few miles on roads but it’s just not the same for me. Plus i’m not a huge worrier over times.
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I think the coastline counts. It’s not exactly that it’s trails that makes it different, it’s that it’s off road. I really like how I don’t worry over times when I’m off road.
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I switched to trails a few years ago and haven’t looked back. I occasionally run the roads but on the trails there are no cars, no smell of garbage from cans left out, just the terrain. Great post.
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You are so right. Thank you! I’m glad I found it.
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Trail running is amazing! You’re absolutely right about it feeling almost like a different sport. Doesn’t it make you feel totally in tune with yourself and with nature? It’s incredible. I’m glad you’ve found your love for it!
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Yes, it really does. I’m really glad I found it too. Thank you!
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Awesome! I love trail running! Welcome to the dirtier side!
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Thank you!
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i’ve heard great things about trail running but never tried it. it’s been road running for me so far. I will start with just hiking on trails and see if i can ‘graduate’ to trail running 🙂
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Sounds like me. I’m still getting the hang of the trails myself.
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Warning … you might just love it. It’s such a nice change of pace.
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Hear you about the trail love, it’s exceptional. I still do a lot of road because of where I live and it is still satisfying. I guess the main thing is – we are running.
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Yes, exactly. I mostly do road running too. It’s nice to mix it up with trail running too. As you said, the important thing is to just keep running!
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I love trails! Like you I started on the road but found my freedom and most pleasure finding off road routes! Great post! Reminded me of why I run trail!
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Very cool! Thank you so much for telling me that. It’s so cool to connect w/ like-minded people. Still figuring out running on the trails, but I’m very excited to continue learning.
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Trail running is my favourite now but only have the pleasure of doing it once a week! I enjoy the osth, but looooove the trail! A good read, thanks!😆
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Same with me! Thank you for reading it!
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I’m so glad to hear you have discovered the trail! I am do thankful I did 5 years ago and value that trail running time! I can only manage it once a week bu I get the pleasure of doing it with my husband so I love love love it!,
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Yes, exactly!
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