Some of the Best Trail Tunning Tips to get you Started
Trail running and hiking are some of the best outdoor activities. The best thing about trail running though is that it lets you traverse the outdoors without the weight of backpacks and camp gears. Like the name suggests, trail running is different from hiking. It is also different from running on an even, paved road. In most cases, trail running requires greater stamina with the two activities combined.
Do not be intimidated though. You do not have to be a workout buff to go trail running. You just need to know some basic things about trail running and you are good to go. So, if you are considering running in the wild, here are some of the best trail running tips for you.
Research The Trail
Knowing the trail you are about to run on is everything. You surely do not want to go somewhere else without researching what you are up to. A handful of trusted websites and outdoor organizations post vital information about established trails.
Make sure that you learn about the trails, its risks, and its natural features. Learning about the landscape, the weather, and the overall difficulty of the trail can prepare you for a lot of things. For instance, learning that there are small streams on your trail can prepare you for what pair of shoes to wear.
Pre-run meal
Running in an empty stomach is a mortal sin. While others prefer having nothing to eat during their pre-run, most of us are not fit for it. Eating something and drinking a small amount of water can go a long way. Eating a lot before running, on the other hand, can make you feel nauseous.
It might take quite some time for you to know the right amount of pre-run meal for your body. There is no such thing as the perfect pre-run meal. You will just have to listen to your body and trust your instinct.
Bring a Handful of Water and Trail Food
Learning when your body needs water and food is vital to any run, but especially on trail running. That is why bringing a handful of these is a must. Exhaustion is inevitable during a trail run. Keeping a few energy bars and sweets can refuel your body. More importantly, you need water to hydrate. A water bladder usually can carry 1 liter of water. That should be enough for an average trail run.
Plan the Time of Your Run
Trail running is all about planning. Timing is also everything. You can trail run during dawn or before sunset. It is best to know when is the best time to run. Considering the weather and the climate can save you from a lot of trouble. You surely do not want to reach high noon if you are running during the summer. On the flip side, reaching sundown may end you up getting lost in the dark. Make sure to consider the length of the trail.
Secure your feet
In trail running, your feet’s comfort and security are vital. Wearing a pair of shoes a size larger for your feet can give you blisters. On a different note, socks give you the right amount of cushion to minimize the friction. Know what are the best gears for your trail running experience. Wear the right size of shoes and socks. Tie your laces properly.
Keep these tips in mind and you are pretty much ready for your first run in the wild.
