I love trail running. If I had trails close enough to me I would have force myself to not run 100% of my miles on trails. I don't think enough people know about the fun that is entailed with running trails and I don't think enough people have given it a try. I wouldn't be surprised if most people assume that its a run filled with blood, bugs, steep hills and sharp rocks. Well, sometimes it is(I consider that a plus). On the other hand, here are twelve random reasons to give it a try.
1) It is a dirty, adventurous, and thrillingly fun time.
2) Trail terrain is so dynamic it takes the monotony out of
running. This means your body experiences a more varied array of forces and not
the same repetitive stresses associated with road running.
3) Trails are easier on the mind than most roads. I
sometimes get bored of my road routes and feel like time drags on. Trails are
so jam packed with turns, obstacles, nature and picturesque views that you
might not be able to keep up.
4) It feels primal. I hate to use a term that is becoming if
not already cliché. However, as the bloodhound gang would say, “We ain’t
nothing but mammals” Something about running trails in nature just feels
“right” and makes me feel at home.
5) No traffic! The only traffic you have to deal with is the
other trail users and cars on the road while on your way to the trails. I
really dislike dodging cars and trucks during my road runs.
6) No stop lights either! Sometimes on harder runs I greet
the occasional free breather at a stoplight with open arms. On the other hand,
I usually consider them an annoyance that ruins my rhythm.
7) Trail running is a great way to get intervals; hills and
strength work all jam-packed into one workout just because of the natural
geography.
8) The trails are dynamic. You might have a limited
selection of trails near you but they are alive and constantly changing.
Animals, seasons, storms and wind can really add some spice and life to your
next run. Coming around a blind corner and having a newly fallen log to leap
over can be exhilarating.
9) Nature is quiet. We are great at blocking out the
constant buzz of the concrete jungle but the silence of the wilderness is
awe-inspiring. Nature is not truly quiet because birds, squirrels, deer and
even trees have their own ambience but it is a relaxing type of auditory
stimuli.
10) Being in nature for some is relaxing, meditative and
even therapeutic. Going for a run is a way for many people to blow off some
steam. I personally love the sensory overload as a result of the various scents
and the absence of smog or automobile exhaust.
11) Trail running helps reduce over-striding. To properly
navigate the many obstacles of roots, rocks, mud and logs forces a runner to
shorten their stride. Shorter strides also assists a runner with maintaining
balance, which is something else that gets challenged and improved on the
trails. If you try striding out on a trail with many turns and curves you will
find yourself struggling to stay on the path.
12) It forces you to run slower! At least that is my excuse
if anyone asks…1 Mile on a trail should take longer than a mile on the roads. I
personally feel this helps add to the relaxing atmosphere of the wild. I
believe this can help prevent issues with overtraining in people who try to run
at 100% all of the time. For this
to be true you have to run at an easier effort as well as slow down your pace…it
doesn’t count if you run a slower mile at 100% effort on the trail still.
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