Trail Running

[joan4mickey]

I am planning on taking up trail running this year. I know there has been some discussion on breaks from disney, but I was inspired by an article I read about the TransRocky Run. A six stage 120 miles through Colorado. At first I was trying to enlist my son as you have to have a partner, but I have since found some other stage races throughout the US. A little less intense than the TransRocky Run, 4 or 5 days and less than 100 miles.

1. I have been looking for shoes...does anyone have advice? I currently wear Nike Zoom Structure Triax for the road. I have tried a few, but haven't found anything that "feels good".

2. Safety. Do I really need to carry something for protection if I'm alone on the trail?

3. Hydration. I would like a pack with some storage area..for a rain jacket for example. I bought a rain jacket today on sale at REI.

4. Other stuff. Any advice would be helpful. I have bought the last couple issues of Trail Running magazine.

Well, I have set new goals for this year and news adventures. Hope everyone has a wonderfully successful year.

 

[crewmatt]

1. I've seen some running shoe companies make trail versions of their most popular road running shoes. Maybe see if your current shoe has a trail cousin. Remember the feel is going to be slightly different. More ankle support, a heavier sole, different bite on the trail surface. Dont try to test them on the roads, you do kind of need to test them on the trail.

2. I'm a guy, so I probably have a different opinion. For the most part wildlife will leave you alone if your worried about that (unless you're gonna go run through bear country or have wolves, or some other relatively large predator). If you live in an unsafe area from humans then that would be a consideration. Especially as a new trail runner your biggest chance of being injured will actually come from yourself and falling/etc. So make sure to start with easier trails and develop your skills gradually, and run during daylight hours. Also ALWAYS carry a cellphone, as if you fall out there chances are a car wont be driving by anytime soon.

3. Depending on how long you're gonna run/etc, I have a camelbak that works well (and does have small storage pockets). Or sometimes just carry a small water bottle. I also have a fuel belt but find it bounces too much.

4. Have fun . Watch your footing. Remember its a totally different beast from the roads, so if you're used to an 8 minute mile, dont expect an 8 or 9 minute mile on trails.

 

[FFigawi]

Matt gave you some great advice. I don't have too much to add, but here goes anwyay....

1. Depending on the difficulty of the trail, you might be able to use your normal running shoes. I wear my regular Asics for "normal" trails and a pair of Asics trail shoes for one that are more technical. Like Matt said, they're heavier than regular running shoes, so it does take some time to get used to their different feel on your feet.

2. Nothing to add here. If you're going alone, make sure someone knows where you went and what time to expect you back. Carry a phone in case you fall and injure yourself.

3. Depending on how far I'm going, I carry either a Camelbak or a Fuel Belt. The Camelbak holds more liquid and has extra pockets for carrying clothes, etc., but the Fuel Belt lets me have more than one type of fluid.

4. Have fun! Trail running is much easier on your joints but harder on your feet and ankles as you step over and on roots.

 

[cewait]

All excellent... I only have one thing to add. Gators. I hate the feel of small pebbles n the shoe and these are a must for me

 

[FFigawi]

All excellent... I only have one thing to add. Gators. I hate the feel of small pebbles n the shoe and these are a must for me

Ah yes, forgot to mention those. Here's a great place to get some.

Dirty Girl Gaiters

 

[KristinU]

Lots of good tips!

I'm going to add to the cell phone note: I love to trail run when we go camping...often there isn't cell service when we're out in remote areas, so check for coverage. Also, what happens if you fall against a rock or into a puddle and render the cell phone useless? Sometimes technology isn't as much of a safeguard as we like to think it is.

I'm not saying don't take your cell phone by any means, but adding the old-fashioned method of telling someone you're going out, telling them your route, and letting them know when you're back is a good additional safeguard.

Enjoy the trails! I love it so much more than road running, it just adds an additional level of brain engagement. Oh and another safety thought: don't be afraid to slow down and walk to pick though a technical area of the trail. Better to slow down than to turn an ankle or slip and fall.

 

[joan4mickey]

Thanks for the input. I will def. get some gaiters, take my cell phone, and leave/tell when where I am and approx. return.

 

[Shannon131]

Can I ask the names of some of the other stage races you've found out about?

 

[joan4mickey]

I found adventurerunningco.com hope I got that right if not I can PM you the link.
They don't have their 2011 schedule up yet, but I'm looking forward to it and you can see some stuff they did last year.
I started running 3 years ago and have had fun with it. I like to hike too and this looks like it would be a lot of fun.
I kind of want to make this an epic year as I turn 50 and am now in as good a shape as I was as a teen and want to get stronger.