Trail running is another name for running in nature or untarmacked roads.
For someone starting, it is more challenging than road running because of the rugged, rocky, dirt and sometimes muddy paths.
However, it’s also more fun.
From my 5 years of running trails, here is what to know before you begin your trail running journey.
- Start with Flat Trails
Before graduating to more technical trails, start with flat routes to build and strengthen your running muscles.
In a city like Nairobi, terrains in The Nairobi Arboretum, Karura Forest, and Oloolua Nature Trail are a good start.
If you leave in the country side, short off-road, flat routes close to your home are a good choice.
2. Running Shoes Are a Must
You might already own some leggings or shorts, t-shirts, and a sports bra that you can slip on and go out for a run.
But for running shoes, those rubbers and sneakers on your shoe rack are not an option.
You must buy the actual running shoes to protect your feet from the risk of injuries.
3. A Waist Bag Is Your Friend
A waist pack prevents you from holding things in your hands while running.
It will hold your phone, keys, cash, and anything you may want to stack in there so that you can run comfortably.
Also, if you don’t have a running watch, it makes recording a run using a running app easier.
4. If You Can, Try to Run With Someone
At first, running outside alone can be anxious and scary. If you can, run with a friend for the first few weeks to build your confidence.
If you can’t, find a peaceful and quiet route that you’re familiar with and go run.
Related: Easy Ways to Find Running Routes Near You
5. Speed Is Not The Most Important Thing, But Effort
To be able to safely navigate terrains of sand, soil, rocks, roots, and uneven ground requires effort and not speed.
In fact, speed is a big cause of accidents in trail running
6. Keep Your Eyes on The Trail
This is the most difficult thing to do when running trails because of the beauty of the outdoors.
All you’ll want to do is run while looking up and around.
Even so, you must constantly watch your trail when running to avoid tripping and falling.
7. The Scenery Will Stop You in Your Tracks
Literally.
And when it does, pause your tracker and stop running to avoid getting distracted and falling.
Take in the beauty and take a picture if you want to. Because that’s what trail running is about- collecting memories as you go.
8. Walking is Okay
In the trail running community, no one will look at you a certain way because you decided to walk-rest.
Waking is totally okay, especially on steep uphills to conserve energy for more running on downhills and flats.
9. Comparison Is The Thief of Joy
Comparing your speed to other runners or feeling inadequate when they run past you will lead to feelings of unhappiness, ultimately stealing the joy running brings to your life.
(Which brings us to the next point).
10. Running is Movement
As long as you’re moving, you’re are winning. So run at a pace that is comfortable with your body. (Heart, legs, kness, lungs, etc).
11. Trail Running Is Addictive
You will be going back to the trails after your first trail run. That’s guaranteed.
Because that sense of peace and quiet you experience when running outdoors is powerful, healing and addictive.
Conclusion
Trail running is so much more than just running. It’s a connection with nature, adventure and the outdoors.
And the peace, quiet and calm of the trails make that connection achievable.
Welcome to trail running. You will love it here.
Now I’d like to hear from you.
What more tips should someone wanting to join the trail running community know?
Kindly share in the comment box below.
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