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| Tell me about Trail Running (Read 395 times) |
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posted: 4/30/2008 at 6:14 PM
modified: 4/30/2008 at 6:15 PM |
My work schedule has suddenly cleared for the next few weeks, and I'm looking around for a race to do this weekend or next. There's a 10k that looks really interesting, but it's a trail run. And I'm not a trail runner . . . or I don't think I am. I have run sometimes on the fire trails in the East Bay Hills, but those are wide dirt roads. Still, I've been surprised by how much more attention I had to pay to my footing even on those (I'd have thought the sidewalks of Oakland counted as more or less off-road :wink: ). And the race I'm considering is on single-track. Pre-kids we did a lot of hiking, and there are a lot of really beautiful trails around here, and steady schedule of races on them, so it seems like widening my race options to include some trail races would be a good thing, although I couldn't do a lot of my day-to-day runs on trails.
So, I guess my question is, could I mix in some trail races even if I'm almost exclusively a road runner? Or is it just a different animal altogether?
And, why are trail running shoes different than regular running shoes? |
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| view log My clam (shell) picture. |
posted: 4/30/2008 at 6:26 PM |
I'd definitely mix in some trail running to get some experience. Trails are fun.
Trail shoes tend to be beefier, to protect from rocks/roots, and have more rugged tread. Not everyone uses them for trails. Depending on the trail, you may not need them. But, it's always and excuse for another shoe! |
Boston 2008
DWARP
Marathon Madness Mob |
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| view log Resonate |
posted: 4/30/2008 at 6:28 PM |
Do it.
I ran my first trail HM in March and had a great time. Regular running shoes should work just fine. |
Mike | Current Training Plan
Out near the edge where life is in full color. |
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| view log formerly RacingThoughts |
posted: 4/30/2008 at 6:39 PM
modified: 4/30/2008 at 6:40 PM |
| I do most of my easy/long runs on a gravel/dirt loop in a local park. Not exactly trail running, but I find it doesn't beat my legs up as much as running on the road all the time. Just mix in some of your faster runs on the road and track and you should be fine. |
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posted: 4/30/2008 at 6:45 PM
modified: 4/30/2008 at 6:45 PM |
I ran 5 miles last week on some single-track mountain bike trails. The ones I went on were in a very hilly area, so lots of ups and downs. You definetly need to pay more attention to your footing while going down some of the steep areas. I partially skied down some of them. It was a much tougher 5 mile run then on the road. I will say I had a blast though. It was cool to run in and out of wooded areas (watch out for the ticks!).
Mike |
2008 Goals :
• Drop to 160 #s and hold steady around that weight
• Run 1000 miles
• Run 1st half marathon -
Spearfish Canyon Half Marathon
• Run 1st marathon -
Mt Rushmore Marathon |
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| view log Barefoot and happy |
posted: 4/30/2008 at 8:14 PM |
| Go for it. Just don't hold yourself to any preconceived pace. Pacing is much harder to predict out on trails. |
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posted: 4/30/2008 at 8:19 PM |
Once or twice I've had the opportunity to do some trail running - WHAT A BLAST!! No problem coming off the road, although it did slow me down quite a bit, partly due to crazy terrain, but also, as you said, watching your footing - but it was all part of the fun. Oh, yeah, and that was in my regular running shoes.
Arla |
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Join fellow "40s on the run" in the
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| view log Blaine Moore |
posted: 4/30/2008 at 8:25 PM |
Go for it. Trail races are fun. Just line up farther back then you might normally to let the experienced trail runners go ahead of you as you'll be slower than you would be on roads.
If you'd like some specific advice, I recommend reading these two articles:
Trail Running 101
Trail Running for Road Runners
The first is a summary of a clinic I attended that was put on by some ultramarathoners in my area, and the second is general advice for how to get out on the trails as a road runner and the differences to be aware of. |
Run to Win
I just started using Twitter - anybody else on there? http://twitter.com/BlaineMoore
"Slow down--if you wanted that time, you should have run faster during the rest of the race!"
I wish I'd been there to hear that as the line started forming in front of the finish line. No idea what I'd have done about it, but I wish I'd heard it in person instead of 3rd party. |
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posted: 4/30/2008 at 10:15 PM |
| Okay, I registered! Thanks all for the encouragement -- I'll post a race report afterwards (5/10). If it's all about me being run down by uber-fit Marin-ites who are gearing up for the Dipsea . . . well, then at least I'll be able to say I tried a trail run. |
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victwa |
posted: 5/2/2008 at 3:37 PM |
Trail running is the best! I started running with Tamalpa (www.tamalparunners.org) a couple of years ago when I worked in Marin and now I run almost exclusively on trails. I think trails are easier on the joints and much prettier than running with a bunch of cars. Marin is definitely a trail runner's Mecca, but rhe East Bay has some amazing trail options too. My latest project is to try and put together the largest list possible of trail runs in the Bay Area. The start: flirtyndirty.blogspot.com-- the goal is to put together a comprehensive website at some point, but this is the beginning.
Two other helpful websites for trails: marintrailruns.com and bahiker.com
Yay trails! |
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