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Original poster

Trail Running 101

35 replies

AnnPerkins · 14/05/2018 13:47

Can I have some advice please? I've recently moved to a village and want to try running on footpaths instead of roads. I'm the sort of person who needs to know everything about something new before trying it so I have questions:

  1. How do you map a route? Is there a preferred mapping website for off-road running? I'm worried about getting lost, or ending up on someone's land, or being chased by a farmer's dog.
  1. What's the difference between road and trail shoes? Just more grip? Or more stability for uneven surfaces?
  1. What else? Any handy tips for a newbie would be very gratefully received.

Thank you.

OP posts:
applespearsbears · 15/05/2018 16:30

Try the viewranger app the quality of the free maps is excellent I download someone's route or create my own, it will track you with a buddy beacon so someone always knows where you are, and you can set it to beep at you if you go off route.

Migrant2 · 14/05/2018 23:30

Gaiters are to stop the little bits of grit, sand, stones etc from getting in your shoes. Means your feet stay happy!
Have a look at Salomon packs, I have the Salomon 8 and it’s utterly brilliant. Disclaimer....you won’t need one yet at all, but I love new gear too!

SocksRock · 14/05/2018 21:33

I use the OS map app on my phone to plan trail runs. It's £4.99 a month, but you can download maps to your phone so you can see where you are when you are out. Love a good trail run :-)

Original poster
AnnPerkins · 14/05/2018 21:31

Thanks all for the great advice. Looking up local walks is a good idea. There’s bound to be a book or website for the area.

I have a 10year old Garmin Forerunner 305. It maps the route as you run but I don’t think you can follow routes on it.

And I will look at gaiters. Are they in case of ticks? Or just to stop your ankles getting scratched? I do like this whole new world of kit I can’t do without Grin

Your trail race sounds wonderful Migrant2. I’d love to try something similar, but 53 miles is way out of my league.

OP posts:
Migrant2 · 14/05/2018 20:50

You can preset a route to some Garmin too. The 635 and 645 definitely can. Then you just follow the red line on the screen and as long as you keep the arrow on the red line you’re going the right way.
Nothing in your hands, you might need them to catch yourself if you trip. Take a pack with a couple of first aid type items. It’s ok to walk if the terrain is tricky. Look down more than you do in road running.
Trail shoes are very different. Well worth a trip to a really good shop to see what they recommend.
Consider buying short gaiters. Have a look at Treasure Gaiters online.
Love trails, best fun and taxes brain and body. Just did a 53 mile trail race at the weekend including miles and miles of soft beach running and rock climbing in the dark! It’s addictive!

JustGettingStarted · 14/05/2018 20:32

If you look up local walks in your area, and get familiar with ordnance survey maps, you'll be able to find right of ways.

Ridiculouslyso · 14/05/2018 14:44

I wear a cheap back pack from Decathlon with a water pouch in and room for layers and phone, keys etc. I don't mind running with it on my back but some people do.

Routes can be downloaded to the Suunto watch for following but I can't say I'm great at that yet!

ErictheGuineaPig · 14/05/2018 14:28

Another tip would be to see if there is a running club near you or some trail races locally. That way you can find some people who already run local trails to potentially run with you and show you some routes.

Original poster
AnnPerkins · 14/05/2018 14:22

Thank you for such a swift response Ridiculouslyso!

So can you follow the route on your watch? I would definitely like that. I often resort to listing the street names of a road route on my hand Blush

I always have my phone with me but will take some money and water as well. Do you use those folding water bottles? I bought a cheap one from Sports Direct out of curiosity but haven't tried it yet. I'd rather not carry anything in my hands in case I trip over (likely).

I'm excited about giving it a go. I have miles and miles of countryside just outside my front door and can't wait to go and explore.

OP posts:
Ridiculouslyso · 14/05/2018 13:52

Welcome to the wonderful world of trail running! I am the same as you in that I am always worried about getting lost and have a terrible sense of direction.

  1. For mapping use Strava or mapmyrun to get a rough idea of your route and distance beforehand. I have a Suunto Ambit watch with GPS that also helps with route planning. Allow more time than you think you need.
  1. Trail shoes are slightly heavier than road, and have more grip for mud and downhill. I'm not sure about stability.
  1. If you're going out for longer than 10 miles take a pack with you with water, mobile, and money, infact do this anyway until you are confident with your route.
  1. Don't focus on speed, as it's much harder work than road running, focus on enjoying yourself and the scenery.
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