Any trail runners around?

[bibblebobblebubble]

Hi, I'm thinking of taking the plunge with my first trail run in Jan 2019 (8 or 15km in W Sussex). I've been running 18 months or so but I'm not fast - 5k 32 min-ish / 10k 1 hour 5, and one half marathon in 2 hr 21 [proud!]

I'm worried I'd be the slowest there and also am slightly clueless about kit - I'm assuming it would be pretty cold and muddy in Jan! I know I'd need trail shoes but not sure what else and don't really want to spend a fortune.

Love to hear anyone's experience...

My understanding is that gait analysis is 99.8% irrelevant to trail running. Gait analysis is for people who run on flat surfaces (ie, roads or track). You need neutral shoes for trails, b/c your ankles have to constantly adjust, anyway.

The only time I overtook people was going downhill... opening out my stride for less effort. I have developed Achilles tendonitis & PF that stop me running so very jealous of all runners, now. I wonder if my PF has to do with downhill running.

ragged I’m running trails with 2 sorts of prolapse and vastly stretched-out levator ani muscles. Don’t write it off if you love it.

Has taken me a year of faffing around rehabbing my pelvic floor (Pilates to work it alongside the rest of my core, 4 sets of kegels daily using nhs Squeezy app to work it on its own, plus using an electrical stimulation thingy because I’ve also got nerve damage from my birth injuries and it’s meant to help), and exploring support strategies (got fitted for a ring pessary to support wayward bladder, which I just use for running, and wear EVB support shorts to run as well), but I’m back out and loving it and my body seems to be coping fine if I keep on top of kegels.

My Achilles is a bit cranky too but I’ve found plenty of heel drops and yoga sort it - I don’t have diagnosed tendinitis though and know that’s a bugger, so please ignore if you’ve tried stretching it and it’s not helped.

I've just returned from a 6k head torch trail run - inspired by this thread. Amazing. Thanks ladies 🏃🏻‍♀️

Squats and sprints are good for building leg strength for going downhill. My fell tactic is try not to get dropped on the ups, leg it down the downs and dig in on the flats. Brain disengage and no brakes is the best way down, forget trying to breathe on the way up and hope the end comes soon when you get to the flat.

I also find spotting foot placements about six strides ahead works for me.. long enough to change tack but short enough to not forget the other 5.

Different shoes work better in different conditions and geology. Ask people who run your local area what they use.

justwhatisneeded I need to charge my head torch up too.

And I’ve signed up for a trail race off the back of this thread too! It’s pretty low elevation and only 10k but still, given this time last year I was mainly crying every time I thought about not being able to run, feels so good - so THANK YOU op for getting us all enthused. How’re you doing?

Depending on the race and terrain, actually you might need to buy more kit and train for the conditions.

However I've looked up that race and the terrain around there is fine. I used to marathon train around those hills. I'd just recommend some shoes that can handle wet chalky mud. I would imagine most of it's on the chalky paths of the South Downs way and offshoots. But some of them are ankle deep mud in mid winter and the downhills can be very, very slippery.

Ooh lots more replies since I last checked - thanks all! And rambling thanks for looking up the race, I really had no idea about the terrain as have never done anything like this before. I have got all enthusiastic now and signed up for a second one! This time a 10k. I think it's more muddy / wet, rather than having any steep hills.

I'm not that great with balance and I've got a slightly weak ankle so I'm planning to spend a lot of time balancing on one foot to try to build it up. I also googled downhill trail technique - not sure I will be skipping about like a mountain goat like they do, but I am going to do a bit of practice as my usual technique is to lean right back which is obviously wrong. I'm a little worried about slipping over or twisting my ankle but I'll just take it reasonably easy. Can't do squats unescorted as physio recommended against due to some past knee problems, but am starting to do more sprint sessions.

Haven't bought my shoes yet as I've not had time but going to do it in a couple of weeks then do a test run! I'm not planning ever to do very steep / mountainous routes as I'm rubbish with heights, so it's likely to be more muddy / cross country; if I tell them that I guess they can advise what type of trail shoe to go for. I'll probably head to Runners Need rather than order online so I can try some on (and they have a £20 off thing if you take old shoes in).

Rambling - if there's been a lot of rain and it's likely to be muddy / slippy should I consider a walking pole? Or would I just look a total berk? Can't see anyone using them in website photos.

Love a trail run, been out this morning for a good long one. Some minor country roads and then footpaths between them. I'm much slower on trails than road, but the scenery and headspace is fantastic. I use a Garmin running watch and Strava Beacon so my husband can see what I'm up to. If I stop for too long, he does text me to see if I'm OK, but he knows I stop for a drink and a snack periodically as I'm often out for 2-2.5 hours.

This mobth’s Trail runner magazine has a set of ankle drills in OP.

You can take a walking pole if you like, some people strap them to a runniing backpack. Personally I don't find they are much use, but it if gives you added confidence then it might be of use. Id make sure you can run and carry one without it continually bashing you in the back or hip though. Also not sure how you'd carry it if you're not planning on using a backpack.

Which race is it, OP?
I love trail running but am v v slow. Love the scenery and the varied views. Apparently different surfaces are good for your core strength too.
My two recommendations are good trail shoes (mine are Saucony) and decent socks. I like the Sealskinz waterproof ones.