Trail Running

[onelife22]

I enjoy running (just getting back into it after a long break due to babies) and I enjoy hiking.

Where do I even start with trail running? Go on a shorter hike/walk route and run as much as I can and just build it up?

Step one. Good trail shoes! Then join a local trail running Facebook group, even if you just lurk. My local one is full of incredibly knowledges trail runners.

@Anansiskunk

Step one. Good trail shoes! Then join a local trail running Facebook group, even if you just lurk. My local one is full of incredibly knowledges trail runners.

Knowledgeable

@Anansiskunk

Step one. Good trail shoes! Then join a local trail running Facebook group, even if you just lurk. My local one is full of incredibly knowledges trail runners.

Thank you. I'll get on the case to buy some shoes and I've found a few local fb groups 🙏🏼

I use the i.run app, it’s got all the footpaths on so I can find my way if I get lost.
I just go and run what I can, walk if it can’t. I only use trail shoes if it’s really mucky out.

Yes perfect way to start. Expect to be a lot slower. Walk the hills. Stop and look at the scenery. Take photos. As your runs get longer take water. Even longer - take snacks. Even longer - take a picnic 😁

parkrun courses that are on trails are also a good way to get started as they don't tend to be too extreme and you don't need to worry about navigating.

I started by looking at the local OS map and gradually exploring this footpath then that footpath. I know most of the public footpaths within 5 miles of my house now.

In dry, summer weather, road runners are fine. Trail shoes are better in wet or rocky conditions. Trail tends to be quite mixed on surface. It's more entertaining than roads and less repetitive on the body. Surface affects speed a lot so it's less time-driven than road running.

Well! Depends where you live, really. If you live fairly rurally then trail running will be just "running" to you, and there will be just as many trail routes as road routes straight from your front door.

But if you're in a town or city then I can understand why seeking trail routes might be a bit different, and feel new. There's no great science to it really, and it really depends on the sort of trails you're running on. Well-packed footpaths are basically the same as running on pavements, and unless it's really wet you can get away with road shoes. But Lakeland fells, or Peak District bogs, are another matter altogether.

Best thing to do is just set off, IMO. Wear your road shoes, take a map, take a snack. Treat it as you would a fast hike. The "explore" feature on Strava is good for finding popular routes near you, and you can search by distance, ascent, and terrain type.

@fellrunner85

Well! Depends where you live, really. If you live fairly rurally then trail running will be just "running" to you, and there will be just as many trail routes as road routes straight from your front door.

But if you're in a town or city then I can understand why seeking trail routes might be a bit different, and feel new. There's no great science to it really, and it really depends on the sort of trails you're running on. Well-packed footpaths are basically the same as running on pavements, and unless it's really wet you can get away with road shoes. But Lakeland fells, or Peak District bogs, are another matter altogether.

Best thing to do is just set off, IMO. Wear your road shoes, take a map, take a snack. Treat it as you would a fast hike. The "explore" feature on Strava is good for finding popular routes near you, and you can search by distance, ascent, and terrain type.

I guess my usual running route is half trail just more on the flat. I just need to be more adventurous with hills and terrains!

Trail shoes are a mine field. The type of trail shoe depends on the surface. In my experience road shoes can cope with a lot of off road running unless very muddy or very stoney. I'd go out on the trails first and see what type you need.