WHAT IS TRAIL RUNNING?
Trail Running in our eyes is anything off-road, this constitutes a footpath, bridleway or anything dirty. Usually it is undulating and provides a route which preferably involves a bit of elevation gain or loss along the way. Forests, meadows, fields, river banks, mountains, fells, seashores, and hills, these are all trails and many of which will be waiting within just a few minutes of your front door.
What a way to experience the scenery!
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE OF RUNNING TO GET INTO TRAIL RUNNING?
Absolutely not, all you need is a pair of trainers and a sense of adventure to get into it.
A huge benefit of running on trails is that the nature of the terrain makes running a lot slower than you would otherwise experience on the road. Underfoot conditions can be so changeable (especially with varying weather conditions) so it pays to take some care and attention of the surface you are running on. Take your time! Walk all of the uphill bits and to take it steady on the downhill bits. It’s important to remember that it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are, focus on the adventure you are experiencing.
Before you know it you will slowly build your base of running fitness which will allow you to run for longer and to explore more challenging terrain.
Get out and explore some local tracks!
DO I NEED SPECIALIST GEAR?
Put simply no, you don’t need any specialist gear when you are first starting, however, we need to be careful as the broad term trail running applies to a variety of terrain; everything from a local field to mountain trails.
For the beginner trail runner heading out on a dry, warm day, running across a flat meadow or a well sign-posted forest footpath you can easily afford to put on a normal pair of running trainers and feel the benefits immediately.
Being based in the UK though and with changeable weather right throughout the year, we would caveat this depending on where you are planning to run. If the weather changes and the underfoot conditions become muddy or slippery then your road running trainers will not cut the mustard and you should consider purchasing a pair of trail running shoes.
Trail shoes are designed to provide appropriate foot support, hugging your foot which reduces the chance of slip and holds you in place. Just about all trail shoes provide an appropriate grip with large lugs which gives friction when running on slippy surfaces.
This might sound overkill, but use your common sense before heading out. When running in a new area, be prepared for all weather conditions.
Trail Running Sunglasses
While we’re talking specialist gear, here’s some of our favourite sunglasses that would be perfect for trail running!
Rudy Project Propulse
Rudy Project Propulse – Matte Merlot / Multilaser Red
Red Bull SPECT Pace
Red Bull SPECT Pace – Matte Blue / Smoke Blue Mirror
Julbo Aero
Julbo Aero – Black & Red / Reactiv Performance 1-3 Red Flash Photochromic
Oakley EVZero Blades – Steel / Prizm Sapphire