Trail running is becoming an increasingly popular activity across the world, especially in the summer months. Many people have this misconception that trail running is only done on mountains. While in reality, trail running can be done almost everywhere. As per Steven Rindner, a run shall be considered a “trail run” if the runner is not on surfaced, paved, sealed or asphalt roads. Trail running is largely focused on running outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and relishing the beauty of nature.
Steven Rindner Sheds Light on What Exactly Is Trail Running
The prime objective of going on trail running is to experience to beauty of the wilderness. In many ways, the journey itself is the goal in such runs. While the path may get more hilly, the biggest attraction of trail running lies in being around nature. In the case of running on the road or sealed paths, the focus tends to be on standardized values such as distance, running pace or heart rate. On the other hand, in the case of trail running, the experience itself takes center stage. The terrain and obstacles constantly change in such runs. First, the runners might be on rocks, then on grass, occasionally over roots, and so on. Both the mind and body of the runner are on alert and challenged on the trail. The most important thing to do in such runs is to engage with the terrain. Trail runners must prioritize improving their form, in order to increase efficiency and effectively tackle the rugged path.
Trail runners must keep certain the following points in mind:
- Uphill Running: Trail runners should use a forefoot strike. Such a stride typically is swift and strengthens the calf muscles. The runners must remember to warm up well before and stretch after. Leaning forward does not make the runner faster. Rather, they should stay straight and remain balanced, in order to breathe better. Trail runners should also try their best to keep their speed mostly constant and not slow down too often, as doing so can impact their overall endurance. The swinging movement of the arms can pull the runners forward better.
- Downhill running: People new to trail running should consider picking a forgiving slope, it can be grass or gravel. Trail runners must optimize their form by looking ahead and keeping their posture upright. They ideally must lead a bit forward, with a bend in the landing leg to avoid injury. When running downhill, the arms of the runners should make smaller, rounded movements for better balance. Engaging the core is critical for stabilization.
In trail running, the diversity of terrain makes it nearly impossible to compare any two races. For instance, some trails may feature smooth and gentle paths. On the other hand, others involve highly technical terrain with significant elevation changes. Such differences dramatically affect the time required to complete a race. In the opinion of Steven Rindner, an experienced trail runner might finish a 30-kilometer course in three hours on an easy trail. However, the same distance could take five hours on a more challenging and technical route. This unpredictability is an important characteristic of trail running, and adds to the thrill of being outdoors and exploring nature.
