I just wanted to share some tips/ benefits of trail running to encourage you try it- whether it be in a field, park or local woods...it really is good fun!
1. It is so good for our mental health- studies have shown that being in nature decreases worry, anxiety, and other negative thoughts. This links with increased awareness of the surroundings due to the different challenges ( more animalistic instincts are deployed!!)
2. Stronger legs and core and increased balance... I have really noticed how my body responds to dips and bumps in a strong way that normally would cause me to lose balance and that feels amazing!!
3. Hill training!! - hill repeats on a long paved road can be boring and monotonous. Hills on a trail run will typically vary in grade (steepness) and length, thus constantly challenging your legs and lungs with variety....My last trail took me up 800 feet and the first two miles alone was 383 feet. Boy I felt it but I can feel my body improving and responding. I could not have done this last year!!
4. I have had encounters with an owl, deer, squirrels, dogs !! I love seeing the changes in the colours which are different every single run so it never gets boring.
5. Kit: I take a camelbak on long runs and always include a foil blanket. I do have trail running shoes but I am not convinced of the pay off for grip verses impact support and ALWAYS keep your hands free...its vital for your balance!!
So go and get panthering on a trail and enjoy it....
The pic is me on my trail on Christmas Day with my son...we are on the return journey about to descend the 2 miles to the bottom- the gate is my marker when I get to the top completely breathless.....its a welcome sight
Juicyju
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ju-ju-
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I love the picture. It looks like it's come straight out of the pages of a running magazine.
I agree with all the trail running tips. In the recent mud, point 2 has stood out for me. I've had some slips and twists that I'm sure would have resulted in an injury if my ankles / legs were not used to running on the uneven terrain.
Point 4 - I saw a hare back in October and there's a spot where I usually see a pair of buzzards.
Great picture and I love the advice. I literally have to walk out of my door and across the road to be in woods, which isn't bad for living in London but I've never gone for a run in my woods, only walks home from the park. I really must try it. You are tempting me.
Great photo! I must admit I loved the "trail" I did over Christmas on my muddy 10k run! Can definitely see how it would strenghten your core trying not to slip over all the time. I'm not sure my other half would be too happy if I was constantly getting so muddy though LOL.
Tell your other half that there are more important things to complain about. If it really upsets him, give them to him to clean. However, if you really must clean your shoes yourself:
1) scrape off all the excess mud with an old paint scraper (or similar)
2) hold them under a fast running tap to loosen the next layer of mud
3) apply scrubbing brush whilst holding under tap
4) rinse then leave to drain on the draining board for a couple of hours. I stand mine up so that the toe points down - they seem to drain better that way
5) put them under the radiator (not on top!) for a day - stuff crunched up newspaper inside if you want
6) wear for your next trail run and immediately jump in the deepest muddiest puddle so that they look well used... Then wear them with pride
I used the above technique after a particularly muddy cross country recently. I weighed the shoes before and after and discovered that I'd removed 1.6kg of mud!
Alternatively, wear them when you are power washing the drive. A quick overspray brings them up looking all shiny and new
I love getting wet, muddy shoes - which is most runs at the moment! I clean mine with the garden hose jet fitting, take insoles out and stuff with newspaper and they are always dry for next run! Love to see them looking like new again but lets face it, if you like a trail or two they will get muddy!☺
I can speak as someone who has spent their life surrounded in wet, soggy, smelly cycling gear, bicycle oil all over the kitchen floor, bicycle parts being cleaned in the kitchen etc etc. ( my husband cycles every day.. And you can probably tell that after 20 years I have issues!!!). So therefore I don't have the slightest issue with my mud... And also im sure your partner wouldn't mind a bit of mud, or get your partner to join you??
The way you tackle those hills leaves me speechless JJ, you're quads must be rock hard! Do love a bit of trail running though. Part of the Parkrun I do is through a little wood and it's an absolute joy every time. Keep panthering through those woods- you're an inspiration
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Long and Slow is the way to go 
Back on the Trails after Graduating from c25k 
And we thought that was the top of the hill 
Weary today
Running on roads, and shoe query!
