Since starting running 3 yrs ago I always ran on pavements but have moved and have the wonderful opportunity to run through fields and tracks.
I am finding the terrain a bit unnerving as it’s not flat 🤣 my question is will I just get used to it or is there a knack to it ? It’s certainly keeping me observant !!
What a lovely place to run, it must feel very different from running on pavements! Just imagine you are a graceful gazelle leaping over the terrain 🏃♀️😀
Were you watching 😂😂 I did a few leaps today !
That's the way! 😂
Well... trail running is really different and can be fairly challenging sometimes... especially as weather conditions change...tussocky, wet or long grass is very different than hard- sunbaked trails and muddy, rutted troughs. nettles and briars too are fun! Painful, but fun!
HUGE fun though and I love my fields and tracks, best of all for running
Take it steadily to begin with and you have to have eyes everywhere... good shoes and some exercise thrown in, to help strengthen those ankles.. I use Wild Ginger running for some simple to do, but very beneficial great ones.
E.g.
wildgingerrunning.co.uk/202...
Just run... take it slow and steady and let it begin to evolve... I think you may find. like I did many years ago, that you very quickly, get hooked!
Even after the wet days, the exhilaration of running a muddy trail can be fabulous, the sunshine days, through fields of golden buttercups and the crisp , winter mornings with a sharp frost...
You have no idea what is waiting for you ! But you can do this and you will love it... !
HUGE well done to you!
PS
I am more of an inelegant ballerina, than a graceful gazelle! 
More posts please
Thanks Oldfloss I definitely need new shoes but it has been rather fun, even got a bit lost the other day in very tall grass. Will def look up the exercises x
Sounds wonderful, wet trails, mud etc - how washable (if at all) are trail shoes? Or do people just let them dry and put up with the smell? 🙂
Just let them dry, brush it off...mud and dirt, the badges of success... they don't smell.. unless of course... Cows! So then, hose off, the shoes and let it all dry
And yes, it is wonderful, and the sunny dry days...? Bliss !
Luckily I have no sense of smell 😂😂 but someone has suggested stuffing them with paper on return if really wet 📰
I have done a few trail runs. One was an event that I have ran twice. It was an organised 13K Mountain Trail run which was amazing. Keep a good eye out for jagged rocks, slow down when it gets wet and slippery, wear trail running shoes and if it is too steep going up or down a hill just walk. I regularly run along a river trail which is lovely. I can do it with my Cocker Spaniel and she runs off the lead. It is a gravel path and flat, so no real issue other than the odd stone finding its way into my running shoes. Enjoy and soak up the nature.
Loving the nature, had quite a tumultuous couple of years and the green freedom is getting me through 🌳💚
Trails are the best!😀 I think they do take a little getting used to but are great for building up strength and you can run in the most beautiful places! If you continue, you make want to invest in a pair of trail shoes, which have deeper lugs and are usually more supportive. And yes, you do have to keep your wits about you with the changing terrain…Good luck!🙂
Thank you, yes I am enjoying it! Need shoes ✅
oooohhhh look at that lovely pathway stretching out in front of you….😍….I love, love, love, off road running……where I am at the mo, there’s not to much of it within easy access….. I was very spoilt previously having bridleways and such almost on my doorstep……..and you can keep going all through the winter - trail shoes are great for mud etc., my trail shoes haven’t been out for a while 🙁…….
(your normal shoes will be fine most of the time…trail shoes give you better grip if it’s muddy/slippery and protect you a bit from sharp stones - reminds me of an event I did once, really slippery muddy hills, those in road shoes were a bit bambiesque…..where as us in our trail shoes just trotted past….😂)
As others have said off road running is really good for your feet and ankles, as the terrain is uneven they’re adjusting on every step…..plus, you do get used to scanning the ground in front of you for tree roots, rocks, puddles etc., just take it steady and enjoy being in such beautiful open spaces away from traffic etc.,
Fabulous! 🏃♀️👍
Mxx
Thank you ! Yes these trails are directly out my door I did not know how they would change my well being !!
This is so true!🙂
I have tried to avoid pavements and roads throughout and am very fond of being calf deep in a peaty puddle. I have a hunch that although there are clearly trip hazards the continual slight variations in how your foot lands and forces are transmitted through the body are very protective.
Definitely makes you run more carefully, not worrying about times but just strength !
my tip is when you get home soggy and exhilarated from your gazellephant leaps over streams and cow pats…stuff your shoes with newspaper to draw out the moisture and help dry them quicker!
I find that the variety of trail running is so pleasing to mind and body. Slowing down to enjoy the experience. Walking tricky bits. Taking photos and stopping to talk to the cows! It pushes you to go further so you can see more! Have fun!
I always tell someone where I am going just in case. Where I run there are often no people around. I have never felt in danger from people, it’s more in case of accident. Also if I am recovering from injury or not trusting my body I don’t go too far from where a taxi could collect me!
Good points! Yes sometimes I think look at that and stop to take a picture as it’s just so wonderful not just running the same streets.
The people who have already responded have said most of what I'd say already Lucky you, having all this on your doorstep.
One thing, if you're used to running a certain route at a certain pace every time THIS WILL CHANGE. Running on wet or deep mud is much harder work than running on compacted dry mud so you'll go much, much slower in less favourable conditions. This means that when the paths finally dry out you will appreciate them even more.
For days when there's heavy dewfall or rain on the grass I find that wearing merino socks or socks that wick the water away work incredibly well at keeping your feet warm and dry as well.
Enjoy your new running routes, the place looks fantastic!
Thank you! Yes I have been frustrated at my times dropping but will just have to suck it up as it’s a much more interesting way to run. I will definitely look for the socks too.
I wear Balega Hidden Comfort or Blister Resist. I thought they were expensive when I bought my first pair but I've had them for 3 years and they still work really well, no holes, so I think I've got my money's worth!
Thanks for the tip ! Might go on Xmas list 😂
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