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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Having spent nearly 2 months imprisoned in the gym due to injury I heartily agree with all of the above. My first run outside again at Christmas time in the rain and wind and mud was truly wonderful. I see it as positive badge of honour to return home with mud splattered all up my legs, sometimes on my face as well. It's so exhilarating.
I do Parkruns which as you know some are are cross-country trails and very muddy & boggy at this time of year.
Not done many in this state, so I bought a pair of trail shoes, to prevent injury, as know someone who broke their ankle when only wearing road shoes.
But I find they get very heavy with all the mud that's collected, so thinking this could tire me out quicker. Although they seem to grip well in the mud, they still slide a tad.
I was thinking of getting a pair of lighter cross-country spikes, but wonder if it's worth it for me as usually only run trails once a week, the other couple of times I can get out it's on the road, so wouldn't have thought impact would have too much of an affect on me just using trail shoes once a week, but then I see a lot of other runners using cross country spikes, usually the front runners.
Maybe I should just percivere with my trail shoes until the ground improves then go back to road shoes..
I can only do trails twice a week if that and I really dont know.... I have to be careful footed either way and if the whole run was just trail I would stick to trail shoes, but some is on a path which has a much harder impact.... spikes could be interesting?!!
Think I am definately a 'panthering' convert jj! Totally agree with everything you said. Cracked my first 8k run on Monday and it was no coincidence that it was on one of my trail routes! So beautiful and far more interesting to run in the country. Yes it was muddy and it rained and I got VERY wet but it was also really exhilarating! I have also noticed how much easier I find my pavement runs now I have strengthened up on some trails.
Trail is all I really know having done all my C25K around the local loch/woodland. I would agree with everything you say and even the same path has different hazards depending on your approach with tree roots, bumps, rabbit holes etc. Hands free is essential to break your fall as I've found o my cost a few times. I find it really peaceful first thing in the morning getting out with the dog to go on one of our routes. The downside is that I can only run in the daylight, a head torch would be no use especially if I fall, and this means I'm limited to weekend runs or potentially at lunch time when I'm working from home.
I've wondered about something like a survival blanket, especially some of the places I go. I do have a whistle, because of the dog (would like to think she'd get help... but not sure a pheasant or stag or squirrel would provide top-notch rescue)
Mine are *all* minimalist trail shoes but even then I select a bit according to surface!
Reason 6: You can take your marathon-finishing road-runner friends out for a run up hill and down dale and leave them for dead once your practised. Which is flipping joyous if you're as horribly competitive as I am.
And to second reason 2: yes, hugely. Tight abs and peachy butt-cheeks shall be yours! Go for rough ground, long grass/bracken that makes you really lift your legs, and fierce hills for maximum I-bloody-love-my-body smugness
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Trail Running - I love it :) 
Repeating Week 2 
Different shoes
W8R1 - Trails but no tribulations
Week 9 Marathon training- Sunshine and happy days
