Just wondering if some folks can advise on shoes. I'm about to start trail running as part of my c25k, as it looks like spring is finally on it's way here where I am in Canada! Are trail shoes necessary? Worth it? What is your experience? I see they have a more aggressive tread so definitely look like they grip better. Is it nice just to have a road pair you don't have to clean much and a dirty trail pair?
The trails are just down the road from my workplace so it's perfect for an after-work run, and I know the trails well from walking them - so relaxing! I'm looking forward to getting off the sidewalks and away from the traffic. I have a choice between heading one of two ways at the trail head - one way is flatter and mainly dirt and bare outcrop (rock) and the other is a mix of dirt gravel and outcrop, with lots of tree roots with some hills and wooden staircases. My gut tells me I can use my road shoes easily on the gentler trail but perhaps the trail shoes would be wise for the more rugged trail? I'm also planning to register for a Thanksgiving (early October) cross-country (gravel/dirt/grass) 6k race in my hometown once registration opens as well, as a way to keep myself at it!
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Amandana
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I bought a hybrid New balance shoe from Sportchek. They aren’t as rugged as some of the more aggressive trail shoes but have thicker tread for better off roading. When I first got them, I really noticed the tread compared to my road runners when I ran on sidewalks etc but don’t notice them now (mind you, I am due for a new pair soon and am hoping to get the same pair). I’m thinking you’re really going to love running the trails. It’s more about the beauty and journey and not so much about the speed. I find it so much more enjoyable myself. I just wish I had more local trails to hit without having to drive any distance. Lucky, lucky you 🙂
Ooh hybrids there’s another idea! I think so too Alliecat! We are quite lucky - I live near another conservation area as well, with some ok but busy trails. I’ll be sure to post pictures when I get out there! The one near work is a bird sanctuary so often there are sand hill cranes calling (but I can never seem to spot them) and some swans on a lake. I even saw a bald eagle in the fall! I’m a bit of an aspirational bird watcher so it’s fun that way, and a geologist by day so bonus points if I can identify some rocks along the way too.... haha! Gosh I sound like a nerd 🤓. Definitely looking forward to it!
From one nerd to another, that sounds absolutely amazing 🤓. I love watching for birds and wildlife on my runs. I downloaded an app (Merlin Bird ID) to help me identify some of the birds I see. Only saw a Robin this morning, but had a whole flock of cranes fly over me last weekend while I was running at the lake. Not the prettiest sounding bird, but just so nice to see large flocks of birds again. Can't wait to see some of the pics you post.
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New Trainers 
Trail Shoes
Can someone please explain to me how this has happened?
New Stuff! Buff! Bright! Tight!
Types of running shoe
