Trail running

[Lorijay]

I am keen to give trail running a go but would really appreciate any advice or recommendation on what may be a good trail for a beginner and is it really ok to be slow, like they wont pack up and go home leaving me as billy no mates..lol..lol... Just think it could be enjoyable and will help with strengthening, Please share your knowledge and experiences which will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Hi...do you mean a trail race?

[Lorijay in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes I did but actually after reading the replies I think I should just go out and trail run on my own for the sheer experience and hopefully pleasure.

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Lorijay]

I agree..just out there taking it all in..my favourite runs..out in my fields and tracks and trails..Enjoy!

[Lorijay in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss

[MadDave]

I’d say the key is to develop endurance and pace. It might be an idea to see if your local athletics club does any coaching? Mine runs a group for runners slower than 5miles over 45 minutes. My local club does road running and interval training sessions and this could be a good introduction to endurance/ cross country (trail) running for you? They’ll have a list of all the up and coming runs in your area too.

[Lorijay in reply to MadDave]

Thanks Dave, I have just joined a running club so will explore this.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

All races publish a cut off time.

You are correct, trail running is enjoyable, and it helps with strengthening! The best advice I can give is - find a trail and run it 😊. On the trail watch where you're going (but don't stare at your feet!), look out for tree roots and stones etc., and be sure to stop and take in the views regularly!

I recommend the Beachy Head 10k down in Eastbourne (also their Marathon is something to shoot for!). Some very steep uphill bits, but also lots of lovely downhills, and gorgeous views! Terrain is not especially tricky.

I think there are websites that list trail races by difficulty, I will have a look for one in a bit...

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

This one seems ok - you can filter by different types of terrain (flat, hilly, undulating etc.), county, distance.

runnersworld.co.uk/event/se...

[Lorijay in reply to roseabi]

Thanks roseabi, great link!! Opens whole new experience.

[misswobble Marathon]

I just head out onto the local trail, by myself, and lose myself there for hours on end It’s slower as the terrain is so varied and there are extra hazards like tree roots and overhanging branches

You’re a grown-up now, you can run on your own 😁

[Lorijay in reply to misswobble]

Thanks misswobble, very good point! I think I may just go and do this on Sunday.

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

I'm the same as misswobble , I just take myself off for an adventure in the hills and woods when the weather is conducive. Just remember to be prepared for the environment you're heading out into, be it a scoosh of bug spray or making sure you've enough hydration!

[Lorijay in reply to Sqkr]

Thanks Sqkr. really like the idea of just going out and having an adventure, brilliant

[misswobble Marathon]

I forget stuff all the time but i’m Never that far from civilisation. I found some life-saving Haribo’s in my pocket the other day I have been lucky recently to stumble on Apple trees lately 🌳 very handy! Gorgeously reviving is an apple when one’s flagging 😋

Forgetting my gloves last Sunday was stupid 🤨.

[Hidden]

Oh Lori. Thanks for the inspiration. I tried running one very steep trail with holes and tree roots and rocky bits, so do be careful. I think I’ll try an easier one soon. Keep us posted

[Lorijay in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Paula. I think there may be a far bit of walking for me on those hills which I will just have to learn to accept..lol.. but I do like the thought of different terrain. Just want some variation to road running. How are you doing?

[Hidden in reply to Lorijay]

Well you've inspired me to try a trail run again, during the long weekend maybe. I'm finding it difficult to be 'plan less' but I did do some intervals today. They were difficult and my pace didn't increase that much overall. Think I slowed down a lot during the recovery runs. I shall persevere with them Good luck with your running club

[Hidden]

Hey Lori, watching with interest as we've started to feel drawn to the trail. I think the monotony of the same road routes is the main reason plus it's clear we're not going to be sprinters, so looking at what distance running has to offer.

Done a couple of mixed runs and trail runs during the summer. Saw a weekend trail running course, but we can't make that one so we'll probably wing it with the great advice available online and possibly check out a few YouTube videos for hints and tips.

I definitely get the idea that it's really about getting out there and exploring, taking it slowly and being very careful re foot placement.

Can't wait to give it a go and I'm thinking about dropping the speed run from our weekly routine and doing a trail run instead as I'm not sure whether we'll find any local routes that will cover the long run and as I say we're not loving speed anyway!

It's very exciting this new hobby huh!?

😁 🏃‍♀️💦🏃‍♂️💦🏞🌄

[Lorijay in reply to Hidden]

Hi Sharron, yes it is exciting and I'm really looking forward to giving trails a go. I have seen those weekend camps to which look really good but I think I will just give it a blast on my own and see what happens!! I understand what you mean about the monotony of the same road routes which I try to enhance with speed but that's just not something I can keep up for any distance. I think trail running will just add a new depth and feel more adventurous. Let me know how you get on

[Teri73]

I much prefer running on footpaths and bridleways to pavements. I find Viewranger (free app) indispensable, you can plan out your route on the PC, upload it to your phone and then use it like a running sat nav. It really comes into its own when you need to make a detour on the hoof due to overgrown and impassable footpaths. It has saved me from getting lost more times than I care to remember except for that one time when my phone battery died 😱. Ooh that turned out to be a long run...

I hear Salamon run free trail running workshops, a friend said they are good but I have no personal experience of them. I believe they give you trail running tips and the chance to try out some salamon trail running gear. Google salamon workshops to see if there is one near you.

[Hidden in reply to Teri73]

It was a Salomon workshop I was looking at, near Edinburgh. The beginner one wasn't available though, just intermediate, and I've been checking for the next dates but there haven't been any. I'll keep trying perhaps.

[Sqkr Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Oo I've been looking at these too 😁 I'm working most days they're on but one day I'll be free and will report back!

Hopefully they'll not leave me out there for daring to wear inov8...

[Hidden in reply to Sqkr]

Popped back on since it was on my mind and although there are still no workshop dates there are routes for both the beginner and intermediate routes which are downloadable. I know you're very much a wing it girl so that might be an option for you, especially as you're much more experienced than someone such as myself - I was hoping for the full experience, what not to do as much as anything!

Do report in whatever happens... 😁

howtotrailrun.salomon.com/e...

[Sqkr Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

A wing it girl! I like that 😄 Thank you for the link, I might well just take matters into my own hands if work keeps getting in the way. I'd ideally like to go on a run with some others if I can as I think they'll be able to offer a wealth of experience and advice, but if I've no suitable time off I'll definitely go on a solo adventure!

[Lorijay in reply to Teri73]

Thanks Teri, I'll definitely get the app, it sounds great especially for one (me) that is geographically challenged.