Another question

[backintime]

Sorry I ask so many questions but I'm still a bit of a newbie to this running lark.

In an effort to keep myself motivated for my HM training during the cold winter months, I signed up for a 13 km trail run in December (for which I get a chocolate medal :D).

I know I have 13km in my legs, but I figure the training and hills and steps will get my legs stronger over winter and keep my ankles and knees strong (they feel stronger now than they did just on the treadmill which my other winter alternative lol).

So any tips for trails and trail races? Obviously I need to get out there and running in the woods. I currently do a trail like path for my normal long runs which is more undulating than hilly, but does have tree roots, stones, conkers(!), leaves etc.

Also, I was thinking of getting some trail shoes for the winter - mine are ok but I doubt they'll have much grip up forest paths. Anything to look out for?

I know this has been asked before but I can't remember who asked it and can't find the previous thread. Sorry!

Thanks

[misswobble Marathon]

Trail running is ace 😃. You will run a bit slower as you take care along the route. You have eyes everywhere 👀🙂

A pair of trail shoes would be a good idea Mud will be a feature if you go off track and into woods so think about shoes best on mud. They’re not expensive if you shop for older models 🙂

Try them on!

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to misswobble]

Thank you - I live in the countryside so I will get mud most places I go to run, but this has more hills so I was worried about grip in the mud. Is there anything special to look out for?

[misswobble Marathon in reply to backintime]

Innov do a “mudclaw”.

If you get to a running shop they will have lots of choice for various terrains and will best advise you and you can try before you buy, and return if you don’t get on with your choice

I ran a muddy fell race and one of the faster ladies I noticed was wearing Inovs. They look very good too, if that’s a consideration 🙂

I have a muddy race in potential this weekend and am planning on donning my Mizuno Hyate. I’ve not raced in them before. These are not very good on rocky, gravelly, stony trails so I use a shoe with a rock plate for those runs

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to misswobble]

Thanks! I think the shoes have their work cut out to make me one of the faster women but I will try some on in a sports shop and see which ones suit best

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to misswobble]

I have some Inov-8s and I like them! Definitely find a shop and try a variety of shoes though xx

[misswobble Marathon in reply to roseabi]

I saw them in Run Forest Run in Matlock and thought they looked beautiful 🥰. They look minimal 😃

I have a birthday coming up and am going to ask OH to get me some new daps. I urgently need marathon road shoes 🙏 grovel, plead

[Couchpotato2 Marathon]

Are you able to check out the race trail a bit before, even just walking it, it might be useful to know the route and see the terrain.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Couchpotato2]

yes I will be running / walking the route beforehand, but I would like some "generic" trail shoes as practically all my running routes will be muddy through the winter, there's not much else here, except the main road but even there it's not pavement all the way (but at least there is pavement on that road I guess)

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to backintime]

I was on treadmill from the end of March when I started running until August, so I haven't really had bad weather outside, but Saturday I had a lot of rain and my normal shoes were slipping a bit in the mud and that was just undulating trail, not even hilly

[Couchpotato2 Marathon in reply to backintime]

Yes mud prep will be good! I have some trail shoes but my physio is not sure that my foot is not better in the road shoes... anyway I hope you get some good answers and well, a chocolate medal 🥇 miam

[Snuffy_T Half Marathon]

Snap 🙌 I have signed up for a 10 mile mince pie race in December which is mostly trails over the South Downs. I graduated C25K last year , to this day exactly! So I haven't been running long in the scheme of things.

I have just purchased my first trail shoes, been running in them 3 times , I love them. I don't want to wear my old trainers now. I went for Brooke's Cascadia. They have a bit of support, apparently all trail shoes are neutral, so that's something to consider. They have deep lugs compared to my road trainers. Also only a 4mm heel drop.

Get yourself down to a running shop and bag yourself some trailes , an early Christmas present 🎁

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Snuffy_T]

Thanks

I have some amazon gift vouchers to spend, so I will go trying them on then shop online Not the best way to do it but I have to spend them on something lol

[Snuffy_T Half Marathon in reply to backintime]

Naughty ! I was tempted to try and then look online to see if I could get them cheaper, but I like my local run shop as it's a truly independent store, The Jog Shop, in Brighton, I'd be upsset if it closed down. They do give a bit of discount if you ask.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Snuffy_T]

We only have big sports chainstores that I can get to, no local small ones at all and a lot of the chains are staffed by students on their days off, especially on Saturdays

[Snuffy_T Half Marathon in reply to backintime]

Try on then guilt free !!!

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Depending on the technical level of the trail you may need to really keep an eye on what's in front as you run. Rocky or technical sections with lots of tree roots etc, force you to look just in front of you to pay attention and save you from face-planting like (ahem) some people (me) . :). Especially towards the end when you are tired and your legs feel like they have a mind of their own. Some other things I was told: Adjust to shorter strides going uphill, take it easier and walk/hike up hills as needed. Downhills on technical bits - plan your steps 5-6 feet before you get there so you have your foot landings mapped in your head.

Regarding shoes - I bought a pair of Saucony shoes - just because the Saucs seem to fit me best - I have the TR11 Trail shoes which have pretty good grip (and were half price!) - they also double as my garden shoe since they are always caked with mud. And they have a decent snow grip. Saucony Peregrines are well known, but I don't have experience with them - they also make an ice version. So many choices! Just see what works for you. Do you see the trails as softer mud or frozen through the winter where you are? That may influence your shoe choice a little. I ran on my TR11s through Toronto snow and ice last year, but I did take the odd header on actual ice bits:). Also leaves and moss on wooden bridges can be super slippery in damp conditions - but that is probably second nature to anyone running in the UK :).

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Decker]

I am slightly further south than the UK but thank you for such a comprehensive answer

I am trying to work out whether it's better to go with deeper lugs or not - it can get pretty muddy

I was reading this which seems pretty helpful - basically see which shoe fits your foot best then take the trail version - seems logical but for some reason I had to read it to find it so

rei.com/learn/expert-advice...

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to backintime]

Yes that is a good article - one of the things I liked about the Saucs were the deep lugs - they give me a better sense of confidence too. My Ultra runner friend bought a pair of Speedgoats by Hoka and he loves them.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Decker]

I love the name...speed goats : )

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to backintime]

Its a great name isn’t it? I think they were named after the ultra runner Karl Meltzer who’s trail name was speedgoat since he was so fast on technical ground

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Decker]

I have Saucony peregrine’s - a post race bargain. They look beautiful 🥰. They have a good grip. They have the lug on to attach to trail gaiters too, should you wish to avail yourself The bottom lace hole tends to dig into the top of my foot slightly so I don’t Run long in them

I loved my Brooke’s Cascadia They’re a hybrid road to trail shoe but not overly grippy on mud. I had to give up on them as the later iterations got too narrow in the forefoot