5 Trail Running Tips

If you're ready to hit the trails and conquer the great outdoors, you should first check out these 5 trail running tips. Trail running is an exciting, high-energy sport, but it can be daunting to those who aren't experienced runners or hikers. To safely trail run, you'll want to prepare accordingly and take some precautions while you're traversing your trail. So follow these tips, and then go have some fun:

1. Gear up. Make sure that you are wearing specific trail running shoes and are dressed according to the weather. If you’re heading out in the cold morning, but staying out until the sunny afternoon, wear layers so that you can shed pieces of clothing throughout the day. Bring a small pack and carry water, snacks and sunscreen if you’re going to be trail running for a few hours. Also, to be safe, a good trail running tip is to always carry some form of identification with you, along with your cell phone if you receive reception in the area.
2. Plan your trail ahead of time. Pick your trail out in advance and know where it leads to so you don’t have to worry about getting lost or turned around. Decide whether you want to go out on a trail that loops around or one that you must follow back the same way you came. Also, picking a trail based on your fitness level is a very important trail running tip. Beginners should try for just two to three miles at a gentle incline, while advanced trail runners can go for several miles at a steep angle.
3. Warm up. Trail running supplies you with plenty of cardio and also works your muscles with its uneven terrain and sharp hills. Make sure to give your body the warm up it deserves by stretching your muscles out. Pay particular attention to stretching your quadriceps, hamstrings, ankles, and calves. Follow this trail running tip, and you’ll avoid pulling a muscle or waking up unable to walk the next day.
4. Stay alert. With trail running, you can’t just turn on the autopilot like you can on the treadmill at the gym. Keep a lookout for rocks, holes, or even animals as you run down the path. Also, if the trail you’re running is popular but narrow, take care to call out a warning before passing people walking.
5. Descend and ascend correctly. Another important trail running tip is to take care when descending down hills; sometimes it is difficult to judge how steep a path is until you’re already plunging down it. Proceed down hills safely with short quick steps rather than long lunges. Turn your feet sideways to avoid slipping if the incline is particularly sharp. Following this trail running tip will save you from a nasty spill. When running up a hill, also take short quick steps and push through your quadriceps. Avoid hunching over, but rather aim to keep your posture as straight as possible. These trail running tips will allow you to perform your best out on the trails and arrive back uninjured and ready for the next run.