Trail Running Vs Road Running, Maybe you’re like me, and you’ve always been someone who has run on pavement. If you’re thinking about switching to trail running, this article is for you, We’ll cover the benefits of trail running as well as some things to keep in mind if you switch.
I still run the roads for my long runs, What is trail running, but I love adding in trail runs every now and then. My main focus is to ultimately build endurance so no matter what you end up deciding on, you can’t go wrong as long as it’s challenging.
BENEFITS OF TRAIL RUNNING
Going from road running to trail running, Before you begin anything new, it’s an excellent idea to understand all of the advantages. There are quite a few advantages to trail running that make this activity ideal for when you want to get away from your usual run routine and find a place that is much safer than your normal running path.
DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT
Depending on where you live, it can’t hurt to get out of the house and run. And by this we mean to actually run outside because when I used to visit my parents at their old house, if I wanted to go anywhere within a couple mile radius, it was all boring subdivisions and strip malls that were not exactly visually interesting places to plan out a route.
But what many don’t know is that running on the trails will ultimately lead to a better environment. You’ll be in nature (or at least something like it), so it will be quieter and more serene. You’ll have lots to look at, so it will be more interesting.
And if you run long enough each day, you’ll experience the four seasons in your area changing and that can be a great feeling. If you only run for six months out of the year though, chances are you’ll spend most of your running time on concrete surfaces and indoors just like my parents in their subdivision.
Trail running vs road running times, Luckily, it doesn’t have to snow or rain all the time like it did when I was younger. But if the temperature outside is below freezing while I’m training indoors before work or at lunch, I can wear shoes with added traction to keep myself steady.
The best running routes are the ones that are challenging and will make you work a little harder than usual. Running on an unevenly paved surface will prevent runners from becoming too comfortable and thus help them stay more alert.
SAFER THAN ROAD RUNNING
Trail running vs road running shoes, Probably one of the biggest downsides to road running is cars. If you’re fortunate enough to live near paved paths as I have several times in my life, this makes road running a lot safer. But if you don’t live on a route that accommodates runners, you’re still going to have to deal with cars.
Obviously, there aren’t going to be any roads or vehicles on the trails. We know how taxing it can be to trod along rough and rocky off-road terrains, but that’s what makes this trekking experience so much more rewarding.
Not only do you get an escape from the urban jungle of automobiles and highways, you also get your daily workout done without having to worry about taking out the legs or knees.
Running on trails can reduce the risk of injury, although it may make cuts and scrapes more likely depending on what sort of terrain and foliage you have to run around. But it’s great if you don’t get overuse injuries like runner’s knee which is ideal for runners who are prone to injuries or seniors who don’t enjoy going fast.
TERRAIN
Similarly to road running, with cross-country, you have a cross-country team. Depending on where the members reside, it might be flat or it might be hilly. But you’re mostly going to encounter asphalt and concrete.
If you’re not well-versed with trail running, there are a bunch of things you should know about trails. First of all, you’ll encounter a whole lot more variety when it comes to the kinds of terrain that you work with.
For starters, there will be dirt and mud (many levels of each), rocks (little ones, big ones), roots and branches, and steep hills too. You may be confused about why we just said this is a good thing – so read on below for the explanation.
I speak from experience: my 12-mile trail run killed me in the best way possible. There were so many hills.
Additionally, while the environment is very peaceful and relaxing, you have to remain more alert when running on the trail. As it’s one of the best things to do for your health and body, You cannot zone out because you need to watch the ground.
If you happen to be taking a trip to the hills, you’re not going to trip on something that is as big or larger than your leg. Instead, if you’re trekking through places like a park or even hiking along a trail, there are still things for you to watch out for like small pebbles. These could end up tripping you let alone give you a physical workout and make you exercise your brain in the process too.
PACE
Because of its technical nature, trail running slows you down, which might cause your runner’s legs to feel heavy regardless if they’re going at an easy or hard pace. Change one particular expectation as a runner – it’s not that you’re actually at a slower pace but that the terrain itself affects how quickly you’re able to get through a run.
It’s easy to run a fast mile when one has a flat stretch of road, but climbing trails and remote mountain runs are not ideal for those who like running at high speeds. For example, the terrain and altitude may force one to adopt a mile pace that is more manageable on the body so as not to cause you damage while you’re out there exploring nature.
To someone else who runs, 25% might not seem like a lot but to an experienced trail runner used to hills with 6% grades, it sounds like taking it easy. The first time you hit 25% on a trail covered with golf ball-sized gravel, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
If you’re used to running up the few slight hills that you might encounter on your road run, don’t assume this will work for your trail runs in the woods or mountains.
The inclines might be a lot steeper and longer. So slow down—a walk is sometimes better because even if it takes you a bit longer to get to your destination than it would if you were jogging, at least you can make it there without any injuries.
SAFETY
While it’s true that you could avoid encountering cars, the mountain trail might seem lonely due to the lack of people out. It’s important not to let this get to you in any way so that you can stay alert and aware of your surroundings. You will encounter fewer people along the trail, something especially important to keep in mind if you are a female jogger or hiker.
Difference between road and trail, You might want to run with a friend, or at least a dog, That way your friend can help you get back on track if you do happen to take a wrong turn – and dogs are excellent navigators but only when they can see the trail clearly. Most parks won’t let anyone in after dark, so make sure you know your route ahead of time and bring a map with you because GPS signals have trouble getting through to phones when there are too many trees.
Fortunately, many parks have maps along the trails, so you’ll be able to see where you are at any given time during your session. Make sure to bring some water with you as well.
It’s important to stay hydrated during any long hike and even more so if it’s necessary that you cover a large area without having the option of a store nearby for quick refills. And finally – an essential means of communication is in order.
It’s not something runners are used to necessarily using when training on the road, but there could come a point where injuries might happen or where one feels lost or in danger for any number of reasons.
If you’re running on the road, in a pinch, you can get to a nearby gas station or store or ask a stranger, but when you see fewer people on the trail your options are limited. Don’t risk it. Bring your phone and make sure it has service.
GEAR
The attire you wear when trail running may be similar, but you might want to consider getting different shoes and/or gaiters.
You can use road shoes, but trail shoes (since they are specifically designed for tough terrains) have better traction and protection overall. Scraping the side of your upper on a rock (or worse, getting it stuck in some terrain) is a common way for road shoe soles to get ruined.
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Trail runners deal delicately with moisture. If it’s raining outside, your trail shoes are most likely going to be covered in water no matter what. You don’t have to worry about this on a regular run but if you’re on a trail, you definitely need traction which is one of the reasons as to why it’s important for anyone running trails to invest in some dependable and worthwhile trail shoes.
RACES
If you’re a big race junkie, you might be worried about giving up races if you pick up trail running. If so, don’t fear, Trail races are abound and built specifically for runners who tend to be more comfortable on trails than they do on paved roads.
What’s more, with race distances getting longer and longer in the course of history due to what some people believe is an increasing competitiveness among runners, the most physical endurance may actually come in handy if you’re looking to run farther before you reach the finish line at your next trail run rather than simply bolting off a short sprint.
Trail races are a little different than road races. Half marathons are the usual minimum distance covered at a trail race, but not every trail race will cover half a marathon worth of course.
Most 100-miler not uncommon and you may find others, with other races of longer distance and times even three, four or five day is also.
Anything that was more than a marathon, ultra running is called “.” Where a place to run 5 kilos (5K) exist but are rare, so most trail runners are prepared for the possibility that you may have to start the furn much further than for road races.
But they’re also pretty fun…consider things like toasted cheese sandwiches, bean burritos, and even the occasional Fireball (just make sure you’re not driving).
Unlike a road race which might have an aid station every one to three miles, typically trail races will have an aid station every five miles.
But trail races do have one thing conventional road race don’t: you get to enjoy the beauty of nature as you run. That means that there is more encouragement as you push further distances – and sometimes, it helps enhance your running experience.
In the end, if you’re looking to mix up your routine, try a change of scenery, or wish to runners’ knee migraines, switching from road to trail is a great idea.
The key to transitioning from a road runner to a trail runner is being knowledgeable of all the gear you may need when running on trails. There are different terrains on which you could be running, be it a flat road, or hilly terrain; there are better shoes to wear depending on the kind of terrain you’ll be encountering; and don’t forget that endurance level can change without warning, Don’t risk getting injured Gear up.