It’s time for you to get into trail
running. We here at Canadian Running have been telling
you to try off-road running for so long, and if you haven’t
done so yet, we’re here to tell you once again:
add trail sessions to your training schedule. Even if
you don’t officially convert to the world of trail
running, it’s always fun to get out and enjoy the
woods every now and then. Not convinced? Here are six
reasons to become a trail runner.
Nicer weather
The weather is finally consistently nice enough across
the country to make you want to go for a nice outdoor
workout. Not that trail running isn’t fun when the
weather isn’t ideal, but it’s easier to convince
yourself to get outside when it’s warm and sunny.
Take advantage of the great weather, hit the trails and
enjoy the great outdoors.
New routes and
experiences
If you only run on the road, you probably have a few go-to
routes that you hit every session. That can get super
boring, so why not mix things up with a new adventure
on unknown trails? Grab a friend or two, find a trail
and explore together. You’ll be so much more engaged
than you are on your usual runs, which are likely on auto-pilot
as you take the same turns you’ve made so many times
before. Those roads will always be there for you, but
there are countless trails out there waiting to be explored.
No need for exclusivity
Just because you give trail running a
try doesn’t mean you have to devote yourself to
it 100 per cent. Sure, there are some runners out there
who believe you’re either a road runner, a trail
runner or a trackie, but why limit yourself to one discipline?
Despite what those people think, you’re allowed
to be a trail, road and track runner, so you really have
nothing to lose by trying out trail running.
You can focus on
effort
As a road or track runner, you’re probably obsessed
with pace and time. You feel the need to run laps of the
track in a certain time, and you constantly check your
watch to see how quickly you’re making your way
through your go-to route around town. A great thing about
trail running is that it’s all based on feel. Trails
are way too hilly to run a consistent pace, so you don’t
ever have to go into a workout or race with a pace goal
in mind (nor should you, as that will only set you up
for disappointment). Instead, focus on your effort and
don’t worry so much about the speed.
Improving as a runner
Even if you don’t enter trail races, training on
trails will help you become faster on your preferred terrain.
The up-down nature of trail running works your muscles
a lot more than running on the road or track, so you’ll
certainly notice a difference after adding trail workouts
to your training schedule.
You
don’t know til you try
If you’ve never gone trail running before, or if
it’s been a while, you should give it a shot. You
might love it, after all, and it could become your newest
obsession.
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