Trail Running – How to Start & What Shoes to Wear
In trail running, the fun begins when the road ends. The incredible journey you are about to embark on will lead you to countless breathtaking sights around the world. It will strengthen your appreciation for nature and make for great training session.
We have created a starter guide just for you so that you can get started TODAY. That’s right. We’ve outlined an entire list so that you can start taking action right now to get your trail running career started:
Why Should I Start Trail Running?
If you’re considering running on trails more often, it’s important to understand the benefits:
First, you have an incredible advantage over people running on flat surfaces. Just think about it: you are running on an incline, especially if you’re running up a mountain. Just take a look at the image below that compares a person running 30m run on the Knee Knacker trail versus someone running in the Boston Marathon:
People often highlight how difficult the Boston Marathon is, but what they should really consider is trail running on the Knee Knacker. Both the run uphill and downhill can be a great way to both burn calories and increase your cardiovascular endurance quickly.
Second, the cost to start is slim to none. If you really wanted to, you could just grab your beat-up running shoes and take them for a run on the nearest trails. Let the records show that we do not recommend this and that the best way to stay committed is to invest in yourself and grab yourself a new pair.
Lastly, just think about the views that you’ll see when running on trails. There’s nothing like being able to discover new places just from going on a nicely paced run.
How to Start
Before you start, you should consult with your physician to see if trail running is right for you. Once you’ve got that done, you can now begin to start making moves to make this a routine part of your life:
- Create goals with intention and set a hard deadline.
For example, write your goal as follows: “I run trails 3x/week for 30 minutes by December 31st of this year.”
- (Optional) Get a friend to start running with you, or join a local club.
Having friends to push you to stay committed to achieving your goals is crucial. Joining a trail running club could also help you do this.
- (Optional) Sign up for a competition.
If you’re a competitive person, signing up for a race may provide you extra incentive to stay on a program.
- Grab some trail running shoes.
Trail running shoes provide serious protection from rolling your ankle or causing injury. They are highly recommended if you’re serious about this.
- Create a training plan.
To start, you should simply try running for at least 30 minutes on trails 2-3 times a week. For a structured program, check out REI’s 5K or 10K’s training program here.
- Stay consistent.
This is the most important step in starting trail running. Every day, increase your mileage slowly. Don’t worry about running fast and just keep a good tempo. Take it one day at a time, and most importantly, increase your mileage slowly.
If you find yourself needing to take a break, no problem! Just do your best runners speed-hike to keep the heart rate in optimal shape for increased stamina.
- Enjoy remarkable sights from breathtaking heights.
Trail running will allow you to see incredible sights and makes the run all worth it. You’re committing yourself to get into better shape and have a stronger appreciation for nature.
What to Bring
When you’re starting out, it’s important to make sure that you pack everything for your trip. That’s why we’ve created a checklist just for you:
Running Gear Checklist
- Essentials:
- Running Backpack
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Dri-Fit Long Sleeve Shirt
- Running Jacket (in case of rain)
- Lightweight Sweatpants
- Trail Running Shoes (see our section below on how to choose them)
- Extra:
- Sports Watch
- Sunglasses
- Dri-Fit Hat
- In Case of Emergency:
- Photo ID/Cash
- Cell Phone (use it for pictures and compass)
- Small First-Aid Kit
That’s it!
People tend to overcomplicate things. Just keep things simple. When your running on trails, just focus on getting your workout in and on the amazing nature around you. Remember that the more you pack, the more it will weigh you down in your run.
What Shoes to Wear
Please note: It is highly recommended to get some new shoes for running on trails, but it’s not always necessary. However, research has shown the most important aspect of a shoe is comfortability.
If you want to get into trail running, we highly recommend getting new shoes. If you want to save money and run in some old shoes you have near your doorstep, be our guest. However, you must know that this can come with serious consequences.
Without trail running shoes, you are vulnerable to serious injuries. You want to have maximum support to prevent slipping. The last thing you want is to twist your ankle 3 miles into your run.
Therefore, it is our recommendation to purchase new trail running shoes. The durability of these shoes can decrease the probability of injuries. However, if you need further convincing, find our more elaborate explanation in the section below.
Trail Running Shoes vs. Road Running Shoes
One of the most common questions we get is: What’s the difference between trail running shoes and road running shoes?
We give the same answer every time:
Sure, you can wear regular running shoes when running on trails. However, you are leaving yourself at great vulnerability to injuries. You are limiting yourself just by simply being lazy and not making the investment.
For instance, if I go out running in my Nike Pegasus 36’s, not only will I get them dirty, but I will also completely destroy the outsole with all the tough terrain I just ran on.
The main difference between trail running shoes and road running shoes is their durability. Most trail running shoes are built with rock plate protections. These plates are built to provide protection from rough terrain. Therefore, these shoes provide more protection from injuries.
If you’re looking for a review on running shoes, make sure to check out our post “Running Shoes for Men – Honest Review of 2019”.
How to Choose Trail Running Shoes
Now that you have decided to get trail running shoes, you need to know how to choose the right one.
There are several aspects to consider when purchasing a new pair of trail running shoes:
First, research has found that comfortability is the single most important aspect of finding shoes time and time again. (Find examples of this research here, here, and here).
Second, we would advise against buying a new pair of shoes at the running store. These companies pay their employees based on commission. They can likely take advantage of that and cash out on your unnecessary big purchases. We would suggest ordering from Amazon. They have a great return policy. You can buy two pairs and just return one if one of them doesn’t fit.
Lastly, we have to consider the pricing and the technology of the shoe. All trail running shoes are built for durability. What makes them different is their technology.
Here’s some advice: never buy trail running shoes says its “waterproof”. Remember, you’re not going to the pool. Rather than focusing on a “waterproof” aspect, you should search for a shoe with strong grip and traction.
Our Recommendation: Salomon Men’s Supercross Trail Running Shoes
When purchasing new trail running shoes, you should strongly consider the Salomon Men’s Supercross Trail running shoes.
These are one of the top-rated shoes out on the market right now. These are incredibly comfortable. It’s fantastic for all-terrain events and is incredibly versatile.
It comes with a Contragrip® outsole that has great traction for tough terrains. They’re at a decent price, especially for the durability you will get out of them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should get into trail running. It’s beneficial for your body and is better than road running. Use our checklist to pack light for trail runs.
Lastly, grab yourself a pair of Salomon Men’s Supercross Trail Running Shoes if you’re looking for new shoes.
Remember, the world begins when the road ends.
