Running Journal No. 2: Trail Running

Visited dafltogic.com to check the distance we ran yesterday and I was almost disappointed to find out that it was not as far as the maintenance run. But this was a trail run and that makes all the difference.

The trail is a different beast altogether presenting unique challenges and benefits that you may not encounter when you run the road or the athletic oval.

Firstly, for many the beaten path is more challenging than the road or the oval. This is because the ground’s awkward surface will not allow your feet to achieve the easy rhythm they can have when running on a flat surface say a treadmill. On the trail, you would have to constantly change how and where you land your feet as you maneuver your way through tree roots, the bare ground, fallen leaves or branches, muddy surfaces even. Most likely, you will also find yourself running in an ever changing elevation.

But is the human body designed to run on pavement or the ground? I would deign to answer that it would be the latter. Ask those who live near running trail areas and they can walk or run the mountain in any footwear. I, myself do so with minimalist shoes and I have yet to injure myself doing so. Of course, extra care is needed when you are shifting from the cement to the earth.

Second, most likely the trail would be sheltered by trees. These trees serve a lot of purposes for the runner chief among them would be their existence as our “extra lungs” making it easier for you to breath- fresh air that is. Their natural shade is a bonus. On the road, you might find yourself wanting to cover your nose when traffic pollution becomes apparent.

Finally and this is both a pro and a con, some trails serve as a temporary solace from the madding crowd(the city). Usually found on the edges of the city, trails are often more inaccessible for runners with busy work schedules. Because of this many would be concerned about safety and security when running on trails especially when running alone.  Since if ever you will be injured running on the road, it would be a lot easier to call for help compared to when you are deep in a forest and you suffer a sprain. Security would also be a credible concern. Nonetheless, running with a buddy or a group quells all these worries as is being prepared and knowing full well your surroundings (if ever you go alone). Moreover, running on the road may even be more dangerous with speeding cars around. That is why when road running, it is strongly advised that you do not plug in your headsets or at least lower the volume of your running music. On the trail, you could let lose, or even lose that headset as you listen to the “sounds of nature” and you “forest bath” your stress away.

I am sure there are other benefits and challenges of trail running. As always, comments, additions and even criticisms are most welcome.

In the meantime, here is a first one for the trails.