LOLZLetter 122 | How to Trail Run When You're Clumsy Like Me
Yes, you will probably fall
Welcome,
Before moving to California, my experience trail running was laughable. On my 28th birthday, I raced the Copper Mountain 25k in Colorado. I really enjoyed it, but that was the extent of my trail running. Before the race, I didn't practice trails at all. I just "winged it." I went in with no expectations and had a lot of fun. For the next two years, I didn't do any trail running. I hiked a lot in New Jersey, but that was it.
Then we moved to California, and trails are everywhere. If I wanted to run on trails from my house, I can! If I want to go to an open space and run on open trails, I can. I can pretty much find any trail I want, from technical and rocky to smooth and groomed to flat and fast. There is no shortage of trails, and for that, I feel lucky!
I've started getting on the trails a few times a week. I enjoy it, and it's fun. I am not a professional trail runner, and heck, I am not even "good" at it. But I enjoy it, so who cares.
Since I started from zero, I thought I would share a few things I've learned last year. I wouldn't say I like trails more than road running. I believe they are both different and great.
So How Can You Start Running Trails When You are a Super Beginner?
When I started consistently running on trails, I had almost no experience. I ran on trails a few times prior, but that's it. They scared the crap out of me because I was afraid to fall. Spoiler: I have fallen several times, and I have even rolled down the side of a hill. Then again, I have also fallen on roads so there really isn't too much of a difference.
Don't Be Afraid To Be Slow:
My pace on trails ranges a lot! I ran a workout last week where I managed a tempo at a 7:30 pace. I was sorer from that than any road workout. My pace on trails averages every week from 8:30 (usually downhill) to over 20 minutes. Yes, 20 minutes! Don't be afraid to walk-run, hike, or do whatever you need to do. Pace is irrelevant on trails. But really, who cares about your pace anyway?
No Two Trails are the Same:
Maybe that's why I like trail running. Before I experienced different types of trails, I would wonder: "how do some people run so fast on trails?"
You cannot compare your time between trails. A rails to trails is going to be a lot faster. Sometimes flat, smooth trails can be as fast as roads! Some trails are extremely technical and rocky, while others are smoother and easy to run.
I've found some of the toughest trails are in the northeast, where you are avoiding rocks, and it feels like you are hiking most of it (versus running). There is a park near me in Napa with extremely rocky and technical trails. If I average 12-minute miles while running there, it's a great day. As opposed to an open space with smooth trails, I can average 9-10 minutes like no big deal.
The short answer here is: don't compare trails. They are all different. Even the same trail on a different day is different.
You Need More Gear:
Often with trail running, you are out longer because trails are typically slower or just longer routes. It's imperative to bring food and nutrition.
My favorite hydration pack right now is the CamelBak Zephyr 10L Running Vest, but I also use the Nathan Hydration Quickstart 4L Vest. You might find yourself bringing and packing more gear for a trail run, and that is ok.
Shoes:
I wrote a longer post here about Trail Running Shoes vs. Road Shoes. The short answer is, depending on the trail, you might not need trail shoes at all. Are trail shoes going to help? Of course, but are they 100% necessary? No.
If you find yourself sliding around or losing traction, you'll benefit from a trail shoe. If you run trails in your road shoe with no issues, keep doing it. Like any running shoe, you should be comfortable.
Safety:
I cannot emphasize the importance of safety on the trails. You never know what or who is out there, from animals to other people or mountain bikers. I suggest always bringing a phone and downloading a trail map. Also, tell someone where you are going.
For me, I am still not fully comfortable going into heavily wooded areas alone. Open spaces and trails on the side of mountains are more enjoyable to me because I can always see my surroundings.
How Do You Find a Trail?
I'm a fan of AllTrails, which helps you find trails by distance, terrain, or pretty much any other filter. You'll be SHOCKED to learn of all the trails around you. I know I was, even in New Jersey!
Challenge Yourself:
Trail running is supposed to be fun, not easy! One of the biggest challenges I've done was run 5000 feet up Mt. Diablo. Yes, it was hard! It definitely did not "come easy," but I did it, and I was proud. Challenge yourself to do things that seem hard.
Believe me; you don't need to be "good" at trail running to trail run. I am not good by any means, but I do enjoy it.
Giveaway Winner:
The giveaway winner for the bag of Liquid IV and a canister of the Vital Proteins Recover Collagen is Jenna A, who shared via Facebook. Thanks to everyone who shared the newsletter!
What is Keeping Me Entertained:
50 Running Books to Inspire and Motivate You
The remarkable story of Harry Edward: Britain’s first black Olympian
Shoe Review: Hoka Speedgoat 4 Shoe Review (fits perfect this week, since it's a trail shoe)
Ali on the Run Podcast with Dr. Margi Johnson: Margi is a good friend who also recently moved away from New Jersey. She works in the healthcare field and had COVID 3 times (yes, 3X) as she worked through the pandemic.
As always, stay healthy and safe. Thank you to everyone who reads, shares, and subscribes.
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