How to trail run, a beginner’s guide to mountain racing
- Trail running is exploding in popularity and is an easy sport to take part in or train for
- Avoid some simple mistakes to get the most out of your running
Trail running is growing in popularity around the world, with some of the most famous races selling out in minutes. But it does not always have to be in the confines of an organised event, any time you bound along on a trail you are doing the sport.
If you want to take up trail running, here are some easy pointers.
Run, but not too much
There are all sorts of gizmos, gadgets and analysis at your fingertips. It can feel overwhelming knowing where to start. Should you get a gait analysis? Do you need the best backpack? Is training a waste of time without a watch telling you how hard to push?
Ignore the white noise – run. Other things will help, but they are all supplementary to the simple act of running. And, if you do it consistently enough, you will see quick and massive improvement.
But do not run too much. When your speed and fitness improve, it can be tempting to run farther and faster. But if you add too much volume, too quickly, you will get injured. Slowly build your distances over many months to make your new-found sport sustainable.