Trail running is a much popular activity, especially in the summers. While many believe that one has to go to the mountains for trail running, in reality so is not the case. As Steven Rindner mentions, trail running can actually be done in many places. Basically, run is considered to be a trail run if the runner is not on, paved, sealed or asphalt roads. In the case of trail running, it is all about the movement outdoors in nature in fresh air.
Steven Rindner briefly talks about trail running
Trail running is not just practiced in the mountains, even rugged terrain and climbs are part of the sport. Moreover, trail running also involves more than running.
- During the ascents, one would typically alternate walking and running. Runners may even use poles or push on their legs with their arms in the steeper sections.
- During descents, one has to watch their footholds, and try to land on the forefoot to cushion the impact. Runners generally use their arms a lot for balance. Runners must try their best to embrace the slope, run easy and simply have some fun with the terrain.
No matter whether one is running on the roads or sealed paths, standardized values like heart rate, running pace or even distance are not the focus of trail running. In this style, the running experience itself takes center stage. The terrain and its obstacles change constantly. First, the runner might be on the rocks, then on grass, occasionally over roots, and in between they may go up and then go down. When running on a trail, both the body and mind of the runner are alert and challenged. Unlike road running, in the case of trail running, the terrain varies constantly. Apart from rocks, mud and grass, one mat even have to run over snow. Even an urban or a city trail can help foster a pretty diverse route.
As Steven Rindner says, one of the best aspects of trail running is that it provides people with the opportunity to connect with nature. Trail runners are able to immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes, and experience the tranquility of forests, the grandeur of mountains, the serenity of lakeshores, as well as the exhilaration of rugged terrains. The ever-changing scenery and the opportunity to encounter with wildlife make each and every trail run a unique and memorable experience. In trail running, the terrain tends to differ way too much to actually compare two races.
For instance, a flowing and gentle terrain would majorly differ from a technical terrain. Moreover, the amount of elevation change differs drastically from trail to trail. For a trail run of about 30 km, an experienced trail runner may need just three hours. However, they may need five if the course is really technically challenging. Trail Running is a pretty unpredictable sport, but this aspect also makes being on the trails much more exciting. The constant changes in elevation also provide an excellent cardiovascular challenge, boosting stamina and fitness levels.