How to start Trail Running

We recently published a piece titled ‘How to start running’, designed to give you all the little tips that no one tells you about when you first get into running - things like taking it slow (even though you don’t want to), setting small goals, and more.

You guys loved that one - whether it was new runners, or if you’re someone like me - an every-single-day runner who gets asked for advice a lot by friends who want to get into it, it was a useful guide.

So here we are, back at it and this time talking about trail running. Here, we’re going to try and break down some of the barriers to trail running, and give you the straight facts on what you do and don’t need to think about.

If you aren’t aware, trail running is blowing up in popularity all around the world. And no, this is not a Covid thing. While a greater appreciation for the outdoors has definitely come out of Covid, trail running has been gaining momentum for years, and it’s easy to see why. There are a few explanations for this, but forget all that. Let’s focus on the doing - let’s get out and get dirty.

And you might be thinking that running off-road doesn’t fit into your training or your race aspirations, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be good for you. From extra strength to a mental refresh, getting onto the dirt could be just what you need.

Let’s start by defining or redefining what trail running is. You might be picturing scrambling up a rock face in the Alps, or you might be seeing some kind of desert adventure. Both are right. I would describe it as any non-sealed surface that doesn’t allow you to run as freely (or as quickly) as you would on the road. So the gravel path in your local park where toddlers ride their bikes? Probably not trail running. The technical, rocky, single-track that winds its way along the local creek? You’re in trail country there, partner.