4 reasons you should hit the trails

So, you’ve been pounding the same streets and now you’re bored of your local park – maybe it’s time to mix things up with our 4 reasons you should hit the trails next time you lace up for a run.

1. It adds variety to your training

Trail running can be the perfect way to give yourself that motivational boost and kick your running up a notch. As a member of Salomon Trail Team, Emma Clayton knows all about hitting the trails. ‘Trail running is about freedom and exploration,’ she says. ‘Forget the repetition of pounding pavements, this is about enjoying peace and quiet, being at one with nature and exploring your environment’. Running on trails isn’t about how fast you can move, it’s about enjoying the journey you’re on and experiencing the world around you.

2. You can escape the hustle and bustle

When you talk to trail runners about what makes this type of running so special they always come back to the environment. ‘It’s uplifting to find yourself away from roads, cars and urban sprawl,’ says Emma. ‘Because there’s so much to keep your focus on, there’s little chance of getting bored.’ Claudia seconds this: ‘Trail running is so much fun because it provides so many sensory stimuli. Whether it’s the view from the top of the hill, the slip and slide of running through the mud or the taste of cake after a Sunday long run, trail running offers a wealth of experiences that just can’t be matched by running on the road.’

3. You challenge more muscles

It’s not just the environment that’s more natural when you run on trails – so is the way you move. The key difference between road running and trail running is that the surfaces are much more varied. ‘Roads and pavements are typically smooth surfaces and, with the exception of the odd kerb, this means we can focus mostly on getting from point A to point B,’ explains Advent Running’s Claudia Schroegel. In contrast Claudia explains that ‘trail conditions can be much more varied. Depending on the time of year you might be running on mud, snow or across rocks and boulders. This more “technical” terrain can make trail running a lot more fun but also physically more taxing’.

Claudia explains, ‘Most trails will be undulating, if not very steep, so you will engage many more muscles and adopt a different running style. You will even hop, skip or scramble, while relying more on your senses and teaching your body to run by feel.’ Emma also points out that trail running can be great for your fitness: ‘You’ll get fitter quicker as trail running calls on a larger group of muscles as you adapt to the underfoot conditions. And because you hit the ground at different angles with every step, you’re less prone to the kind of injuries road runners are susceptible to.’ Giving your body the freedom to move and respond naturally, coupled with beautiful surroundings, can be the recipe for an amazingly uplifting run!

4. It gives you a chance to explore

Trail running is a fantastic way to have an adventure and explore new places, or even, according to Emma, get to know somewhere a little better. ‘Wherever you are you’ll find a trail that will show you the “behind the scenes” of that area,’ she says. You don’t even have to look very far from home. ‘The definition of trail can vary hugely, from a shingly coastal path to a high grassy meadow – and even in urban landscapes there are trails offering varied terrain. Look for bridlepaths, byways and footpaths.’ Claudia advocates a little curiosity: ‘The chances are there are some woods near where you live that have trails. On your next run, why not stop and have a look? You’ll be surprised by what you find. For the more technologically minded, websites like MapMyRun and Strava allow you to enter your postcode and find runs right on your doorstep.’

Fancy a bigger running adventure? The UK is full of amazing places to run. ‘There are thousands of great places to go trail running,’ enthuses Claudia. ‘The North and South Downs, the Jurassic coastline, the Chilterns, North Wales and the Lake District. We really are spoilt for choice.’