Running on trails — whether it’s a rugged, far-away mountain route or a simple jaunt through the woods at a local park — is also a good way to get away from the stress and congestion of everyday life. But, unlike running on the roads, trail running requires a little bit of pre-planning and some specialized gear to keep you out of harm’s way.
Unless you’re running on a flat trail with no obstacles, avoid going off-road in your road trainers. Investing in a pair of trail running shoes can improve your trail experience and help you avoid injuries. Trail running shoes typically have aggressive knobby treads for better traction in varying trail conditions, plus sidewall and underfoot protection against protruding rocks, roots and gravel. Some trail-specific shoes are lined with Gore-Tex for inclement weather and trails that are particularly muddy or wet, while others are agile and svelte for trail running races.
If you’re planning on running trails in semi-wild places, even if it’s a well-marked state or national park, it’s wise to carry water in a hydration pack, as well as a lightweight rain shell, an energy snack and a maybe even a map of the area. You know, just in case.
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