Trail running might just be my new found sport of choice. I haven't even been in to road running (not races anyway) that long and here I am switchin' it up already... but if you did it, you'd be hooked too!! It is interesting, an incredible workout and set in beautiful scenery. Last month I scarcely knew about it but when an email appeared reading "Blood, Sweat and Beers - It's Dirty Fun," my interest was piqued to say the least.For the more adventurous, Blood, Sweat and Beers is an inaugural trail run designed to introduce people to running trails, set against the American River Canyon and two cold brews await each runner at the finish line. SOLD! This is how I came to run my first trail run alongside my boyfriend, Christopher. It opened both of our eyes to whole new side of running.
I know many people for whom pounding pavement is monotonous and boring. Christopher, for one, has heard me preach the health benefits of vigorous physical activity and he watched me get fit as I trained for Parkway yet he has no motivation to run roads with me. I can't really blame him; some days I downright hate running too.
His hesitation isn't about not knowing how to run. It's not (entirely) that he's worried about his self-image. It's that he finds it boring. I think (because what would this blog be without my two cents?), it's also that running roads, even with headphones, doesn't provide enough distraction from the pain or fatigue. This is why when Chris and I have run together before, he's done after one mile! He could go on but finds no compelling reason to.Sunday, he ran 5.7 miles, the longest run in his life!
Why did trails do the trick when roads didn't? Trail running is like a game that keeps you on your toes--dodge the tree, watch this rock, leap over that crevice. It's more engaging so it keeps your mind off bodily ailments and it's so much more fun! Of course, celebratory beers at the finish are great incentives too.
Personally, I found trail running to be a much different, better workout. My abs and hip flexers felt particularly sore after Sunday but I didn't notice as much soreness in my legs like I do after paved runs. However, my glutes were killing me -- check out the course profile below and note the climb at miles 3 and 5!
I treated them as hill training for Nike Women's (San Francisco hills) and discovered that... I need to train more.One last plus about trail running: It's known in the world of running to be a better total body workout while it's easier on the body. Dirt and gravel are both softer than pavement which is better for feet and joints.
There are so many reasons to try trail running! I highly recommend whether you prefer to exercise in solitude, can't stand running under normal circumstances, like the wilderness, are prone to injury, or thrive on challenges. If you don't want to take advice from just me, then take it from pros: Get Off the Road and Onto the Trail. Check out Active.com Running tips on running trails.
*This race, I remembered to smile and wave for the camera.
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