URGENT HALP: Talk to me as if I'm 5 about Trail Running

[Brit]

Co-signed,
Brit (Who is also being encouraged to sign up for a trail race.)

[keweenawlove]

"Trail run" can mean a lot of different things so see if you can find out anything about the train conditions. You could end up with anything from a flat double-track road to a hilly, twisty single track with rocks and roots everywhere.

1. NO!
2. Need, no. I switched from the train running shoes (Brooks Cascadia) to Trances since I haven't been running trails much anymore. The Trances do alright on trails still. Just make sure you have something with good traction.
3. I think that really depends on your goals. I think one long trail one would be enough. I started running trails and then switched to roads so I'm probably not the best person to answer this.
4. I don't really do anything different. Some people don't like handheld water bottles so they can have their hands to catch them if they fall. Accept that you will be slower so if you're used to fueling after a set number of miles, you might want to adjust. Also, if you use a GPS watch, don't expect it to be completely reliable. Twisting around and going in and out of trees, etc always throws mine off.
5. Do it! It sounds like a lot of fun. I love trail ones and want to go back to doing more of them.

[chw57]

1. Am I going to die? No!
2. Do I need trail shoes? Do I WANT trail shoes? Probably not.  I have run quite a few trail races but only used trail shoes for the 50K.  Usually I just wear my asics 2170s with no problem
3. Obviously trail running is involved with training. How many trail runs do you do per week? Can I get away with 4 on the road/track and 1 long run on a trail? /that's how I train...seems to work well
4. Do you fuel/hydrate differently for trail runs vs road runs? The aid stations will probably have a lot more solid food and salty things, but on shorter races (like a trail half) I just take a gu and water
5. Are you sure about your answer to #1 before I pull the trigger and register today? Totally sure! Do it!!

[Deleted]

I would love to know more about this as well. MOst of the 5Ks around here end up being partial trail runs and so far, I have just kind of winged it and have no clue what I am doing.

[Brit]

@vtcupcake - Your post inspired me to pull the trigger on mine. I had the registration screen open in my browser for a week, but I was too scared to do it. I feel kind of sick now.   I guess worst case I wimp out and lose $80 and a bit of pride.

[sassystace]

Do you have to run in the dark on trails? That would worry me more than any of your above questions. I'd worry about animals, tripping over roots and rocks and getting lost!

[agswife]

My running group is doing a trail run (a half) in October and they're trying to convince me to participate . . . I've never done a half. I'm scurred.

[secretlyevil]

My high school cross country races was nothing but trails. All you all will be fine.

[foundmylazybum]

May 10, 2013 7:44:38 GMT -5 @vtcupcake said:

So apparently my team liked me enough (!?!?!?!) and invited me to join them for Ragnar Appalachians next month.

It's all trails.

I've NEVER run trails in my life.

So, some quick fire questions.

1. Am I going to die?
Probably not.

2. Do I need trail shoes? No..
Do I WANT trail shoes? I don't know...do you? I ran primarily trails in CO and almost never wore my trail shoes...I had them but my regular shoes were fine on every type of trail you can imagine. If you are wearing minimalist shoes I'd say you are probably going to need more support. I always found my trail shoes too bulky.
3. Obviously trail running is involved with training. How many trail runs do you do per week? None now In Colorado--5-6.
 Can I get away with 4 on the road/track and 1 long run on a trail? Sure.
4. Do you fuel/hydrate differently for trail runs vs road runs?
yes, I think there are fuel and hydration differences but you are
also doing a ragnar relay--so there are already differences with that as
well--I kind of think you need to prepare for THAT challenge first then the trail "fueling." It's going to be harder to recover from the relay legs and multiple runs--rather than the trails.   Be prepared for your pace to be slower on the trails b/c of terrain. I've never done this race before but at Pike's Peak ascent--which is a huge climbing trail run--at the beginning of the race there is stuff like pancakes, waffles and pop tarts..and a lot of people eat that stuff...why? bc the pace is generally a LOT slower than on the roads..so your body can handle it.
5. Are you sure about your answer to #1 before I pull the trigger and register today?

Thanks