Do you run trails by yourself?

[CallingAllAngels]

I haven't run in 8 days.  I've only run twice since my half marathon on March 15.  I need to get back into it, but I'm bored. 

There is a local greenway that has miles of trails.  We hike there frequently with the kids.  It's pretty busy, especially this time of year.  I want to go run a few miles on Sunday but 1) I'm not a trail runner, 2) I'll probably have to run alone and 3) I'm a little bit scared of being attacked by wildlife (not realistic) or getting lost in the woods (kind of realistic).  Most of the trails are pretty well marked.  The idea of going out and running in the woods sounds really good to me right now, like it will help me reconnect or something.

If I do run, how far should I go?  I'm not training for anything.  I'm thinking 5-8 miles? 

[labbie]

Part of my long runs (well, long for me!) on weekends always incorporates part of a local trail- either a trolley trail and/or a canal path.
I usually get in at least half of my 7-8 mile weekend runs in on the trail.
In my area the only wildlife I come across is deer or an occasional fox, and as long as the trails are marked I wouldn't worry about getting lost.
Is there a trail map available? If so consider taking one in your pocket so that you can re-navigate if needed.

I won't lie, I do get a bit creeped out sometimes, even though a large portion backs up to homes. I really need to get off the road at times, but I'm sure I could be smarter about it.
I don't ever do it alone in early morning or evenings, and I always have my phone with me, and leave my route up on our laptop at home so DH knows where I'm going.

[chw57]

I might try going by time...maybe an out and back, half an hour each way?

We live a mike from a huge regional park that's connected to a state park with hundreds of mikes of trails and I frequently run alone. On weekends there are lots of families, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. I did get a little lost this weekend but I found my way again pretty quickly.

I do sometimes worry about mountain lions, and rattlesnakes in the summer, but so far, I haven't seen any!

[keweenawlove]

I've run trails alone regularly since I was 15. I've never gotten truly lost. I love them and wish I had more around here to run regularly. It makes the time go by so much faster. It sounds like you already know this system a little bit so start with a route you know and slowly venture off.

I'd just start with 45 minute to an hour long runs and see how it goes if you're not training for anything specific. Don't bother with a GPS watch. Your pace will likely be slower than on the road and when you're winding through the trees, etc it doesn't always read right.

P.S. On the wildlife front, every animal I've seen has ended up running the other direction.

[cinco]

I live near the AT and will walk/hike it alone, but not run. It has quite a few tricky parts and cell phone service is spotty at best. Unpaved towpaths (like the C&O) or non technical trails, I will run by myself. I usually do half one way, run back, and then half the other way.

[CallingAllAngels]

Apr 4, 2014 9:01:53 GMT -5 labbie said:

Is there a trail map available? If so consider taking one in your pocket so that you can re-navigate if needed.

Yes!  There is a map and there are also trail markers along the way with QR codes, so you can scan them with your phone and it will show you exactly where you are.  I have a horrible sense of direction, but I feel like this place is pretty idiot-proof.  And, I'll stay on trails I've previously hiked. 

[kams]

Your hope that it will help you reconnect - probably spot on. Trail running is so invigorating. I agree w/ chw57 to take it by time, not mileage. Our trail system is relatively well traveled (at least as far as I go), so I feel pretty comfortable by myself. I don't listen to any music, though. Also, I sort of luck out because they run up into the foothills, which means when I turn around I'm overlooking the city and have a good sense of direction based on that alone.

[blndsnbrdr]

I run on trails alone all the time -- as long as its not dark out and your on rather popular trails you'll never really be alone.

Ditto the by time vs by mileage. And do an out/back on the same trail to keep from getting lost.

I absolutely love trails, have fun out there and don't worry about pace/distance, just take it all in!

And if you do come across critters just talk to yourself. If you're nervous about coyotes or something like that [not sure on your area] just have a few rocks in your hands as you run. I was freaked the first time I saw a coyote on the trail [of course I was alone] but basically had a conversation with it while carrying rocks -- now I kind of like seeing them!

[emuni04]

Well, I live in an area with zero trails currently, but back in the Midwest I frequently ran trail runs by myself. I always went at daytime and either ran without ear buds in or kept the volume super low so that I was always aware of my surroundings.

[tuggyruns]

Yes! However the most wildlife I'm bound to come across is a friendly deer, or a dog taking himself for a walk.

[CallingAllAngels]

No run for me. It appears my babysitter flaked. Boo. I'll try again next weeked.