Question:
A topic that has really caught my
interest is trail running. I was
wondering if anyone could give me
some information about this and
any personal experiences that may
help get me started. I currently
run about 20 miles a week on the
road and am wondering how I need
to adjust this routine to prepare
for trail running. Any additional
information about shoes, equipment,
or any nearby courses (I am from
Ohio), would be helpful.
Thank you
for your time and suggestions.
Answer:
I’ve done a couple of trail
runs this winter. The major trails
here in Portland, Oregon are extremely
hilly. They’re muddy most
of the year, so it’s pretty
dangerous with road shoes. Get some
hiking shoes with huge treads? My
shoes are too hard for the roads,
and the treads wouldn’t last
very far on the pavement. But they
work very well on the trail.
I haven’t
bought a water bottle yet, so I
can’t comment too much on
that. I’ve been carrying a
1 Liter bottle, and squeezing it
to fit my hand as the miles go by.
It’s been good for up to 20
miles in this weather, but I’m
afraid it won’t cut it in
the summer. The best I’ve
heard about is a water bag in a
fanny pack. Holds up to 3 Litres.
I’ve been told that you should
wear long pants in case you take
a dive in the mud. It’ll keep
your car a bit cleaner if you don’t
have to put your muddy legs in it.
I haven’t had that problem,
so I’m still in shorts and
running jacket.
You might
want to consider some of the trails
in Michigan. For more info, pick
up a copy of the Michigan Trail
Atlas. Trails are great—no
asphalt, no cars, challenging running,
meeting wild creatures, getting
muddy just like when you were a
kid. And, trails can be found even
in the most unlikely places around
towns. There is a trail here in
the heart of Chapel Hill where you’d
swear you were deep in the forest
somewhere. Just keep your eyes open
for single tracks meandering off
the roads; look for and follow the
muddy dirt bikers; and check all
your local parks and recreation
facilities for maps and guides.
