Jul
7
Remember that old White Snake song? I think it went something along the lines of “here I go again on my own, walking down the only road I’ve ever known…”. Well, maybe you don’t remember it or maybe you’re trying to forget the 80’s, but either way, that’s what was going through my head yesterday morning when I tried out trail running.
I’d actually tried out trail running before. I had a couple of friends who took my running with them a few times some years ago, but this was the first time that I had ever done it by myself as part of a planned workout and I have to say, the end result was a bit disappointing.
Why Did I Go Trail Running
First, because I like trying out new things. Anyone who reads this site knows that. I enjoy finding new ways to challenge myself and work on my physical fitness. Second, because I heard trail running is an excellent workout due to the uneven nature of the surface you’re running on. However, I also wanted to see if this was a way to make running more fun.
I think everyone who ever jogged is familiar with the problem of boredome. Simply put, jogging isn’t the most interesting thing in the world to do. You’re basically running and that’s all. Now you can overcome this problem in a number of ways. For example, bring a friend and chat as you run, bring an iPod and listen to music or you can even watch TV if you’re like me and run on a treadmill. Whatever it is, you want to do something that relieves the monotony of running and running and running and running… Well, I thought that trail running might be a good option. After all, I love hiking so isn’t trail running like hiking only faster? Well, that didn’t quite turn out the way I thought it would.
What Happened
So at 8am on a Sunday morning, I drove to a nearby park, figured out what trail I was going to follow and took off running. It was a trail I had already hiked before, so I knew it rather well. However, I found that running the trail is no where near as much fun as hiking it. Because I was trying to work out, I didn’t have the time to stop and enjoy the surroundings like I do when I hike. I couldn’t stop an admire the view or try to see if the sounds I was hearing were a deer. It was like watching my favorite movie on fast forward. I could recognize all the things I had previously enjoyed but I couldn’t quite enjoy them as much.
How Good Of A Workout Was It?
As far as the workout itself, it was pretty decent. The uphills were challenging and the uneven surface certainly helped me work on my stability. My only concern was the increased chance of injury due to the uneven surface. Also, the constant impact from the downhills was certainly not a friend to my knees, feet and shins.
The Final Straw
All in all, I didn’t enjoy the trail run as much as I thought I would. However, I would still go back and do it again if it weren’t for one thing, the drive. My house is located in a relatively urban area. In order to get to this part, I had to drive for 15 minutes. With the price of gas being what is and with this workout adding an extra 30 minutes of prep time (driving back and forth plus finding parking), it just doesn’t seem worth my time. I believe that one of the main strengths of a workout is being convenient and this was anything but.
Do I Recommend It For Others?
If you live close to a park or if you can bring some friends to run with you, then sure. Otherwise, I think you’re better off sticking to the gym or your nearest track.
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It was an interesting experiment but I think I’ll stick to running at the gym and leave the hills for hiking.
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Comments
4 Responses to “The How’s and Why’s of Trail Running”
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Thanks for the post.
I find trail jogging difficult because of uneven terrain, however, it’s the only form that I am consistent with.
I just can’t seem to get motivated running on city streets or on the treadmill. There is something about the tranquility of nature that really makes it great… And you are right that you can’t quite enjoy nature as much as you would if you were not running, but for me just getting away from civilization for 40 min is good enough.
I think its a great idea to mix it up. Due to the terrrain I don’t think you could push yourself as hard but certainly good for a one off.
I love the idea of trail-running but my area isn’t the best for it. There are some options, but as you say if you have to drive somewhere to run, you tend to lose interest in doing so. Maybe as an occasional ‘treat’ it might work.
Also, as stated, the pros of trail-running - easier on the knees and joints - seem to be countered by a massive increase in the risk of turning your ankle. Not to mention that’s typically where are the chainsaw-wielding maniacs hang out to recoup after a heavy day of slashing.
I’m off to Mississippi in August and hope I can find some decent trails there. Olive Branch, to be precise, if anyone knows the area and has some great advice!
@muscle-masster
Yah, this is one case where the workout itself was fine, I just didn’t like it from a personal perspective. Too little time to enjoy nature and too much driving. However, if you like it, that’s great. The best workout is the one you enjoy and can keep up for the rest of your life.
@Sheamus
Good point about the chain saw wielding maniacs, I didn’t think of that one!
There’s actually a park around here that for a while had signs posted about:
* Mercury poisoning dangers (there’s an old mercury mine on the grounds)
* Rats infected with some weird virus
* Rabid animals found in the area
Maybe it was all a cover for the chainsaw gangs! Either way, I figured that’s one park I could skip for a while…
Gal