by Kelly Ryan

Whether it's Australia or New Zealand, your backyard provides a beautiful backdrop. Getting outside in the fresh air and appreciating your incredible country is a blessing and one of the most rewarding ways to do this, is Trail Running.

This might sound like a daunting feat at first, but once you start on this adventure, you will never look back.

Learn The Ropes

Transitioning from road running to trail running will take some patience. Generally there are more inclines (& declines), rockier footing, and longer recovery times. However, the surfaces are usually softer and somewhat nicer on your body. Over time you will gain faster reaction times by building mental awareness of where your planting foot is going, let alone the many health benefits of being outdoors.

What is Trail Running?

Trail running is defined by anything off road, whether it be gravel, single track trail, forest or fire trails. No one trail will be the same. Our country is full of trails of different terrains, difficulties, and conditions. Take each trail as it comes and enjoy it. In the beginning, you can be focused on if you are doing it right or you might find yourself looking at your feet a lot. Just remember to stop & take a minute to take it all in.

How to prepare for a Trail Run

If you are planning on a longer Trail run, your kit is your lifeline. Pack light but pack the essentials and think about your future self.

The key things you will need are:

• Water
• Snacks for fuel
• Small First Aid kit

Check the weather & make sure you have:

• Waterproof jacket
• Spare top / bottoms
• Sunscreen

If you’re heading off track a bit, or deep into bush / national park, the most essential item is a navigation device. This can be either your phone, or if it's more off the grid, then we always recommend a good GPS watch, favourable brands such as Garmin or Suunto have watches where maps can be installed.

 

Need help with Snacks?
Check out some of our healthy & fantastic #EATFIT recipes below;

• #EATFIT with Elise - Healthy Snickers Fudge.
• #EATFIT with Dianna - Rocky Road Recipe.
• #EATFIT with Jess - Chocolate Peanut butter slice
• #EATFIT with Sarah - Dark Choc & Ginger Cookie recipe
• #EATFIT with Raimee - Zucchini Pancakes

Hydrate, Hydrate & Hydrate More

Always bring fluids on your runs and pack more water than you think you will need. Expect the unexpected, especially if you are hitting a new trail. You never know how long it will take so having additional water is a must. A hydration pack is a great space saver and allows easy access to your water supply. Brands such as Salomon or CamelBak have a great range of Hydration packs.

Check Your Ego At The Door

Trail running is not about time. Elevation and terrain will affect your run so there is less pressure on pace. It will take you longer. If you need, walk the uphills. Preserve your energy. If you are used to running on the road, it might be an adjustment but do not be concerned. Relish in the fresh air and enjoy the nature.

Look After Your Feet

Invest in your tool. Leave your normal road running sneakers at home. A good pair of trail running shoes will give you a more enjoyable experience. Trail running shoes are designed specifically for the climate. A good grip is essential especially in those winter months. Trail shoes will help with protection against the elements & give you more confidence on the ground. Grab a pair of longer (Crew) socks to go with them, it will help reduce the little stones that will end up in your shoes.

How to look after your shoes

Take good care of your equipment. Your trail running shoes can endure hell on the track so make sure you give them love off the track. Clean them up, remove any rubble and allow them to dry out completely. Remove the insoles for a more extensive dry and do not expose the shoes to extreme heat!

 

Reap the benefits

Watch yourself get stronger. Trail running requires your body to move in different ways that you might not be used to. You will adapt and your stability will increase. Hills are tough but the muscle strength in your legs will get stronger with every run.

Don’t forget to Explore & have fun.

Head out there and discover the trails the country has to offer. Connect with other trail runners at your level and take it on together. Especially in the current environment, Apps like Strava are a perfect way to find great trails and keep in contact with running groups & other runners. Start small, do your research & build up to the more difficult trails, and most of all, HAVE FUN

Shop our range of Men's & Women's Trail running shoes, with standard and wide fittings, as well as Waterproof (Gore-tex) or non-waterproof styles.

If hiking & Trail walking is more your thing, check out our Men's & Women's hiking & outdoor range.

Sticking to the roads? - Shop our huge range of road running shoes