Popular Search
Blogs
What kind of running should I start with if I want to begin trail running?
How to prepare for a trail run to conquer the finish line on challenging terrain.
If you want to start trail running, what kind of running should you begin with?
How to prepare before trail running to conquer the finish line on a challenging course
The trend of trail running is becoming very popular in our country because it allows you to exercise amidst nature while also competing against yourself. The difficulty of the trails is what attracts runners to gain new experiences. If you are a new runner looking to challenge your abilities and are interested in trail running and want to give it a try, this article shares information on trail running and how to prepare so you can get started the right way.What is trail running?
Trail running is long-distance running in natural areas such as forests, streams, mountains, or vast meadows, often with a set time for competition. It is a form of adventure running that differs from marathons, city running, or general park running, as those areas have less steep terrain and less variety. Trail running depends on the topography of the event venue, which features different types of paths, whether they are steep, involve wading through water, mud, or rocky ground. More importantly, trail running is not just about running; it requires vision, body flexibility, agility, quick decision-making in planning your path, navigating around obstacles, and managing energy over long distances to reach the finish line. Therefore, trail runners need to keep their bodies prepared at all times because the terrain is unpredictable. Trail running is renowned for its intensity and is a competition that challenge-loving runners want to try at least once.How should you prepare for trail running?
Before participating in a trail run, runners should research various details, including the race course, weather conditions, terrain, and the difficulty level to see if it is within their physical capacity. This is for your own safety and to ensure you have a great trail running experience. New runners who want to try trail running should prepare as follows:Train for a distance longer than the official race
Trail races have set distances just like regular runs, ranging from 10 to 100 kilometers. However, compared to road running, trail running comes with challenges on unpredictable paths, so the actual mileage often exceeds the official distance. Due to the completely different nature of the course, where runners may have to climb mountains, wade through water, or run through forests, it is necessary to plan and train for a distance longer than the specified one, as distances in some races can vary. For example, if you sign up for a 10 km run, you should train for 15 km.Train on steep terrain and study the cumulative elevation
In trail running, something that cannot be avoided is steepness; almost every course has inclines because it is a natural route. New runners should not overlook studying "Elevation Gain" or the total vertical ascent you have to climb. Studying the elevation will help you plan your running strategy, such as when to walk to conserve energy, to ensure you reach the finish line with energy left over. Most importantly, it helps prevent injuries during the race.Train your body to be accustomed to race conditions
Since trail running events are held in different areas, you should study the venue in detail, including the terrain, weather, course conditions, and the season of the event. Each runner has different tolerance levels for weather. Some may prefer training in the evening, but if the race is in the afternoon, their body might not be able to handle it. Therefore, you should try to train at the same time of day as the actual race to get your body accustomed, or choose to sign up for a race that you feel your body can handle.Things not to overlook in trail running
Get enough rest: You should get 7–8 hours of sleep. If you exercise while sleep-deprived, your body will be exhausted and your reactions slower, which can lead to injuries while running. Drink an appropriate amount of water: Drinking too much water while running can result in low sodium, but drinking too little is also dangerous. You should sip water in appropriate amounts. Avoid choosing the wrong shoes: Something you absolutely cannot overlook is your running shoes and running equipment, as choosing the wrong shoes can increase the risk of accidents while running. You should choose trail running shoes that are not too tight to prevent constriction and restricted blood flow.Trail running shoes, running shoes, and running equipment are important
Another matter that cannot be ignored is running equipment. Choosing trail running shoes suitable for the terrain is crucial because most trail routes are natural with rough, uneven, and damp surfaces. Trail running shoes are designed specifically for this; the soles have lugs for traction, and the deeper the lugs, the better the grip. Runners should have trail shoes appropriate for the course conditions and able to support their weight, while also providing agility and ease of movement for challenging routes. Ultimately, trail running is a challenging activity that requires preparation and mental determination. No matter what problems or obstacles you encounter along the way, you must have high discipline in training. It is a competition against yourself to see if you can succeed and reach the finish line. For new runners who want to try, feel free to adapt the methods we recommended. We hope trail running will give you new challenging experiences. For those looking for trail running shoes, running shoes, or running equipment, you can come shop with Rev. We have trail running shoes that cater to every race, no matter how challenging or difficult the conditions may be.
For further inquiries, please contact:
https://www.rev.co.th
Contact : https://www.rev.co.th/contact-us
Line: https://lin.ee/PCz490D
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/sportsrev.th
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/rev.runnr