One of the biggest draws for trail running is the technicality that running on a trail offers that road running does not. Sure you can run in the middle of the road and dodge cars if you want, but that could be viewed as illegal in some states. Make sure you are at least dodging with traffic to avoid a ticket. In fact, just stick to trail running for increased extremeness. On the trail there are a lot of difficult and different types of surfaces that demand your attention. So pay attention.
Sand: Unlike other things, hot and loose is not good when it comes to sand on the trail run. You want the sand to be hard and packed in; which like some other things, can be good. The hardest portions are usually packed on the edge of the trail. Try traversing back from side to side on the sand to find the firmest spots. If you can’t find any hard sand then push through the loose stuff. Open up your stride and push off your toes with every step. Dig, lean forward, and move your arms like you are running up a very steep hill. If you are running up a very steep and sandy hill (if you have ever been to Ft. Bragg, NC and run Koolaconch you know what I’m talking about), then rely on your intestinal fortitude to muscle your way up it. Once you are at the top; keep running.
Mud: Mud can be Slippery When Wet Mr. Jon Bon Jovi. So be careful when making directional changes in mud. I’ve seen plenty of trail runners go down hard on the trail because they tried to make a quick turn on mud. Look at the mud before you approach it. If it’s shiny then it’s probably slimy. If it is dull then run it full. Yeah, that just happened. Also, try to avoid the deepest areas of the mud so you don’t get any stuck to the bottom of your shoes. You don’t want to carry any extra weight. Leave some trail for the rest of the runners behind you. Basically when it comes to mud take it from Jon Bon who is ‘livin’ on a prayer’ and says, “You’ve got to hold on ready or not. You live for the fight when it’s all that you’ve got!” I bet you didn’t know that song was about trail running. It is. Trail running is big in Jersey.
Rocks: Rocks make for a more difficult and technical trail run, which is what I know you want. When running on rocks you need to concentrate on higher leg lifts, even if you are tired, to avoid tripping. Rocks usually co-habitate so if you trip on one you’ll probably fall on another. Rocks can be one of the most dangerous obstacles on the trail running course leading to broken bones and twisted ankles. If you are skilled enough, you can use the sides of rocks to pivot your turns on the trail. They are good natural backstops. Do this with caution.
Forest Paths: I know forest paths are cute and beautiful but don’t let them fool you. Forest paths often use leaves to hide tripping hazards and retain moisture. Trees in the forest even put their roots up on the ground surface to try to trip you. Avoid roots by hurdling them as much as possible. Root surfaces are different depending on the type of tree it is so unless you are a horticulturalist it’s best to just stay away from them all together. In fact, stay away from horticulturalist as well.
Get your trail running shoes on and hit any trail running surface! You’re ready for it now! This blog just changed your life.