Leaping Into Trail Running
AMC Outdoors, April 2004
By Michael Lanza
If you’re taking up trail running for the first time, or switching from street running, remember these pointers:
- It sounds obvious, but watch where you’re going. Uneven ground, rocks, and slick roots demand more attention than a level sidewalk. Look at the trail several feet ahead to see what’s coming up. Shortening your downhill stride will keep your weight more directly above the foot you land on, reducing your chance of slipping or twisting an ankle.
- To be safe, pick shoes that offer a lot of support; later, if you find those are more than you need, you can switch to lighter shoes.
- Trail running is slower than running on streets and can be more strenuous, so expect longer times.
- Health experts advise drinking at least four ounces of water every 15 minutes while running. Carry a small hip pack with a bladder and hydration hose or a bottle holster. For runs of more than an hour, carry a hydration pack with a two- or three-liter capacity.
—Michael Lanza is author of The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Travel, from AMC Books.
