Another awesome summer of trail running is back starting this Thursday with Tribe! Last year was my first season heading off the road, and while it was certainly a challenge the first time out, and I sent way to may “I’m lost” texts to our crew leader Alex, it was a blast and I can’t wait to get back there again.
Never been trail running before? Here are three things I think you need to know!
1. Free Your Mind (but not too much)
One of the benefits of trail running is that it’s not only good for your body but good for your mind. You dive into the heart of mother nature, free from the hustle and bustle of downtown. However, with rocks, roots, and slippery leaves you must still be aware of where you are going and others on the trail. After only a few minutes on the trail with the stunning views and wild life, it’ll be hard to get you back in the concrete jungle after venturing out in mother nature.
2. Get Ready to Get Strong!
Most of the Don Trail involves hills and lots of them. And in case you didn’t know, running uphill makes you stronger and being stronger makes you faster! All of your muscles are engaged as if you were on a flat surface, but the steep incline adds extra resistance and forces those legs to fire up hard!
3. It’s Cool!
During these hot summer months the trails are the coolest place to be (literally). The shade keeps the temperatures down and air is clean and crisp and smog free – perfect for a summer run.
Open to all paces, the Tribe Try-A-Trail 5km fun run will test your cardio and coordination in a fun filled out and back along the Don Trail. Full details click here.
For both runs we went up to Pottery Rd to hit up the mountain biking trails. We chatted about trail etiquette (stay single file, let people know about obstacles, and when passing let people know how many are in your group), safety (slow your pace, be aware), and some tips and tricks when completing a trail race. I learned that the space we were headed to was mostly “single track” which means single file, and that the distance of trail runs should be perceived as being half the distance longer when related to the effort of the runner – so this 5km run would feel more like 7.5km.
For most of this first run I was on high alert looking around at the logs and branches, avoiding the mud, and trying to remember the path. I felt like I was really focused on not falling and remembering where I was going vs enjoying the trail and having fun.
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