Trail Running Training: Hints And Resources To Improve Performance
Trail Time
The best trail running training involves time on the trail. That means getting out there and doing it whenever and wherever you can. Hiking helps too, as any extended activity on your feet will work to strengthen your legs and improve your endurance. Do a lot of training on new trails because it will give you that great feeling you get exploring new territory, and it will keep you from getting in a rut. New experiences are good for the mind and spirit as well. There’s even a theory out there, proffered by some scientists, that it is the lack of new experiences that makes time seem to move so much faster as an adult. Depending upon where you live, you might have to drive a little to get to a trail, but look at it as a sweeter reward once you’re free on the trail, taking in the fresh air and scenic beauty.
Due to the uneven terrain inherent on a lot of trails, especially in the mountains, the strength and flexibility of your ankles is of utmost importance. All your weight on one skinny ankle joint at a time presents a challenge and a potential problem for the trail runner. Rolling an ankle for a sprain that puts you out of commission for a while can be a real bummer. So to avoid such an injury, special ankle exercises designed to strengthen and improve the flexibility of your ankles should be added to your other workouts once or twice a week. There is also an instinctive reaction when an ankle starts rolling in while running where you take all the weight off it in a flash, and then quickly shift your weight to the other foot. Try not to rely on planting too much foot on the outside edges of your feet because rolls to the inside are most common. For a complete listing and the specifics, read The Best Exercises to Strengthen Ankles.
Leg Workouts, Running Clubs, and Running Magazines
Strength training integrated into your weekly routine is also a good idea. Get your squats, lunges, and calf-raises in and you’ll feel the difference. A really good idea is to join a running club in your area. Such clubs mix it up a lot. Track and sprint workouts, interspersed here and there, will greatly improve your speed. Why Run Trails: an Introductory Course introduces you to the concept of Biophillia that this splendid outdoor conditioning activity brings about. So read that article to learn what that is all about, along with a lot of other great reasons to get out there and blaze down a nature trail.
Trail Runner Magazine is an excellent fountain of information for all things related to this sport. You can find information about trail running races taking place all over the country. There is a dedicated section called “Performance Training” on their sight that is constantly providing excellent innovative trail running training advice along with the tried and true methods that have always been around. The extremely rugged folks, who run tremendous distances on their own and in races will enjoy the training tips found in the “Ultra Training” section. Now that you’re full of all this good information and resources, lace up those running shoes, get out there, and see what the freedom and satisfaction of a trail can do for you.
Sources:
Runner’s World https://www.runnersworld.com/cda/microsite/0,8032,s6-238-511-0-0,00.html
Trail Runner: One Dirty Magazine https://www.trailrunnermag.com/index.php