Top 10 Reasons to Try Trail Running

By Susan V. Farago, Trailhead Running Coach

Trail running is a great way to change up an existing running routine or to try something new. Need a reason to give trail running a try? How about ten!

1. Miles of Trails

Austin has over 100 miles of greenbelt and natural trails including places like the Austin Greenbelt, Walnut Creek Park, and Wild Basin. Search the Web for trail head entrances and maps.

2. Cooler Temps

Trail temperatures can be 5-10 degrees cooler than on the road thanks to the cover of trees and dirt or rock running surfaces.

3. Run Slow

Running paces tend to be slower on the trail due to the uneven terrain. This can benefit many runners by taking advantage of the benefits of exercising and building a solid base of fitness.

4. Great Cross-training

Running on trails engages and strengthens a greater range of muscles in the back, abdomen, hips, and glutes which transfers over to other sports such as cycling, swimming, and especially road running.

5. Run Longer

Because of the non-repetitive nature of trail running and the recruitment of additional stabilizer muscles and lateral connective tissue resources, longer trail runs can be done without that pounded feeling afterwards. A general guide: approximately 90 minutes of road running equates to two hours of trail running.

6. Explore and Get Lost

While some of Austin’s trails provide the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere, any given trail is never more than 1-2 miles from “civilization”. This is great for those who want to explore the many wandering paths.

7. Trees Beat Cars

Clean air from trees beats car exhaust any day! The only traffic to worry about on the trails comes from squirrels or birds, and hazards include random low hanging branches, cactus patches, or creek crossing (when there is water).

8. Run in the Dark

Night trail running provides a unique opportunity to experience running in a very different way. Senses come alive and even a very familiar trail can look completely different. Headlamps are required and it’s always good to run with another person.

9. Hang with a Relaxed Crowd

Trail runners tend to be very laid back and friendly. But don’t mistake the relaxed attitude as trail runners are amazingly fierce and talented athletes.

10. Make New Friends
Local clubs like Hill Country Trail Runners is a great place to meet new people (www.hillcountrytrailrunners.com). There are also trail running programs like Trailhead Running that provide instruction including trail running form/technique and navigation skills in a friendly “no drop” group setting (www.trailheadrunning.com). 

Not sure how to start? First, check the Web for local trails. Second, plan an easy route and always let someone know where and when you go. Third, pack some water and a cell phone and then hit the trails!

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About the Author: Susan Farago is the co-owner of Trailhead Running and co-coach for “Women on the Trails” – an Austin-based women's-only trail running program. She is a certified coach, an ultra-distance athlete, and a nationally published sports/fitness writer. For more information on Susan or Women on the Trails, go to www.trailheadrunning.com. © 2012.