Trail Running Forum

A lot of trail runners starting out do the walk run strategy.

Walk for a little while, run for a little while, then repeat.

Have any of you tried this? Or do you just run until you can’t run anymore?

What are your weaknesses in trail running?

For me, it has to be speed. I’m not very fast. I would like to get a lot faster than I am.

How about you all?

I picked me up some new trail running shoes from the Missouri Running Co.

Brooks Cascadia 20

I love them so far. I’ve put about 10 miles on them, so they’re still pretty new.

They’re more comfortable than the Merrells I was using before.

Any of you ever worn these shoes?

Have you ever went fastpacking before?

Fastpacking is backpacking but trail running instead of hiking.

You usually take less gear and try to remain ultralight.

If you do this, what gear do you take? What pack do you wear?

Do you have to have pockets on the bottoms you use for running?

I run in half tights and full tights, pending the weather. I pretty much exclusively buy my shorts and tights with side pockets. I like to carry stuff I can access quickly and that makes it easy.

How about you all? Are pockets on pants and shorts a must?

One of my favorite trails where I walk, and others run, it’s hunting season for archery and will be hunting season until probably February of next year for various game and the ways that they can be killed. High visibility orange clothing is mandatory and usually I just avoid that trail except on certain Sundays where hunting is forbidden. But I’d like to look into getting something orange to wear without it being too expensive.

If you’re in a similar situation, what do you wear?

What’s the farthest you have trail run?

For me, I’ve ran a 50K which was 32.5 miles in length. It took me a bit over 12 hours.

I typically run (training runs) around 7 miles a session.

I eventually want to make my short runs around 7 miles and my long runs around 13 miles.

Do any of you use running underwear at all?

I wear compression shorts and tights when I run. I usually go commando under them because they have built-in liners or panels.

Some people prefer underwear and there are many running underwear brands out there.

Are you one of these and if so, what brand do you go with and why?

Many runners end up with having long-term injuries that eventually make them stop running for good.

Are you at all afraid of this happening to you?

What are you doing to prevent this?

How important is stretching to you as a trail runner?

How are you stretching? When do you stretch?

Feel free to share any stretching techniques you’ve learned along the way!

Reply with how your weather is for the day! Keep this thread going each day!

90 degrees (f) with a Heat Advisory. Humidity makes it feel like 100 degrees.

We need rain and cooler temps!

Hi,

Billy here, ex road runner who stepped onto trails around 12 years ago and can’t look at or enjoy running on a road the same way since!!

Can normally be found training for or competing in an ultra marathon, ideally somewhere in the mountains, but on a slight hiatus from long distance for the last couple of years as I am doing an MSc in Performance Psychology. And yes you guessed it, the psychology behind why people run different distances, different speeds, different terrains all fascinates me, get me talking about psychology at your own peril - you have been warned!

I am currently gathering data for my final MSc research project through Bangor University. If you’re interested in knowing more, it would be great to hear from you, and of course, if you want to take part in the research (15 minute online survey with the chance to win a £50 voucher), I’d really appreciate it!

Would also be great to hear any thoughts and discussion about the psychology of performance that you might have.

Look forward to catching up

Billy

Cold weather is approaching.

What do you use for cold weather running apparel?

Where do you get your cold weather running gear at?

How much do you sweat during trail runs?

Are you a major sweater or do you not sweat as much as others?

I sweat bad. If bugs land on me to bite, they usually drown immediately, LOL.

Do you have any food allergies that restricts you on how your nutrition can be for trail running?

If so, what foods are you allergic too and how bad?

Have you found better alternatives?

What type of trail do you prefer when trail running?

Loop, out-and-back, or point-to-point?

Why do you prefer one over the other?

Some runners swear by drinking energy drinks before and during a trail run.

Do you do this?

Why or why not?

Do you have a favorite season to trail run?

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter?

Which is your favorite? Which is not your favorite?

If you’ve run long distances, you probably are strong both body and mind. But when you talk to people who don’t run, do you look at them and tell them they need to improve their body, their mind or even both?

Are some people just never cut out for running long distances?

Do any of your carry a small towel for sweat collection?

If yes, what sort of towel or rag are you using on your trail runs?

How are your carrying and storing it?

I want to buy a treadmill.

I want something that works well and lets me adjust the elevation. A folding treadmill for easier storage would be a plus, too.

I just want something that won’t break the bank.

Anyone have any good suggestions?

What are your favorite movies?

How often do you re-watch them?

How often do you have to replace your trail running shoes?

Do you replace them due to wear and tear? Or some other reason?

Would you go trail running in the rain or have you been?

Why would you or why wouldn’t you run in the trail?

Could you run every day as part of your training?

Even if it was low impact running most days?

Do you think this would make you better or hurt you?