Any trail runners?

kaykay

kaykay

Cathlete
Hi, I was thinking of doing a 6 mile trail run. Is it harder than running on roads or easier. Not only physically, but on joints. I can easily run 3 or so miles on roads I just get bored. Do you think I could run 6 miles on trails at race pace? Thanks.
 
I can not call myself a runner, just a wannabe. But I will say that trails are much easier on me than roads, sidewalks, or asphalt tracks. As long as you keep your eyes open for ruts, roots, rocks and such, I think you may really enjoy it. My trail runs beside a river, so it is always cooler and breezier with lots of trees, plus I get little hills that are fun. I think there is a cushioning factor on the trail as well, because I never get shin splints and the only soreness I get is from digging hard up the hills or pushing to beat my time.

Julie

ETA: Oops, sorry...you were asking about race times.....
 
I wasn't only talking about race pace. I don't even have a race pace yet because I've never done it. It does sound like fun. I was thinking trails would be easier on joints than asphalt. More to look at too. Thanks
 
I grew up in the boonies and there were lots of trails on the land behind my parents' house. I used to run on them all the time. It's a blast and I miss it so much. Generally with trails you have to take into account the terrain, hills, if it's dry or muddy, etc. If you're used to running 3 miles on the road, you might want to train on trails or grass for the longer run. If those aren't available, try running up and down stairs at your local high school football field as part of your usual training. The biggest issue for me on trails is running downhill, which is actually harder than running uphill and can be heck on your joints if you don't control the pace.
 
I am a diehard trail runner! I had enough of marathons on pavement. Yes, trail running is alot easier on the bod overall, unless you fall. I would say your pace would definitely be slower on trails. Trying to keep the same pace as you do on pavement could be dangerous. Unless the trail is VERY flat and no rocks or ruts...as far as I am concerned now, trails are much more fun than road races...:)
 
Thank you everyone who replied to this post. It was very helpful and it sounds like everyone enjoys trail running. Have a great day.
 
I agree with Carole. I am another trail runner and once you try it you will never want to go back to the road. Not only is it easier on the body but it will take you places that you would normally never see unless you were a hiker. I have been to many mountain tops and the pay off after 10,20, even 30 miles has been the breath taking views. Give it a try. Like Carole said you will not be as fast, yet, but you will get a strong rear.

Dina
 
What type of shoe do you wear to run on a trail?

My son is doing cross counrty track and I need to buy him some good shoes. Just wondering what people wear.

Elaine
 
Hi does anyone know what a good time on a trail run would be for a 5K or a 10K. I was thinking of doing Wis. Off Road Trail Run. I ran 4 miles today, it took me 40 minutes. Not so good. Are times on trails slower or faster than on road. I ran on the road today. Thanks to all you educated trail running people. Have a great day.
 
Elaine...I wear Montrail trail running shoes but most of the companies like Adidas, Nike, New Balance etc have a line of trail shoes. Dick's Sporting Goods online seems to have some good prices...:)

Karen...depending on the difficulty of the trial like rocks, holes, or alot of uphill I think you might be slower than your 10 min road pace. Generally trail runs are slower than road runs. I have never done that short of a trail run (5K or 10K) so I don't know what even my time would be...:)
 
Karen, I switched to trails after a stress fracture of my tibia. I love them! I'm not running nearly as much as I used to (time), but your time on a trail run absolutely correlates to the individual trail and its conditions. I have done a 10k in 55 min and also one in 73 minutes... and I swear I didn't do anything different! (I generally run about a 9:15- 9:30 on a treadmill for a 10k.)

The thing about trail runs for me is that they are not so terrible that you just want to be finished... you enjoy being out on the trail!! So I usually don't care how long it takes (although that 73 min one was miserable since it had rained 53 out of the prior 55 days so it was incredibly muddy and dangerous!).
 
Thanks again.
Do you think I should do the 5K or the 10K then?
Carole, how far are you trail races normally?
How do I train for these? Do I do intervals or run more miles than I am going to in the race? Do I just run the distance I choose as fast as I can all the time? How many days a week should I run. Can you tell I am not really a runner. I just want to try it and see how it goes but I want to do well. Thanks all.
 
I'd suggest the 5K for your 1st trail race. A general rule to training is to run twice the race distance per week. So that means 10K or 6.2 miles a week. For me, if I were you I'd run maybe 3 times a week. If you can get at least one run on a trail a week that would be good. You could do an interval run once a week. And 2-4 miles for your 3 runs. I normally do 30K trail runs. Sometime more and I have done a few 15K trail runs. So when I train for a 30K I usually run 4-5 days a week. A long run on a trail each Sunday, an interval run once a week and then 2 other easy runs...hope this helps and Good Luck!!!
 
I don't run "trails" necessarily, but I run on dirt paths. I think it may rise the intensity just a wee bt becuase of the softer ground instead of the hard and sturdy tar. JMO. I didn't read any of the above but skimmed alittle through Carols answers. Shes a great runner;-) They ALL are great runners;-)


Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends.
-Laurie Kuslansky-

~Adri~
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Hi all,

One more question. How do you warm up on race day and do you do anything the day before? I don't want to do to much or to little. Thanks again.
 
Sometimes before the actual race...I stretch and then run a bit to warm up, way less than a mile, just for a few minutes. The day before maybe a Stretch or light Yoga workout...:)...Let us know how things go Karen...
 
Thanks Carol.

I ened up getting my DS a pair of Avia running shoes. He has wide foot and this particular pair came in wide.

Elaine
 
Hi Carole or anyone else who knows this. How do you drink water while you are running? Do you carry a bottle with you? Maybe you would not need it so much for a 5K but longer races I would think you would need to drink something. Thanks.
 
I carry a bottle with a hand grip....but in most of the longer trail runs they have aid stations with lots of food and drinks...:)
 
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