It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am clumsy. I have fallen when running on the road and have fallen even during races.
check out the blood streaming down my leg
So who would have guessed that this summer, I am running (NOT racing) on trails.
Obviously after five trail runs, I am not an expert but here are some of my tips to enjoy your time running on the trails:
1. Wear Proper Running Shoes.
You can run with normal running shoes but wearing shoes made for trail running will give you more grip on the uneven rocky or muddy ground. It will also give you peace of mind.
we got muddy but no one fell
2. Use Bug Spray/Tick Repellent.
Yes, trails especially in the summertime are buggy. I even spray insect repellent on my clothes. I also wear compression calf sleeves to protect my legs from ticks.
sweaty but smiling because we had no bug bites
3. Never Run Alone.
Because on the trails there is a greater possibility of either getting lost or falling, I think it is always best to run with a buddy. If you are alone (or get separated from your friend), make sure you have a charged cell phone with you!
hanging with my buddy Deirdre at Lawson Lake
4. Run on Different Trails.
Even running on the SAME trails can get boring. If you are not fortunate to be part of group-organized trail runs, explore the Internet and the AllTrails app to find trails within driving distance of where you love or work. You’ll be surprised at how many hidden treasures you’ll discover.
at Five Rivers minutes from where I live
5. Slow Down and Enjoy the Scenery
In other words, look around. Listen to the different sounds. Don’t miss a distant lake or not stop at an overlook. Trail running definitely gives you the opportunity to appreciate nature more. It’s ok to walk. It’s not the time to work on speed. I recommend not even wearing a watch!!
stopping an an overlook in Thacher Park
Happy Running! Do run on trails? If so, any other tips? Please share.
My First 5K and More... 
I think I may have mentioned #1.
I ran trails all by myself training for my trail half, but they were all at Pine Bush (which I don’t really recommend, it was just close).
Bug spray is definitely very important although around here it’s important whether you’re on trails or not.
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If the trails are well marked, it’s probably ok but I don’t recommend it. Last night’s trail was not marked well. Many runners got lost.
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No doubt I would’ve been one of them. It’s a much longer away for me (where you went last night). No FOMO. Maybe some other (drier) time. We’d already been to my parents this week.
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I came from East Greenbush where I was working and Heidi had to drive back to Averill Park. We had fun and I think it was worth the drive.
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My point is my drive is almost twice as long. A long way to go on a day when weather’s iffy. Glad you guys enjoyed.
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Your drive was probably shorter. But its a moot point. Distance doesn’t matter when you really want to do something. We really thought that the run would be cancelled and we’d just go out to dinner. And then the rain stopped. LOL
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I never would have thought you’d be running trails but look at you go!! It’s really cool how much you are enjoying this new running adventure.
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Running may not exactly what you call it. But it’s for fun so you can walk them.
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I have fallen twice on trails and I am not too scared to run on them. Silly I know because I think I would really like it.
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I think you would too. I am very cautious and walk whenever it is too slippery
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I’m a total klutz as well. While I have not been on any trails in awhile, I do know I had to look down & ahead more than “around” due to the constantly changing terrain. But, I did ease up my speed (which already was slower than normal) to try to enjoy the scenic setting 🙂
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It’s just a different kind of running.
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