What is Trail Running?
What is trail running?
Trail running is a form of off-road running that takes place on trails, paths and tracks that are usually found in natural environments, such as forests, mountains and hills.
Unlike road running, which is usually done on paved surfaces, trail running involves running on a variety of terrain, including dirt, rocks, roots and other natural obstacles.
It can be more challenging than road running because of the rough terrain and potential obstacles, but trail running also offers a unique and rewarding experience.
Some people ultimately trail run for the challenge and thrill of exploring new environments and landscapes, while others enjoy the peace and beauty of running in nature.
What is the difference between the Trail and the Ultra Trail?
Trail running and ultra trail running are similar in that they both involve running on trails, but there are key differences between the two.
Trail running is generally done over shorter distances, ranging from 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) to a marathon distance (42.2 kilometers or 26.2 miles), while ultra trail running is done over much longer distances.
For Yiannis Kouros, a legendary Greek runner and long-time holder of a 24-hour world record on the track, considered unattainable, we can only speak of ultra when the distance cannot be completed by simple physical endurance and requires strength of mind, even spiritual energy, to go the distance.
However, it is commonly accepted that ultra trail races can range from 70 kilometers (31 miles) to 100 miles or more, and can usually be run over a period of several days. In addition to longer distances, ultra trail often involves more challenging terrain and conditions, such as nighttime portions, sometimes extreme weather conditions, or passage through more remote locations than a simple trail race.
What equipment to use for trail running?
To do trail running, you will need a few key elements.
First and foremost, you'll need a good pair of trail shoes specifically designed for off-road running. Trail shoes are different from regular running shoes because they have sturdier soles with better traction, as well as specific stone guards and reinforcement areas to protect your feet from rocks, roots, and possible trail roughness.
Lightweight, breathable, quick-drying clothing
You will also need clothing that is appropriate for the weather and the environment in which you are running. The technical expectations for trail running clothing are generally higher than for running. Indeed, these clothes must first of all have superior drying capacities because of the variability of the intensity of the effort and the climatic conditions during the same outing.
For example, after having been hot and sweating intensely during a climb, you may find yourself exposed to the wind during a descent. A wet t-shirt that has been on for too long is a formidable enemy!
In addition, trail running clothes are usually worn for a much longer period of time. So a little discomfort at a seam can eventually turn into a deep irritation and ruin a race or an outing!
Water and nutrition
You'll want to bring water (allow 250mL to 1L per hour depending on your training level and the weather) and snacks to stay hydrated and energized during your run.
The most common way to carry all this is with a hydration bag. But it is also possible to do without one on outings of up to 4 hours of effort by taking a Sherpa short, which has a clever set of storage systems around the waist and thighs.
His phone, emergency essentials and a headlamp
It is always recommended to carry a phone. But depending on the length and difficulty of your run, you can also bring first aid essentials (survival blanket, bandage...), a whistle and a headlamp in case you are on the trails after dark.