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 typically found in natural environments, such as forests, mountains and hills.
Unlike road running, which is typically 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 difficult than road running due to the rugged terrain and potential obstacles, but trail running also offers a unique and rewarding experience.
Some people ultimately take up trail running for the challenge and thrill of exploring new environments and landscapes, while others enjoy the calm and beauty of running in nature.
What is the difference between Trail and 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 involves running over longer distances. longer.
For Yiannis Kouros, legendary Greek runner, long holder of a 24-hour track world record considered inaccessible, we can only speak of ultra from the moment when the distance cannot be completed by simple physical endurance and that it requires strength of mind, even spiritual energy to follow through.
However, it is commonly accepted that ultra trail races can range from 70 kilometers (31 miles) to 100 miles or more, and can typically take place over a period of several days. In addition to longer distances, ultra trail running often involves more difficult terrain and conditions, such as night sections, sometimes extreme weather conditions or passages in more isolated places than a simple trail race.
What equipment for trail running?
To go trail running, you will need a few key items.
First and foremost, you'll need a good pair of trail shoes designed specifically for off-road running. Trail shoes are different from regular running shoes because they have sturdier soles with better traction, as well as specific rock guards and reinforcement areas to protect your feet from rocks, roots and possible uneven trails. .
Lightweight, breathable clothing that dries quickly
You'll also need clothing that's appropriate for the weather and environment you're running in. The technical expectations surrounding trail running clothing are generally higher than those for running. Indeed, these garments must first have superior drying capacities due to the variability of the intensity of the effort and the climatic conditions during the same outing.
For example, after being hot and sweating intensely on the way up, you may find yourself exposed to wind on the way down. A wet t-shirt for too long turns out to be a formidable enemy!
Added to this is the fact that trail running clothing is generally worn much longer. So a small discomfort in a seam can in the long run turn into a deep irritation and ruin a race or an outing!
Water and nutrition
You will probably want to bring water (count between 250mL and 1L per hour depending on your training level and the temperature) and snacks to stay hydrated and energized during your race.
The most common way to carry all this is the hydration bag. But it is also possible to do without them on outings of up to 4 hours of effort by taking Sherpa shorts, which have 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 with you. But depending on the length and difficulty of your race, you can also bring first aid essentials (survival blanket, bandage, etc.), a whistle and a headlamp in case you are on the trails after dark. night.