Finding Balance: 5 Keys to Trail Running and Loving it.

Taking a break to find balance and play around. (Photo: Natalie Gerding)

Ever since I was forced to run the mile in middle school I thought I hated running. It made my lungs hurt in a bad way and I am not long and lanky like runners are “supposed” to be. I thought runners were nothing but crazed, brainwashed robots who love pain and suffering, and bleeding from the lungs.

I clung to this belief until recently I found myself on a hike, and I got so inspired by this gorgeous, mossy jungle that I started jogging (soft j here, please). Before I knew it I was smiling from ear to ear and really enjoying the ebb and flow of the trail. That is when it hit me, “I am trail running, and I actually love it.” I was stunned.

From someone who vehemently refused to run for many years here is how to love trail running.

1. Do what you feel like.
   You should not force yourself to do a 10 mile trail run right out of the gate; it is supposed to be fun and if you don’t enjoy it you are doing it wrong. If you make this into a strict, regimented, punishment-like activity you will never feel like Edward Cullen running through the forest. Stop and take breaks to appreciate where you are, enjoy the burn of uphill, sing songs on the downhill, do whatever you want. I repeat, this is supposed to be fun.
2. Ease into it.
   If something hurts, rest until you feel better. Walk 7/8 of the time if you need. Be aware of your knees, and joints in general. Getting out once or twice a week and building muscle makes a significant difference in how you feel and perform! Building habits doesn’t mean you have to run every single day, or for extended periods of time. It just means you have to be consistent. Maybe you start with doing one hike a week and look for opportunities to skip or run when you are extra happy. Give yourself grace and put a smile on your face already.
3. Don’t forget to eat.
   Always feed yourself! Simple, right? It is extra important if you are going to be bounding around trails burning an amazing amount of calories. Always have food before/after/during. The book Training for the New Alpinism by Steve House will help you figure out the food situation (and a training plan if you want). Water is and always will be important. Stay hydrated, and stay happy.
4. Dress Mindfully.
   At minimum please get shoes that you feel good about and find a way to secure your keys & phone. Because losing your keys is the worst. Lots of running tights/shirts have zippered pockets for keys, and those are nice. Make sure you dress for the weather, don’t forget your fingers and toes in the cold, and consider what the trail will be like in those conditions. “Don’t ask what the weather is doing, ask what you’re doing in the weather.” – Cisco Tharp.
5. Go somewhere beautiful.
   Sometimes that is all it takes.

But seriously, stop taking yourself so seriously and go try it out. You might love it.