Steven Rindner Discusses a Few Trail Running Tips for Beginners
Trail running basically implies to all forms of running away from paved roads. As per Steven Rindner, when talking about trail running in the broadest sense, it can also involve morning jogs in the park. On the other hand, for many experienced runners, however, trail running can mean multi-day stages across the Alps and ultra-long distances far off the beaten track. Whether one runs 5 or 50 kilometers, trail running would allow them to have a great time outdoors. Typical surfaces for trail running include forest and field paths, grass and meadows, single trails, dirt roads, sand, and more.
Steven Rindner highlights certain trail running tips for beginners
The first step to getting started with trail running is to pick the trail or event that aligns with one’s fitness levels and experience. If one is already used to running road marathons, it might be a good idea to start with a trail half marathon before attempting a full one, since trail running is much more demanding than running on roads. If a person is new not just to trail running but to running in general, it is best to begin with shorter distances, like 5 to 10 kilometers. Newbie runners should start small and build up as their confidence and ability grow.
One should try to pick a trail running route that appeals to their adventure style. For instance, if someone likes forests, then they may pick a trail that runs through a few. On the other hand, in case a runner likes the thrill of mountain ridgeline views, they can try to scour the map for a trail or event that makes best use of those. For beginners who are nervous about running deep in the wilderness, it would be better to join trail events based in and around big cities.
People new to the activity should have a smart and gradual approach to trail running. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the trail running community. It is not uncommon to find many newbie trail runners who complete their first 10km event and immediately start thinking about signing up for ultra-distance races, which are much longer than a standard marathon. However, it is better not to rush and avoid jumping straight into extreme distances. One must take their time, hone their techniques, and build their endurance before participating in advanced trail events.
Rather than increasing the distance of the trail runs too fast, one should first consider increasing the difficulty of the trails while keeping the same distance. For instance, instead of jumping from a 10km run to a 20km run, it would be smarter to try tackling a more technical 10km trail that includes greater elevation, more rocks, and uneven terrain. This approach challenges the body in new ways without the risks that come with rapidly adding mileage.
As per Steven Rindner, the importance of building up weekly training distance slowly. A useful rule of thumb is to increase the weekly trail running total by no more than 10%. For instance, if someone runs 50km in one week, they should aim for no more than 55km the next. Most running injuries are caused by doing too much, too soon, so pacing training increases is essential for long-term success.