Are you ready to embark on your trail running journey?  Perhaps you are a skilled road running veteran who wants to mix up your routine. Perhaps you are a beginner runner who has yet to make running a habit. Perhaps you have got a peer who cannot quit talking about his latest group trail run, so you want to know what trail running is about.
 

You can certainly slip on your running shoes and hit the trails in the nearest forest. There is nothing to keep you from doing that. However, this will leave you exposed to a number of beginner errors that can be easily prevented.

Before you start your trip on the trails, there are a number of tips you can learn from this all-in-one guidebook to keep you safe from potential injuries. This article covers the essential elements you need to know beforehand.

Safety and Comfort Always Come First. 

The key to finding your best fit is wearing whatever you feel comfortable exercising in to make sure that you are safe outdoors! Among numerous trail running gear, trail running shoes, dry-fit t-shirts and hydration packs are your must-haves. Remember to bring a waterproof jacket in case it rains.

Improve your Balance & Boost your Speed

Lunges, push-ups, squats and planks are the basics that may have already been part of your routine. Aside from the basics, try to add new sets to your routine. Box Step-ups and box jumps help increase your speed and enhance your power. A sturdy bench or stairs will also do. Train your muscles well before you are stuck with the roots, rocks and mud.

Run Fast, Run Safe.

It may sound alarming when you hear that trail runners face physical threats and mental challenges during their runs. Get yourself prepared for the roots and rocks beneath your feet! They may trip you over with your face kissing the ground! Remember not to tailgate on trails! It only takes a short stop from the person before you to make the whole group slam into each other.

From Track to Trail

Some trail running beginners are experienced track or street runners. Bear in mind that a strong track or street runner is not equivalent to a solid trail runner. Findings in the Trail Running magazine show that runners are expected to run 10-20% slower on trails than flat surfaces. As most terrains are not perfectly flat, when you run in a trail, do pay attention to the micro-changes in ground positions which change the way you run. Focus on finding your trail running rhythm, pay attention to race-markings and watch for obstacles along your way.

With the above being said, you now have a good knowledge and understanding around thetrail running. There is always more to learn out on the trails that cannot be illustrated with texts. Go ahead and map out a route near you and kick start your trail running journey.