With provincial parks
and conservation areas opening up in Ontario this
week and more provinces getting ready to follow suit,
now is a great time to start trail running. Even if
you don’t officially convert to the world of
trail running, it’s always fun to get out and
enjoy some off-road training every now and then. Just
remember: everyone else is probably just as excited
to get back on the trails, so they might be packed.
Don’t let that deter you from getting out for
some workouts, but just take care, be safe and be
sure to practice social distancing whenever you approach
another runner, walker or hiker.
Nicer weather
Not only are trails going to be open once again, but
the weather is finally getting nice enough across
the country to make you want to go for a nice outdoor
workout (for those of you dealing with the polar vortex,
don’t worry, it’s almost over). When the
sunny weather comes your way, take the opportunity
to enjoy the great outdoors and hit the trails.
New routes and
experiences
You’ve been stuck inside for weeks, so the trails
can offer you a much needed change of scenery. Skip
that run around town on a route you’ve run dozens
of times and explore some new paths in the woods.
No need for exclusivity
Just because you give
trail running a try doesn’t mean you have to
devote yourself to it 100 per cent. You’re allowed
to be a trail, road and track runner all at the same
time, so you really have nothing to lose by trying
out trail running.
You can focus on effort
As a road or track runner, you’re probably obsessed
with pace. A great thing about trail running is that
it’s all based on feel. Trails are way too hilly
to run a consistent pace, so you don’t ever
have to go into a workout or race with a pace goal
in mind. Instead, focus on your effort and don’t
worry so much about the speed.
Improving as
a runner
Even if you don’t enter races, training on trails
will help you become faster on your preferred terrain.
The up-down nature of trail running works your muscles
a lot more than running on the road or track, so you’ll
certainly notice a difference after adding trail workouts
to your training schedule.
You don’t
know til you try
If you’ve never gone trail running before, or
if it’s been a while, you should give it a shot.
You might love it, after all, and it could become
your newest obsession.
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