Looking for a perfect outdoor adventure pastime, there is no better time to start trail running than right now.
Why Trail Running?
Deanne McDoom is an avid and passionate trail runner based in Squamish, BC, and originally from the Toronto area. She’s also a gear reviewer for Get Out There.
The next week she ran and volunteered at her first trail race at a Five Peaks event back at Rattlesnake Point, and started trail running weekly with the Salomon Toronto crew. Like so many before her, McDoom was hooked on trail running bliss.
She has competed in a slew of trail and ultra races including many appearances at the Golden Ultra and the Squamish 50.
To get started, one simply needs to find some trails and put a foot on the trail. But McDoom has a few other words of wisdom:
“Embrace getting dirty!” she says. “Respect the hills and know that sometimes power hiking up a hill can be more efficient than running up a big climb.”
Jeff Rowthorn, a trail runner and race director based in Ontario, says he got into running at the behest of friends after a long period of time sticking to roads and trying to run as fast as he possibly could.
“I knew immediately that the trails were where I belonged because I found a strong connection with the trails and I felt like I was returning to my childhood roots. I started exploring new areas and I focused less on my watch. I have never stopped road running because I see great value in the benefits of it and I have made a lot of friends in the road running community but I definitely prefer the serenity as well as the beautiful scenery of the trails.”
What you need to know
When asked what’s top of mind when it comes to putting new trail runners on the right, ahem, path, Rowthorn says that personal safety is something to always be thinking about.
“It is really important to be aware of your surroundings and have a plan in place if something goes wrong. For example, a twisted ankle can mean that you are in the woods for a really long time,” he says. “Be aware of the access points, don’t take unnecessary risks, and plan for the worst. New runners should not explore trails alone and should start in areas where there is cell reception so they can call for help if needed but also so that they can access a map if they get lost.”
McDoom also suggests that runners expect the unexpected and pack extra gear and supplies like water, food, a charged phone, and a rain jacket.
Gear guide
McDoom also suggests that runners expect the unexpected and pack extra gear and supplies like water, food, a charged phone, and a rain jacket.
For those just starting out, a comfortable pair of shoes are a key piece of gear to consider. Trail running shoes offer a lot more features than traditional running shoes including greater attention paid to treads to provide traction in varying terrain as well as foot protection such as toe guards. Yes, roots and rocks can be painful.
And, of course, good technical clothing is key. Shirts, shorts, and socks that wick away sweat and are breathable, and offer some sun protection if exposed.
Rowthorn says, when routes get longer and more difficult, it’s time to think about additional gear.
“For longer and more difficult endeavours I really like having a GPS watch, a hydration pack with plenty of storage, collapsable poles, sunscreen, and anti-chafing cream,” he says. “For most of the gear listed, there are a lot of different options depending on both budget and personal preference. Remember that comfort should always take precedence over style.”
Finding that perfect terrain
Rowthorn, as a well-known Ontario race director for Happy Trails Racing, knows a few things about finding awesome terrain. So, he’s a pretty good person to ask about finding good locations to begin trail running.
“There are a few boxes that need to be checked for me to consider a trail to be ideal. My favourite trails are scenic ones with towering trees and lush vegetation. I prefer trails that have a lot of winding single-track (narrow) dirt trails with some different options so that I can make my run shorter or longer, depending on how I am feeling,” he says. “I like trails that have technical sections with rocks and roots to keep me focused. I also look for trails that have a lot of elevation change because steep hills give me a reason to walk and look around. Finally, I love trails that have creek crossings and bridges. The opportunity to see wildlife or a waterfall definitely earns some bonus points.”
In Ontario, Rowthorn suggests checking out sections of the incredible 900-km Bruce Trail, the Ganaraska Trail, Hockley Valley, Bon Echo Provincial Park, and the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve.
For McDoom, she loves the British Columbia trails in North Vancouver as well as Squamish, and Tumbler Ridge.
Cross-training
Rowthorn says, there is much to like about trail running including the great all-body workout and decreased wear and tear when compared to road running.
“First of all, the trail surface is a lot more forgiving than pavement. Second, the pace is slower and more varied on a trail,” he says. “There will be portions of a trail that I run very hard and other portions that I am forced to ease up my pace, which allows me to recover a little. Third, my stride changes more during a trail run and I utilize a wider variety of muscles. Climbing up a steep hill, running down a mountain, and jumping over a fallen tree all use different muscles. As a result, after a trail race, my body is generally a bit sore all over rather than the very specific and isolated muscle pain I feel after a long road race.”
McDoom adds to get the most out of trail running it is important to add some strength training to weekly routines to stop bad patterns from developing.
“Simple lower leg exercises that help with lower leg strength and stability can go a long way as well as having a strong core,” McDoom says.
When ready, it could be time to sign up for your own first race and embrace that unique culture that pervades trail running. It’s something that keeps McDoom coming back time and time again.
“There is a special camaraderie within this sport layered with a laid back, supportive, and fun vibe that I truly enjoy,” she says. “Also, I love that trail running allows me to go deep into nature to explore amazing places and challenges me on all sorts of varying terrain. It never gets boring!”
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