Fall is the perfect time to try trail running and Portland offers many opportunities to do just that.
You may wonder what the differences are between running on roads or trails. First of all, trail running requires more total-body fitness and a better sense of running technique than running on the roads. If you’ve never been a trail runner, you’ll notice some differences immediately. A trail surface is never perfectly smooth and undulates with hills, twists and turns, so you can’t run with a perfect stride or find a running rhythm.
At first, these differences can make trail running seem too challenging. There’s much more lateral movement (as opposed to linear), which requires greater use of peripheral muscles around the ankles and hips and in the quadriceps and glutes.
Among other things, you’ll learn where to place your feet to avoid a fall, how to take turns more efficiently and how to avoid trees, rocks and other impediments. It’s running in a more primal fashion than many of us are use to.
Every type of trail offers unique challenges; mud offers a dirty challenge, for example. Nothing beats running down a muddy trail, but there’s a greater chance of slipping, and mud tends to stick to your shoes. Rocky terrain requires using a higher leg lift to avoid tripping. Concentrating hard and choosing footing carefully is essential to keep from twisting your ankles. Forest paths can be tranquil, but are often covered with leaves that hide tripping hazards such as rocks, roots and holes, so paying close attention to foot placement is a must.
Be sure to wear trail shoes. They offer the support you need to keep your feet and ankles more stable and feature a heavier and multi-directional, self cleaning tread pattern for traction and support. Above all, have fun and enjoy nature’s playground!
• If you’re looking for a trail running club, Portland’s Trail Monster Running Club meets twice a week for group runs all year long in all weather conditions. This club runs a variety of distances from 5K to 20 miles and is committed to exploring off-road running opportunities in Maine and throughout New England. Trail Monster meets Tuesdays at 6 pm at Twin Brook Recreation Area in Cumberland and Saturdays at 8 am at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal. For more info, contact Ian Parlin at A HREF="http://trailmonster@maine.rr.com">trailmonster@maine.rr.com or go to A HREF="http://www.trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com">www.trailmonsterrunning.blogspot.com.
John Rogers is the owner of Maine Running Company on Forest Ave. in Portland. Send questions or comments to him at jr@mainerunning.com or check out the store’s website at www.mainerunning.com.