First Trail Run- Advice?

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2008-01-23 12:45 PM

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Subject: First Trail Run- Advice?
I am runnign the Alafia Trail Florida Challenge this weekend. It is a half mary distance. I am in shape, and can run this on flat at about an 8:30 pace.

BUT- I am learning quickly that a trail race is totally different. I do not have trainign time, because it is this Sunday.

any advice or experience you can share would be great.

So far I have learned about the "bottleneck effect" so I will try and get in front of that.

Lucy also suggested gloves?

anythign else?

Edited by flyinfree 2008-01-23 12:45 PM

2008-01-23 12:53 PM
in reply to: #1172043

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Subject: RE: First Trail Run- Advice?

 

Have fun, try not to fall.

2008-01-23 1:02 PM
in reply to: #1172043

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Master
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Subject: RE: First Trail Run- Advice?

-Take water, if possible. Depending on the trail layout, there may be few water stops.

-Pay attention to where your foot falls, it's totally different than mindless road running. During this time of year you should be able to see most stuff on the trail: rocks, sticks, etc. (Fall is the worse when leaves hide those hazards!)

-Expect that your pace will be slower than your road pace, how much slower depends on how technical the trail is but I'd bet it'll still be slower.

-Have fun!

2008-01-23 1:10 PM
in reply to: #1172083

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Subject: RE: First Trail Run- Advice?
Dito on the foot placement.

I LOVE trail running, but it is slower and you have to watch your feet/trail ALL the time.

I also try to pick my feet up higher than running on the road. It's easy to catch a toe on a rock or bump in the trail if your just shuffling.

Depending on the trail, if I'm descending something steep, I try to find solid looking areas that have little gravel on them. I tend to bound a little more and bounce from side to side, keeping a wider stance just trying to find decent footing. Nothing can ruin a train run faster than taking a nice header after a trip or having you feet go out from under you on gravel.

Just have fun and keep focused. Passing is a little harder since the trail can be narrow, so you have to pick your spots.

ALSO, I would look into a decent pair of trail shoes. They are many brands/models out there and they have a little more support and tread. The sole is a little stiffer as well to help with the uneven terrain.

Gloves are a good idea. If you have to do some scrambling or do take a fall, they can save your hands. BTW - your not going hard enough if you're not bleeding by the end!

Good luck!

Edited by Aikidoman 2008-01-23 1:13 PM
2008-01-23 1:13 PM
in reply to: #1172043

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Subject: RE: First Trail Run- Advice?
Have fun! Most folks in the trail race are not there to be speed demons so just enjoy it! Some even walk the steep inclines and run the flats and downhills....cannot emphasize enough to watch your footing..I run trails a lot and still will catch a root from time to time and down I go.

Trail running is the best...no doubt about it.

Trail Runner
2008-01-23 1:27 PM
in reply to: #1172043

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Subject: RE: First Trail Run- Advice?
wow!! great replies!

I really like the bleeding by the end thing.

take my water! ok, I will take a bottle and run with it. I am a sweater.

anything else?

keep them coming. I take advice.

2008-01-23 1:29 PM
in reply to: #1172043

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Subject: RE: First Trail Run- Advice?
Don't forget to enjoy the scenery in breaks from looking down. No point in trail running (IMHO) if all you do is look down
2008-01-23 2:23 PM
in reply to: #1172043

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Subject: RE: First Trail Run- Advice?
oh good grief!!! OKOKOKOK I'll try to have fun too. if I have to! hehehehe this place is very good for a person like me.
2008-01-23 2:30 PM
in reply to: #1172043

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Subject: RE: First Trail Run- Advice?

Nix the gloves, you don't need them.  If this is your first time trail racing, don't start at the front of the pack, it's etiquette to let the more experienced runners go out first.  If someone yells "track" behind you, move off to the right and let them pass.  Run through puddles or water, not around. Carry hydration with you.  If you use gels or other nutrition pack the wrappers out with you.  Refrain from using earphones (especially on singletracks).  Review the course prior to the race, and listen to the race director (many will give a little speech prior to the race) about any special instructions or markers on the course. 

The trail racing community is awesome, very friendly and helpful to newbies.  Enjoy yourself, you will be hooked

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