Trail Running 101

I survived my first official trail run this morning. I've run "trails" before... but when I imagine trail running, today was what I had in mind. Tricky footing. Steep climbs. Vague trail markings. In honor of surviving I compiled a list of things I learned today. Some of the rules I nailed. Some I fell drastically short. But the important thing is that I had fun, learned a lot, and look forward to next time!

Rule #1: Dress appropriately.

What you wear depends on where you are running, and how likely you are to encounter changes in weather during your run. Here in the Valley of the Sun, I knew that I'd be warm within a half mile and would not experience weather changes during my run. I went with the Race Belt Skirt and Marathon Tank. I wore gloves for my warm up and tucked them into my tank top strap when my hands got warm. No excess gear. Easy to regulate temperature. Comfortable.

Rule #2: Wear sunscreen.

Since the sun is rising later now I have been forgoing sunscreen when I head out for my run. Thankfully today I put sunscreen on. I was out on the trail much longer than I had anticipated and didn't need the excess sun!

Rule #3: You can't judge your trail running pace by your road running pace.

The run was supposed to be 11 miles long. I imagined this would be easily accomplished in 2 hours... just slightly longer than my road running pace. When at mile 3 I was power hiking at a 15 minute per mile pace I started to panic, thinking I wasn't going to be done in time to get my husband to his ink appointment. Thankfully, what goes up must come down and I made up time on the second half of the loop... but I was seriously sore, and my 11 miles? 2 hours and 20 minutes. Yikes!

Rule #4: CARRY MORE WATER!!

I left my house with my 20 oz hand held water bottle. My reasoning? I would normally drink this much during a 16-18 mile run in the winter time so I should be good for 11. Wrong. By 4 miles in I was rationing my water thinking I wouldn't make it to the end. As it turned out, there was a water stop at around 8 miles where I promptly gulped down 12 oz of water and refilled my bottle for the last 3 miles. In the future, I won't hit the trail without my CamelBak. Ever.

Rule #5: Trail running uses different muscles.

One of the benefits of trail running is that your gait is not just in a forward direction. You are dashing up rocks, zig-zagging side to side, and sliding down sandy washes. If I can keep this up, my hips will be so much stronger when I do run on the road. All those little stabilizing muscles that never get used, got used today. If I keep this up I might never have to go to rehab again, my hip flexors will be so strong!

Rule #6: Have fun and don't take yourself too seriously.

My husband remarked to me that he remembered why he hated running on trails today. I was thinking just the opposite. It was a challenge. Yes, I was slow. Yes, I had to walk. But it was quiet and peaceful. And when you got to the top the views were amazing. I conquered some fears (heights). I tripped and nearly fell 3 times (somehow, I managed to stay upright!). But I got to hear my heart pounding in my chest and my feet dodging rocks. My quick turnover from marathon running came in handy over the terrain. And I found the perfect training grounds for Grand Canyon this year!