Exercise - Free Fitness Library
Hit the trail
More and more runners are moving away from road running, looking to train off-road away from traffic and pollution, seeking to recapture the spirit of running and leaving the stresses and strains of modern life behind.
In the US it has become the fastest growing running sport but will it really be as successful in our climate? Running through rural mud when it's pissing down with rain is likely to conjure up people's memories of forced school cross country runs so why is "trail running" different? Well for a start it's far less likely to be competitive, although as with any sport the top practitioners end up competing with each other. And rather than a mud-slogging run it's supposed to be more of a form of expression - "I may be stuck in urban areas for 90% of my life but I need to get away from it every once in a while."
It has the potential to do what Mountain Biking did for cycling and breathe new life and excitement into running.
Naturally you'll need a new type of shoe for this sport to add to your wardrobe full of single activity footwear! Sales of Adidas' Response TR (pictured) have increased 200% this year. Trail shoes are more rugged, have more durable uppers and aggressive outsoles to grip loose soil/mud.
How to get started
Try local parks, bridle-paths, tow paths and public footpaths. Then
head out of town and see if there's any countryside left. (Local tourist
information offices or the Rambling Association may be able to find
some for you.)