Spring has sprung. I am no longer marathon training… or training for any particular running distance. I have returned to running for the love of running. This new season is bringing me back to running the trails. The muddy, uneven, gravel and dirt, bug-filled, wild animals, snakes or sticks, world of trail running.
There is something peaceful about running the trails where there is no human to be seen. Kind of scary at times, yes. There is only the sound of your feet hitting the ground and the animals stirring near the trail. There is no pressure to run fast. Walking is okay. Trail running is where you listen to your body and you do what works best for you.
I had a kid-free morning, so I ventured out to a new-to-me trail to explore. It hard stormed the night before so the ground was a bit soupy in places… but it made the run interesting. The warm and humid air is something that I need to get used to. I was super thankful for the cool breeze that occasionally came from the nearby lake.
I was not a fan of stepping in sticky clay like mud that grabbed every small rock it could. I felt like I was running with cinder blocks on my feet for a half mile before I was able to get it all off by scraping it off on the wet grass. Perhaps I can call that my strength training for the day?
I ran 4 miles on a new-to-me trail. I am excited to check out the single track dirt trails near my favorite bike trail (the dirt trails get closer to the lake). I am not looking forward to checking for ticks and other creepy crawly bugs that hop on for a ride.
The great outdoors is so much fun. Yay for spring and trail running.
Smitha @ Running with SD Mom says
For all the reasons you LOVE trail tunning, I have the same reasons to not be such a huge fan. I want to like it but the whole snake v. stick thing? EEEEEEKKKKKKK!
Rachel says
Haha! I literally laughed out loud when I read your “EEEEEKKKKK!” I will let it be known that I have “EEEKKKed” very loudly multiple times at rustling sounds next to me on the trail… or when I see a tail slither away from me mid stride on the trail. LOL
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says
I love a mix of road and trails. I don’t venture out on my own too much on the trails here because of bears and cougars, but I did sign up for a trail race series. Safety in numbers. I hope 🙂
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
I Love running on a trail. I guess just the no cars thing and all in nature and stuff:)
Kelli @ Destination Awesome says
This is great! I used to love trail running (should say I still do but don’t get to it all that often). If I weren’t scared to death of mountain biking I’d be all about an off-road triathlon.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
I absolutely love Spring time running. Half marathon training just started this week, so I’m looking forward to completing some of my long runs on the trail.
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I don’t think I prefer one over the other. They both have qualities that I love. With that said, I haven’t had a lot of trail experience. I’ve done a few trail races, but never consistent training on a trail. I would love to get into it more!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
I wish I like trail running! I’ve fallen twice on stupid tree branches hidden under leaves. I am a klutz I guess.
Bri says
YES. Me too!! Though I trail run year round, fall/winter is usually marathon training on the roads and summer = exploring the trails for hours on end. I have a 25 k trail race in September and can’t wait to get out more on the trails 🙂 Happy running!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I ran in a trail half marathon last weekend and it was nice! Living in the ‘burbs, I don’t get much opportunity to run on trails.
Marcia says
I love just kicking back and exploring on trails. Spring is such a welcome season after the winter we had. Ticks are supposed to be horrendous though, so be careful.
CARLA says
TRAILS WITH FRIENDS AND CHILDREN CHASING ME!!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak says
I really want to do more trail running this summer but I am scared to run alone! Also, Last summer I tripped and cut myself up pretty good, now I’m scared of that happening again lol. But I do like the solitude and running through nature, and I know it will make me a bette runner in general!
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says
You had me until the talk of snakes lol
So, even though I’m not a runner, I’m thinking I’ll enjoy the road runs more if only to avoid the snakes :/
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says
i love running trails and roads. i’m planning on doing more trail running this summer to help beat the heat! 🙂
Erica G says
What a beautiful trail to run on!
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) says
I’ll admit, I haven’t done much trail running. We don’t have a lot of variety where I’m located BUT when I have had the freedom to venture out, I have LOVED it! I definitely think that if it were more available to me, I’d be on the trails much more than the pavement.
Katie@Run Wild in Alaska says
I’ve never done a trail run, but I guess I’d better get started, since I’m signed up for a 16-miler at the end of August!
We have so many gorgeous trails in Alaska, but I am SCARED of moose and bears, so I haven’t ventured out yet. I’m hoping to put together a group this summer to get training started. Wish me luck! Eeeek!
Corrina says
I finally got introduced to the trails I live near, so now I am comfortable heading there on my own. I am loving them!! I am using the free Road ID app when I am solo running for safety. It tells my husband when I am starting a run and then he can click on the link and track me along the way and then alerts him again when I am done. I almost thought he would have to use it to send help last week when I almost ate it running down a hill!