Why Is Trail Running a Better Run?

Trail running differs from road running in that it is typically done on diverse terrain. A trail runner may run on both inclined and flat surfaces. The trails might be a mix of dirt roads and grassy or rocky hills. For many who participate in this sport, one of the central benefits to trail running is that it provides runners with a change of scenery, which can keep one's training more interesting.

However, trail running has a few other benefits. The surfaces are typically softer than in road running, which can help speed recovery after a hard workout. While trails can often be more challenging, they can also reduce the incidence of injury due to repetitive stress, which is more likely to occur when running on a road or sidewalk. In addition, the hills presented on many trails are basically speed training in disguise, allowing one to increase aerobic capacity over time. Because the routes are varied and challenging, those who participate in trail running often become better overall athletes. This mode of running also improves a runner’s intuitive sense of pace, which promotes feeling a run by effort rather than by time metrics alone. The natural obstacles provided also allow for more core engagement and better balance.

See more about the intrinsic benefits of exercising with nature around you by reading my other blog.

About the Author:

Carl Byington is a marathoner, mountain climber, former rock climber as well as an engineer, father, and entrepreneur. Carl was a past owner of Impact Technologies in Rochester, NY, from 2001 to 2011. He currently has his own consulting business, PHM Design, LLC in Ellijay, GA. Outside his career in engineering, Carl Byington has a number of interests and hobbies, including trail running.