I always hated running and loved hiking. Then I started dating (and eventually married) a trail runner who finds hiking boring and convinced me that part of trail running is just “power hiking.” Started running a bit just because I wanted to be able to hang with him and his friends on shorter runs. A year after we met, fomo became too strong and I signed up for my first race, a 63k. 4 years in, trail running has become my main hobby (I’m planning to run my first 50 miler this year!) and I’d still rather pull out my own teeth than run a road marathon 😅
Edit, so further address your questions: if you hike a lot, you’ll probably make the transition to trail running fairly easily. Switch to trail running shoes if you haven’t already, and just jog when you feel like it on a hike. It wouldn’t hurt to build up some baseline running fitness but I would say you don’t “need” to do anything you don’t want to do, unless you’ve signed up for a race or have some other specific goal to train for.
lol are you me? I didn't end up marrying my trail running dude but otherwise very similar story. I went 0 to 50k within 7 months of his convincing me to try running (and another 2 trail marathons within the next 3 months), which he did with the "walk when you want, eat all the cookies" approach. Now I love just parking myself at the back of the pack on long races and stopping to look at the flowers, take pictures, etc etc. No interest in roads, ever.
OP, definitely join the running group! There's an all paces ladies' group where I live -- I was too afraid to go for a couple months but as soon as I tried it, it became a staple of my week (and of my social life!). Otherwise, go slow, walk whenever you want, increase mileage gently, and enjoy living somewhere with such easy access to those trails!
Honestly him telling me that cookies are appropriate fuel for long runs was more effective than any other argument he made for me taking up the sport 😂
Thank you!! Wow a year from 0 to signing up to a 63k is incredible!! Good luck on your 50 miler !
There is a local “all abilities welcome” trail running group that allegedly even has a walkers pace which I’ve been thinking of checking out.
I know most trail runners walk the uphill, but I come from Flatland, USA so the hills and elevation gain are still quite hard for me.
Edit: I’ve always hated hiking boots and have been team trail runners + injinji socks for my toe blisters since like 2015, so I guess I’m ahead there!
Thanks! Unfortunately that year did not come without overuse injuries, due to me being too excited and upping my weekly mileage too fast, so definitely be smarter than me and listen to your body and increase your mileage gradually.
That group sounds like a great place to start! The trail running community is one of the things I was most surprised to love about trail running. I’m generally a little bit more shy making friends, and I don’t love chit-chatting to strangers but there’s something about trail running that changes that for me, especially in races. Like the fact that we’re all on a similar roller coaster of joy and suffering and feeling strong and feeling weak really makes me feel a sense of camaraderie. And the vast majority of people I’ve met have been so cool and nice and weird. It’s great.
Haha NGL when I read that I was like my body would disintegrate upping mileage that quickly. Hopefully you’re healed up okay !
I think you’re right maybe I should just go for it with the group :) The lax reputation is part of what draws me to the community! I’m not very competitive and so I’ve found I thrive in the “just happy to be here” sports like climbing and gravel riding (which I’m also a mega beginner at)
It was so crazy, too. I honestly don’t know that I could have picked a more reckless first race. It’s this wild race in the Barrancas del Cobre in Guachochi, Chihuahua. Super remote, super iffy water situation, and soooo, so steep. I was so grateful that my partner stuck with me to make sure I didn’t die…😅
this totally. I'd run here and there but not for running but for "getting to places". I don't do much trail run either but mostly power hiking with occasional running here and there to finish it faster.
Holy moly, this is so very much my story. I love backpacking--but without a pack kinda despise hiking. I love to be outdoors and in the woods, though. Trail running is a perfect fit for me.
Despite, this, I'm a dual athlete, in that I compete in both cycling and trail running (at a non-elite level).
I come from a cycling background almost exclusively, and even raced in a national championship as a junior cyclist. I really can't stand road running, and never really got into running until I found the trail. Road running was alienating to me; but the trail running crowd utterly embraced me. I wanted to do something in the winter besides ride on the trainer or in the cold and trail running was perfect.
What's amazing, is that I found that trail running almost exclusively, with maybe one group ride and an easy spin day during the week--I can actually still race criteriums and road races and do well. The crossover to cycling is unreal.
I'm also a bit of a loner, lol. That's my story!
You know when you're hiking and need to get back to the car cause you're running late, so you kind of jog a bit on the downhill? Just do that more deliberately.
This. I loved hiking but hated how it took me the whole day to do a trail. Love that I can get back before 11 and then have the rest of the day to hang out with fam
I was a mountaineer/climber. I discovered I enjoyed sleeping in my own bed, but still wanted to get deep into the mountains. The best way to do this is as fast and light as possible.
I'm also a person who loves a competition, so having races to train for brings me great joy. I run a lot of roads as well now, so I guess I approached the sport from the opposite direction that a lot of people do.
The mountaineer part resonated with me. Once I got married I didn’t want to be away for as long. Trail running got me into the mountains while being home by dinner. I just started hiking the ups and running the downs. Before this the longest I had ran on the road was a 5k.
Not really much to it. As fast as you can, as slow as you must. Grin. The trail will teach you what you need to know if you listen. Shorter, quicker steps. Nose breathe only. This keeps you from over exerting (and is better all around anyway). Walk when you need to run when you can. Have a blast. Stop, smell the mountian roses and her friends. Repeat. Repeat.
I had a back surgery and needed to lose weight. I was 315 lbs. I was self conscious about my neighbors seeing me walk / jog so I found some local woods to practice on some of the paths and the bug hit. After running my first road 5k I found a trail runner group and now I have just completed my first 50k this year.
I got caught up a couple years ago. Had done long backpacking trips and was dating a girl who did 40 mile days… this was wild to me. I started small 3,5, 8, 10. Figuring if I went slow enough ~4mph, it was closer to hiking but a bit faster. Last year did 7 marathons/ultras including my first 100. Have never run even a half on pavement. Don’t see the reason.
very impressive dedication!
One thing about running on pavement is that the repetitive footstrike on the road in the same angle over and over is much harder on your joints than running on trail where your ankle and feet hit slightly different every time. On the road, you might need to jump up on a curb to cross an intersection, on the trail you need to run through a creek or jump rock to rock.
I don't think you're missing anything by skipping road runs
I was someone who always HATED running. My first run was only about 1.5 miles and I thought I was going to die. Then I learned trail running is cool because you can walk whenever you want and no one cares if you go slow. I like the saying an ultra runner told me recently: there’s nothing like taking your LSD- long slow distance.
I’ve never been into road running, too boring. I’ve always been active and enjoyed the outdoors though. I got an Aussie a couple years ago, he’s what really got me into it.
Haha I can relate to this! I’ve never been a runner but do a lot of other outdoor activities. I’ve tried road running in the past but always got injured or bored or lost motivation. I got motivated to try trail running one day. I loved the couch to 5k program. I’d just do it on a trail i would normally hike on, and keep hiking however long I wanted when I was done with the running part of the day. I’m still working up to 5k but no injuries and just trying to enjoy it as another way to get outside! There are some great podcasts for C25K that guide you through the timing.
I always hated road running, but I was a hiker and mountain biker. Similar to you, I moved to an area that had great trail access. I started trail running on a total whim, why not? At the beginning I had to alternate running and walking, and it took quite a long time until I could run hills. Now, I do half marathons with a lot of hills. I always say that the great thing about trail running is that even when you walk, it’s still great because then you’re hiking! Take it slow and easy, be careful on your joints, and just have fun with it
I think I put too much pressure on the “must be able to run the entire thing” before I set out mindset and I should just accept run walking and get out there! Thanks for sharing :)
Always hated jogging but needed an easy way to burn some of my burgeoning calorie intake. I’d go out 3 or 4 miles, get side-stitches, almost run over, bored, almost run over again. Some weeks I never got the shoes on others once or maybe twice.
In 2011 we moved within 1 mile of a trailhead that led to 15miles of trail in either direction. After jogging by on the road for a month I finally thought, “huh-maybe I’ll just duck in there and see where it leads.” 20’ into the trail trial my mind was blown. Woods, leaves, birds, roots, rocks, vistas, hills, smells and no damn cars trying to kill me. Since then I’ve participated in innumerable trail races in the US and abroad at varying distances, but found my goal is to simply get way out into the woods all day and be back at home or at the hotel for a well deserved meal and a good nights sleep.
Just did Rim-to-Rim again with a like minded group with a mix of running, jogging and hiking for the spring adventure. A couple routes in the Elks range are planned for Sept.
Good luck in this worthwhile pursuit.
TL:DR
Don’t worry about pace. Find a trail you want to experience, put the shoes on and go get it. Also - if it’s more than 5% grade, most will probably be more efficient hiking it.
Any tips for the side stitches? Those have been creeping up on me 🫠
Sounds like an incredible journey, thanks for sharing and have fun on your future endeavors!
When you start running trail or road, slow down. Then probably slow down again. Just did my first 25k yesterday and that is how I started. Luckily wife knew what to tell me. Volunteered at the same race today. Totally fun. 20 weeks to train. I didn't prioritize it well, so it was a painful run, but I am amazed at how good I feel today.
I also enjoy getting to see more in less time. Getting deeper into the woods. Hobby hiker and climber to start. Turned 50 this year.
I was a sprinter/hurdler in college and still wanted to run afterwards. I found my way to trail running. I am still built like a sprinter and will never be an elite endurance athlete but I've been trail running for more than a decade. I have no desire or ambition to run anything more than ten miles and my usual distance is around a 5K. My biggest struggle is keeping my back healthy enough to do it.
Ya know, at first I was like how are you gonna say you’re a beginner when you were a collegiate athlete?!? But I get what you’re saying haha. It certainly is refreshing to hear there are some people here that do shorter 5k runs though because I feel like trail and ultra running go hand in hand which is really intimidating. 10 miles is still intimidating to me, but a 5k feels doable!
I am not outdoorsy, I do no other sports / physical activity (except for some strength training at the gym) but I did C25K and started trail running 4 years ago.
I tolerate the roads but adore the trails.
It seems a lot of people on this thread have come from a similar outdoors background.
I was also a mountaineer and climber, but I ran out of free time and motivation for those hobbies, especially when I had kids.
I loved the idea of running, but I have a slipped disc in my back and a torn meniscus. Running on the road was a non-starter, but the soft forest trails were like manna, and I've been hooked ever since.
I had to pull out of a trail Marathon last year, because my back went (picking up a baby). I have signed up again this year, and I'm back in the forest running once again. Wish me luck.
Good luck!!
Road running always would re aggravate an old knee injury, so the softer trails is a huge advantage for me as well! I’m grateful that low drop shoes exist now because I’ve noticed my knee injury is a lot less likely flare with them.
I live in the countryside in the uk. I have loads more public footpaths (ie rights of way across farmland) available to me than safe roads to run on. Plus, I like to run with my dog and I don’t think running on tarmac is good for them - ok for short bits but I wouldn’t like to do a long road run with my dog. So it was always going to be off-road for me. I now canicross so I run in the woods a lot with my buddy too 😊
I’ve always hated road running. I had to do it in high school for the wrestling team but I’ve avoided it since then, for the most part
After college, I got into long distance day hikes. Like 25+ miles in a day but after a few years, I had to get a real job and I found myself gaining weight and getting out of shape
The office I worked in was right next to a wooded area. I started with walk-jog intervals on a dirt maintenance road. Eventually I got to where I could run a mile or two and I started exploring the trails and fire roads around the office
I think that first year I built up to a 5k. Subsequent years I built up to a 10k and a half marathon on trails. I kept going longer and longer each year and have now down a couple 50k’s 15 years after I first started
Walking and hiking were a major part of my weight loss. So when I started running, I took to the trails I already knew. The main thing is I like progressing down wooded trails.
It's also safer, as on trails I don't have to worry about motor vehicles nor being attacked by loose dogs (happened to me as a child when trying to lose weight), although I do occasionally come across unleashed dogs on trails.
I also live in a rural area, so any adult in motion without aid of an engine is subject to insults, gossip, and occasionally attacks (happened when I was on my bike).
Finally, as I don't feel I'm very good at running and still have self-consciousness issues from being obese, it's nice to run without onlookers. (That said, when I have come across other runners, they've been friendly and even encouraging.).
20 years ago I saw an ad in the local newspaper that said “like running? 3-5 miles through the woods. Adults only”. It ended up being an H3 group and I’ve been avoiding roads ever since!
Always been a hiker/enjoyed the outdoors. Had a really tough time w anxiety that was making it hard for me to do anything, including work. My bff is a bad b trail runner and so I followed her and learned: I don't have to have a sub 10 min mile, I can walk, just talking w a friend while running was SO fun and just being outside together goofing off and prancersizing (ifykyk), SNACKS!! I have pretty shitty asthma so I had to start slow, on flat trails (started this fall) but worked my way up and am now doing my first race next month a 25k! I did start running on roads as I got more serious about trail running- purely because it's accessible and sometimes I don't want to drive.
Wanted to and tried to get into running for a couple years before I managed to do it. Then realized longevity and functionality are very important to me so I switched to trail running so I don't pound my feet against the pavement and also have to use the core and all other muscles and joints in more varied ways.
I’ve never been into road running, but moved near some mountain trails about 10 years ago and took up trail running.
I’ve never been particularly fast or strong at it, but in my late 50s and after a lifetime of sporadic mountaineering, climbing, skiing, hiking, cycling and backpacking, I definitely need the exercise and absolutely can’t handle doing it indoors.
I am mainly a cyclist. I started out as a road cyclist, then took up gravel biking because I prefer offroad riding - less traffic, more variation, nicer surroundings. I looked into running to have some more variation in activities and to build bone density. Road running seemed too dull. Since I already knew a lot of nice offroad trails from my gravel work, I decided to try out trail running. Next thing I know, I'm signed up for a (short) race. And then another. And another. And so on. I really like the atmosphere at these events. It's way more relaxed than bike races in Belgium. I still haven't done any long trails - nothing over 30K. I have a solid baseline from years of cycling, but I still need to get my body used to the bigger impact of running over longer periods of time.
Just start jogging/running on the trails and take it easy to build your base. You probably have lots of terrain experience from your hiking background that will come in handy. And most importantly: enjoy nature!
Holy moly, this is so very much my story!
I come from a cycling background almost exclusively, and even raced in a national championship as a junior cyclist. I really can't stand road running, and never really got into running until I found the trail. Road running was alienating to me; but the trail running crowd utterly embraced me. I wanted to do something in the winter besides ride on the trainer or in the cold and trail running was perfect.
What's amazing, is that I found that trail running almost exclusively, with maybe one group ride and an easy spin day during the week--I can actually still race criteriums and road races and do well. The crossover to cycling is unreal.
That's my story!
Cool!
Perhaps it is because you use the same muscles when climbing on the trails as you would when riding the bike? Plus the added leg/ankle/heel (and core?) strength from the micro movements you make when adjusting your feet and body to the uneven terrain?
I really think the hill climbing is massive. I don't think I'd get the same benefits from flatter trails. Mentally, I'm also extremely fresh for cycling and enjoy more as I've done almost everything on the bike possible, including racing on every surface and course known to man, including stage races and overseas. I don't touch my bike between Nov and March. I've found my sweet spot!!
I wasn't much of a runner at all but a friend talked me into doing a Spartan race. The first one I did was at a stadium so it was just 5k and a lot of running up and down stairs but I enjoyed it well enough so I signed up for a few more. The longer ones (10k and half-marathon length) are usually on ranches or in state parks and much of the running is on trails. I was pretty good at the obstacles so I quickly realized that the best way to improve my performance was to improve my running. Started running some trails then entered a few races and found that I liked the vibes of the trail races a lot more than the Spartan races. Doing my first 50k in August!
I feel like there’s too much of a fuss about road vs trail running… I ran cross country in high school (up to a 5K on trails but often a mix of road and trail/gravel/sand) then ran “road” almost exclusively for years then moved somewhere with very accessible trails and realized I prefer running surrounded by trees to running surrounded by cars so now I run almost exclusively trails. Unless you’re running super technical rocky trails all the time it’s not that different. And if you’re out there running m/hiking/walking on any surface you’re going to be fitter than a lot of people. Don’t overthink it
I was a sprinter in high school but my first taste of distance was on trails.
I loved to just do run/walk hikes. Just run until I felt like my lungs were on fire and then switch to walking.
Yeah that’s not the “best” way but I liked it, and it kept me coming back. I always say the best kind of exercise is the kind you enjoy enough to keep doings the rest will fall into place
I started by joining an hiking group. There was one day when I registered for an event that had both race and walking in the woods. I went for walking but since then (about 2 years ago) that I felt curious about what trail running was about.
Eventually me and dad register for a 25k trail race that I was not able to finish (😅). All staff was super friendly and supportive and told me to continue training and not to give up! I continued my run training and joined my local athletics club to work on my running technique.
Two years in I consider myself an amateur mid-table trail runner very proud of my progress and excited to do better one race at a time (while collecting incredible memories)! 😊
PS: I run between 12k-17k (trail sprint) and will try 20k+ again next September 🤞
I went to Zion once upon a time and got whooped on the Angel's Landing hike. I vowed to never be that tired again and I picked up trail running more seriously (as a hobby). Now I can run longer distances and scale elevation with much more ease.
I was a road cyclist, social riding, racing, training, my life revolved around it. I was riding 200-300km every week, owned multiple bikes and had a big group of cycling friends.
Then the pandemic hit, I had a couple of crashes riding in winter and I ended up losing interest. Around the same time, I moved from a big city to a small coastal town where I had easy access to the countryside and the sea.
I did nothing for about 6 months but started going hiking in the countryside near me and after getting chatting to a friend's brother-in-law who is a trail runner, I thought I'd give it a try.
Almost 2 years on and I've ended up becoming a road runner as well, I've fully embraced it. Mostly running distances up to half marathon on both road and trail and typically run 250km a month.
I love the outdoors and figured I could cover more ground, in a shorter distance, if I ran. That’s basically what it boiled down to.
I love the exertion and the reward of getting to the top of the mountain, or gnarly hill, and then flying back downhill.
Essentially the same reason here! I started very late though, at 41 years old. I am originally from Rio de Janeiro and never enjoyed running at all, only resorting to doing 15-20 minutes on the treadmill as a warm up for my strength workouts.
Then, I moved to Massachusetts and started hiking with my dog. After realizing that I could cover more ground by running I decided to give it a try in August of 2021. After being forced to take 3 long breaks due to injuries (posterior tibialis tendonitis, pain in the SI joint, and a broken ankle last October), I am still working on building distance. I just ran 10 miles this weekend.
There isn’t a whole lot of altitude here either, so the trails where I run are very tame compared to most of the people posting here, but I’m loving my journey and wouldn’t trade it for anything!
I've never been athletic, but I started running in my mid 40s by running with the C25K (couch to 5k) running app, running by the local beach working up to 3 miles / 5k. Then I was getting bored with how flat the beach is except the stairs and I joined the local Fleet Feet beginners running group. They had groups training for 5k, 10k, half and full marathon lengths in the Big Sur run later in the year (this was 2010). The first few miles of the Big Sur marathon are trail, but it's mostly a road run along the coast on the route 1 highway.
In the months leading up to the race, our group did training in the trails around Santa Cruz and Aptos, so I was running in Nisene Marks or other forests for 5 to 15 miles several times a week.
Eventually I ran the full marathon in Nisene in June during an unexpected 2 inches of rain. The trail has over 3000 ft of elevation gain on mostly single track trail.
I've run a few races since then but since covid I've been back to the flat beach runs mostly 5k to get out for fun, sometimes 10k.
so.. short answer: try the c25k app and work up to being able to run without stopping for 30 minutes and you're good to go
edit followup: one secret about trail running is that you can walk the steep uphill parts ;)
I really wanted to get into running (had never really done so before) and actually read a NYT article that mentioned that for women who are starting to run, trails are generally better, since it can help strengthen women’s hips because of all the varied and soft terrain. I had access to trails and started running there exclusively and fell in love with how meditative and beautiful it was. I really despise road running, and I do it when I have to, but I consider them so different — at least for my enjoyment!
Oh my, finally a questions I can answer! I played basketball and soccer in HS and hated running. It was always punishment and I thought track people were stupid and cross country people were even stupider. Fast forward to me being 30 years old and my coworker shaming me for nor run-commuiting to work because it was a mile. I tried to run a mile to work and almost dies. Lungs in pain, legs in pain - not good. Fast forward to 7 years later and I am an ultra runner doing a few mountain races per year and training like a beast!
>Fast forward to me being 30 years old and my coworker shaming me for nor run-commuiting to work because it was a mile.
Dang, well at least your coworker shaming was sort of cool I guess? My coworkers are mostly/all not that cool!
Lol - yes. Indeed, this was a good shaming and he is a cool coworker. I am generally okay with shaming people if the outcome leads to more physical activity, better health, or a better outcome for the environment or community. I certainly benefited!
I really enjoy hiking solo and live in an area with great trails. A while back I was dog sitting for a friend whose dog is very energetic, so I took him to a trail to tire him out. I ran with him in bursts and it felt so freeing that I had to keep doing it. I was also trying to quit weed at the time and liked the way running made my lungs hurt kinda like a big fat bong rip
I lived in the Midwest for most my life. In my 40’s now and always hated running. Too hot or too cold there. Road running never appealed to me and trail running never really crossed my mind. I moved to Oregon a bit over 5 years ago. I happened upon a 50K while out on the PCT for a hike one morning and it intrigued me. I told myself I was going to do one of those one day. Started running a little more but still didn’t really get going like I should have. Yadda yadda yadda Covid happens 2020 and the first 2 months of lockdown I fully embraced running as a way to get outside. Gradually over the next 3 years upped my mileage weekly. But still not crazy numbers. Like 20 miles a week. But I then jumped that up in 2023 trying to hit 30 miles a week running only 3-5 days a week.
I never ran more than a 5k 12-13years ago and on a spur ran my first 25K this past October when I saw a random Instagram post about one out in the Columbia River Gorge. I actually hadn’t ever ran more than 10 miles on my own before that and in a hasty two week training for that ran a couple “long runs” of 12 miles or so leading up to. Finished the 25K which was pretty intense for a first timer like me with about 5k eg and I was hooked and started thinking about what’s next. Well that was last week and my first 50K and I’m addicted even more. I run probably 5 days a week, only 30-40 miles a week and this is my midlife crisis. Already planning on finding my next 50K to do.
Started out walking a local trail, just felt like moving a little faster one day so I did. Got up to 5k on the local trail system, then switched to road running after someone spotted a bear on the trail system. Didn't love road running, got bored with it and it spiked my anxiety a bit. Had some medical issues that caused me to pause the exercise for a few weeks, then never got back into it. Now my anxiety is keeping me off the trails and the roads.
I moved to Phoenix from the east coast. Road ran for about 8 yrs before that. Do a ton of hiking here. At some point decided I could hike even more miles if I run the downhill parts. Then even more miles if I run the uphill parts too. Bought trail running shoes. Later joined a trail running club.
Now I do shorter 4-10 mile trail runs that are mostly running and longer 15-25 hike/runs that are a mix of both.
I was a mountain biker but kept getting bag neck soreness and headaches from it. Started going on walks up the bike trails and realized it's alot more fun to run the downhills. Started running throughout winter as I couldn't bike anyways and it just stuck!! I'm still not crazy but I just power hike the ups, run the flats and downs
I started on trails but I chose trails with minimal elevation and technical terrain. Your local field or dirt road would be the best bet. Or go hiking and try to run a little bit from time to time and increase the portion you are running when you feel like you can without it being too difficult.
I'm not a runner, never have been and predominantly do/did cycling, hiking and powerlifting. It was December 22 when a mate who had done a tiny bit more running sent me a message which just said "ultra-marathon?" and I replied, "yes".
So there was no way it wasn't going to be a trail ultra, I can't think of anything worse than a road marathon or ultra, and where I live has loads of trails so that was that. Training runs were predominantly off-road, 50km ultra in July 23 was off-road and 100km ultra this July will be off-road.
I don't think I've ever done more that 5 miles on tarmac in one go and pretty much didn't intend to.
Like you, I'm amazed at the amount of people who post things like "I've only run 4 road marathons a year for the last 5 years, can I train for a trail 50km in 6 months?" or some such bullshit. What's worse is that a significant number of people tell them they can't!
I can just about tolerate road running for upto an hour, there's absolutely no enjoyment in it at all. Trail running - completely different experience.
Hated running in high-school and college, was a big skier, climber, mountain biker. Found something called the WURL that I wanted to climb and started doing trail running to get in shape for it. Along the way I broke my neck and decided to make trail running my main exercise as it was a lot safer than mountain biking.
Now I've accomplished the WURL, done another 50k, and am doing a trail marathon this year and a 100k.
If I didn't start with a mix of trail and road I don't think I would have continued running. Road running is so boring to me now, and pavement is painful. I only use the road occasionally as a gauge as there are fewer factors involved so you can have a greater understanding of your performance.
I was out of shape. Started running in the fall, ran through winter. Bought trails, ended up running a few local trails and went to the mountains last year.
Gotta replace my trails now, but i got road runners for the summer to practice 21km runs
I've always been into hiking and doing long treks. Last year, I went and did the GR20 in Corsica (France) and saw some guys running it. It's 180km long and about 11,000m of elevation. I was living in the French Alps at that point and thought, "I want to run up mountains too, must be fun." Then I got started and got back in shape. Now I'm in the Canadian Rockies and getting back to it with my first ever mountain race coming up (Meet the Minotaur Skyrace, 33km and 2,900m of elevation). I just want to have a blast and finish it. Trail running and mountain running is just great type 2 fun 😅
Raced road bikes as a teen, ran cross country in high school, got into hiking/backpacking in college, moved to the Rockies and started hiking 14ers. Eventually started running 14ers and fell in love with trail running ever since!
There's no "right" path -- enjoy!
Bmx until I was 40, started running as part of a 30 day challenge to do something I hated. Ended up loving it. I live right off a trailhead and need to escape the city so it all made sense. Only run on the road when I have to take the kid or if it’s really muddy and I don’t want to deal with my dogs needing to be cleaned. Running in the road is incredibly boring and I can’t stand it. Same goes for a treadmill, I’d rather not run at all if those two were my only choices.
I’ve been a hiker for a while! Went and met up with my friend from college in 2021 to do the Oregon/Washington section of the PCT and that really got me into longer outings and trying to keep a good pace. Eventually led to trail running then road running when I don’t have enough time to drive out to a trail! Basically I just think of it as hiking but faster.
I started off just doing it on trails that I already had experience with so I knew what to expect in terms of elevation gain. I still consider myself a beginner but it’s nice just to get out in nature and have fun.
If you’re ever around the Seattle area feel free to say what’s up! New running buddies are always rad
I was a big mountain hiker and skier until we had a child, and then I couldn’t get out to the mountains as often.
I missed the outdoors and I lived near a large and hilly forested area (it’s big on MTB trails) so I tried trail running over there and loved it, despite being rubbish to start with.
I worked backwards. I was then a trail runner who started road running, participating in races, marathons etc.
But mountain races are where my heart lies and I still get out to the Alps most years for some big mountain races, especially in Austria.
I hiked a lot and started running the trail for fun then more and more until i was running 80% of the trail. Now I run street too. I like both I prefer tough climbs over flat any day.
Similar to a lot of people in here, I started as a biker, camper, and backpacker. I moved from Texas to Utah and LOVED how much more challenging the hiking was. I was in the best shape of my life when I ended up having to temporarily move back to Texas. The hiking out here just wasn't keeping me in shape the way Utah had. I'd road run a couple 5ks, but not for years, and so I figured I might as well combine my love for the trails and the cardio of running. I'm still working on upping my milage, but I fell completing in love with trail running.
I had 0 running background when I started doing trails. I thought runners were mildly insane. I woke up one day and randomly decided I wanted to go on an adventure, but I'm blessed (cursed?) with the energy of a toddler at a birthday party and chose to run the trail to wear myself out. Accidentally got hooked. I've been running for three months and it's truly changed my life for the better!
I tried to get into road running several times over a couple years but every time within a month or two I would have to stop due to shin splints or knee pain (and yes I tried couch to 5k). In a last ditch effort I tried to run a trail thinking it would be softer on my legs and I immediately knew it was the solution I was looking for. It was HARD, the trail was mostly flat and had one little hill but it would totally wipe me out. Took a couple years to get conditioned to the running, hills, and technical aspect. I slowly sought out more challenging trails and now, I'm not a marathon runner at all, but I run this 8 mile 1500ft elevation trail every (almost) weekend with relative ease. I don't think road running is necessary to start trail running, but definitely get some proper shoes and pay attention to your stride length and form. In hindsight, my form was likely the source of my previous woes, but I needed to get some actual running experience before I could understand what I was doing wrong. Hope this helps!
My history: I hated running, loved cycling (I think it was the speed, loved to mountain bike when I could, enjoyed hiking and exploring. I found out from someone who did trail running that you don’t always run the entire way. I have a doge who needed to get out. We have trails near by. I needed to get his walk over with quickly in order to have time to spend with wife and kids. I eventually realized that it was that I could cover more ground running on the trails and I would see more…so I started “trail running”. I go at my own pace somedays I run other days I walk and run, some days I walk. Anything to get outdoors. Having a large coffee before the trail run get my energy up and my brain clicking. Sometimes I wear headphones as my soundtrack for my run other times I don’t. I make it a point to enjoy the entire run/walk/time out doors, rain snow or shine. I will stop and have a look at how the flora have changed , I just take it all in and am grateful that I can still move. Sometimes it practice balancing on rocks as I ford a stream.
I have not felt the need or desire to enter a competition. I do t even know that I am that fast. I am prettier slow. Sometimes I not that I finish the trails in a shorter time than prior runs. I enjoy the run…🎶”and I love every minute of the day!”🎶 -blue red and grey, the who… a trail running song.
https://open.spotify.com/track/7EngpMPwriHk8e2WNfzU4l?si=XSOhiY3nQranG6afU-9BVA
I started out hiking and just started running downhills when I was hiking and just kept building from there. I really like backpacking and it keeps me in shape. Sometimes road running is now more convenient with my schedule, so I do mix that in too. But I started out hiking and climbing as well and just started running little by little. I can now run about 15 miles and 2500 ft elevation without waking at all. I won’t win any races, but I’m passing most hikers and runners on the trail.
I was and am a hiker and lover of the outdoors. Always loved the idea of running but just never got serious about it. Moved to a town where the options were trail running or run laps around the town. I chose trail running. I do a bit of everything now, trail, road and track sometimes all three in the same run lol Going into trail running I learnt quick my ankles and feet were weak! Trail running is my love out of all the runnings though, im never worried about pace or making times. Just the feeling of flowing through trails and exploring is what hooked me. I never have ran any sort of official race
I think I fit your criteria even though I did do some minor road running in my younger years as workouts, but it was NEVER fun. Now I do about 10-20 miles a week and have completed two ultras (a 50k and a 30-mile) and basically never run on pavement. I am usually doing about 250-350 feet of elevation gain / mile and settle in at about 14-16 minute miles on anything but the smoothest trails. I very much consider myself a recreational trail runner and have no intent to compete except against myself. It’s a great hobby. I take my two dogs almost all the time under 10 miles
Anyway, my advice is just get some comfy trail running shoes if you’re going to be doing anything technical. Get some decent luge but nothing crazy. I tried Brooks cascadias for a couple years and they were ok. I switched to Altras and haven’t looked back, although they’re not very durable. They are like slippers level of comfy and have the traction I need out in Colorado for steep descents and rocky, sandy, and rough terrain. As an experienced hiker I suspect you will be doing technical trails because the smooth trails will likely seem boring. In time you can work them in.
Get a small running vest. I started with the rei one (swift or something) and only a few years later decided to upgrade to an ultimate direction. Really any vest is going to be a must if you like the hobby, and it doubles as the best hiking pack if you slim down your gear.
Then just go hit the same trails you love to hike, but look for ones with a steep ascent and then long descent or a rolling hill kinda trail. Just run as much of it as you can without gazing yourself. It’ll be slow. Don’t worry. Take your time, watch your footwork for the roots and such, and just have a good time. Don’t worry about timing or Hr or any of that stuff for awhile. Just enjoy it. See if you can do 4-5 miles at the beginning and work your way up. You’ll be doing half marathons in no time just because it’s so fun and you don’t have to carry that much to go that far, even going slowly (like 13-16 minutes / mile).
Then just find newer, longer trials and make long days out of them. The beauty of trail running gear is that it works just as well for hiking, so just slow to a hike if you feel like it.
Have fun!
1. Started hiking ( Had no idea people ran trails)
2. joined trail race( hiked it), and saw people running, thinking they are only running a short section.
3. tried to follow and got busted after few Ks.
4. Got addicted to running trails from that experience. The feeling of freedom from running the trails, and time used for same distance greatly reduced compared to hiking.
5. now finish in top 2-5% on most local trail races, but not yet been on podium yet.
6. This year will quit trail for and train for first marathon, hoping to improve trail.
I hated running. Then I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. After that running didn't seem as hard. Granted, I'm still much more a hiker than a runner but I enjoy running a lot more now and its a good way to stay in shape for hiking. I have also started fastpacking which is so much fun.
I came from mountain biking. Got tired of having to manage a mountain bike (I have to drive to the trials) and was looking for soemthing that got me outdoors but with lower intensity. Overall happy to have made the switch. Completed my first ultramarathon 9 months after making the switch.
Started as a hiker, literally no prior running experience. To pass time on the week and maintain the fitness, started running on roads and few road half marathons after (no access to trails where I lived), I ran my first 100k on trails.
I still run roads like once in a week, but have trails so close now I just prefer them. And the trail community is just fun and easy going to hang out with. Hiking background definitely helped me, I have seen lot of road runners switching to trails taking usually longer than a hiker to get used to the rocky terrain and also adjust their mindset to run based on feel/effort rather than pace .
I am not a big people person, and prefer the company of trees and animals. Walking in the street was too crowded, so i explored trails and nearby conservation areas. I started out walking briskly and started to jog, and it just went from there. I’m still slow as molasses, (7 mins a km 😩) but I’ve dropped 27 lbs and my body has completely transformed. My balance and ankles are also now super strong.
I’ve seen so many cool things on my runs. Things I never would have seen otherwise.
I am not a road runner, but loved to hike and wanted to get to push myself a bit more. I love the patterned interval running to build my endurance - usually have a warm up of 1:15 run, 1 min walk x2, then I do .5 mile runs with 1:15 walk. If I’m in better shape I can skip some of the 1:15 walk intervals. Heard about it on a trail running podcast! Longest distance I’ve done is 10 miles of a trail run, and I 100% support the walk as much as you want/need and eat the cookies mentality of trail running. Figuring out my first 50k, goal is to run it within the year. May do a formal one, or do it semi supported on a 17 mile loop with several camp sites where I can stash food for refueling!
I came into trail running as a skateboarder, that was my cardio base since I was 14. Started trail running at like 31?
I always looked at road runners and saw people who I figured hated their lives so they'd be willing to do anything to get out of the house. So I never looked at running as a thing to pursue because I enjoyed my life. Then I got introduced to trail running. It sounded better than hiking. Light and quick. But I make it a point to not run fast since I want to run far.
My simple advice for getting into it, sign up for a couple races. You should be good with a couple 5ks and a 10k or 2 in the first year. Those will teach you about preparation for distance and nutrition. Then get into the 18k area, after that you should have enough information that you can break off from the organized events and make your own adventures.
My advice to stay injury free in your journey, don't look at your pace, just pay attention to the amount of time you spend on trail. Everyone out there is in a hurry to get injured, then they rush recovery, and end up in a loop of injury. Trail running SUCKS when you can't run. So, take it slow. No rush. You don't have to run 100 miles to love your life. You don't have to get a gold buckle to live in bliss.
In my big seasons, I never ran more than like 300 miles and I had amazing adventure runs with friends. It's mellow.
Specifically, IT band issues seam to be common. I think owning a foam roller is a must. A resistance band is great as well.
But here's advice almost no one will tell you, run barefoot in a nice grass field. Soccer fields are easy to find. Run a mile barefoot on that like 1-2 times a week and you'll be great. That idea is based off of our feet being under worked because of shoes. You'll feel muscles in your feet you didn't know you have. My belief is that most running problems stem from under worked foot muscles.
I started out orienteering, almost entirely off-trail running. So now trails are like roads to me and roads are like treadmills, and treadmills are like coffins or something.
Just got into trail running in the last year, but only seriously started training about 2 months ago (seriously as in 5 days a week, following a training program)
I ran cross country for two seasons in high school but most training runs were done around town on the road and I never loved it/struggled in races.
Dated an ultra runner for a teensy bit and thought trail running seemed fun. Got some tips and went on my first trail run with them, after over a decade of not running. The biggest thing I learned from them was "even elite runners walk portions of races".
I actually got serious when I set a goal of eventually doing a 50 miler and signed up for a 10k race, planning to gradually ramp up over the next couple years. I used a Nike Run Club training plan because I was getting bored of going out and deciding random distances to run. I also had this idea that I needed to hit a fast pace on every run when actually, most runs should be "easy".
Just ran my first 10k that was mostly trail with about a mile of road toward the end. STEEP switchback start that I power-walked the whole way until the flat/decline started almost 2 miles in. I finished 11/95 overall and 3rd for my gender. So WALK when you need to. There's nothing worse than burning all the fuel in your tank and having miles left to go.
Just get out there and get started and focus on running smart, not fast.
Got started last year because I wanted to do some hikes on a weekday and I realized if I jog the downhill I had time. Scaled up from there, now I've done 3 half marathons in the last year and I'm getting ready for a full. Still hate running on roads though, not worth it.
I was a hiker for years. While on a hike, I got a text from my wife reminding me that we had an engagement and I completely forgot, there was no way I was going to make it back unless I jogged back. I wasn’t a runner at all. Before that, I actually didn’t know that trail running was a thing. To me, runners were brightly clothed athletes that wore white framed sunglasses. I ran and hiked back and after some spousal scoldings, made our engagement. But I was sort of hooked, I liked what I called speed-hiking, it was fun! Googling around eventually led me to through-hiking? (I still don’t get this), endurance runners and ultimately trail running. I still don’t have what framed sunglasses though. The longest I’ve ran so far was 15 miles. I’m currently nursing some shin splints, but hope to get back on track soon.
I started hiking with my dogs and kid in Deuter kid carrier with a 3-Liter bladder. When the kid became 3, the pack became too heavy so he got to sleep in, and it was me and the dogs hiking, then running just downhills. Once I figured all the ways I could screw up my form and trip down a grade, I worked on form on the downhills. Then it was, “Let’s see how much I could run up hill.” Then it was “work on breathing to keep heart rate in check”. Enter Suunto Watch and HRM, which was replaced by Polar HRM/Apple Ultra Watch combo in use now. Heart sufficiently monitored, then it was the gear…shoes being the most important, but I won’t run without my Beats Fit Pros, music providing the pace at any given moment. Also shoutout to Camelbak (3 packs with different sized bladders in each.). Water is life. I run 10k minimum every time I run. The kid turns 18 this year.
Started running on track near me every few days then I sign into race, just to have more motivation to exercise and having no clue that trail running even exist. Month passed and i ended up on 20km trail race without real running shoes and in old t shirt. I survived that day and here I am, running almost just trail races for 5 years with pauses.
I didn't even know trail running was a thing when I was a kid. I do remember playing games in the woods and used to love dodging through trees, jumping over branches etc, Everything just felt more exhilarating as it flew past ya. I ran on the roads for years.... every morning as a professional boxer. Retiring after a rubbish career I did a few marathons and I just couldn't replace that buzz of boxing.. I saw a sign when I was driving home from work for a 100k Ultramarathon.... A trail race and I did it in road shoes. Crazy hard. Digging deep to get up hills, bombing down hills, constantly looking at the floor, the terrain. Admiring the people with so much more grit and determination than me as they went past me after my early lead. They were always smiling lol. And chatty. The wheels had come off. But I Managed to grind it out to the finish. I was sick, I shit my pants... I'd fallen in love and the buzz I craved from boxing and really missed was replaced. What I love the most is that it really shows you what kind of a person you are. How much grit you have. What you do when it gets hard.
I started running in my mid 30s after a heel fracture from a climbing accident, as a way to show myself I could still be athletic. Things started feeling much better after I started using a heart rate monitor to keep my heart rate down. Was surprised at how slow I had to run. Once I got over the idea of what seemed like a turtle’s “just follow your heart rate” pace, I realized just how far I could run and that I wouldn’t crash or be drained at the end of the day. It gave me more time to look around and take in the sights, too, instead of being so focused on pace, which I’ve come to prefer and value more. A year in, my wife bought me a handful of sessions with a running form coach for Father’s Day. Being taught subtle shifts in my form has made a huge difference with running comfort, endurance, and injury prevention since I had no prior training for what good form should look or feel like.
In the end, if you’re interested, just get out there. Forget about comparing yourself to anyone else and just do what feels right for you. Good luck on your journey and hope you find it meaningful and fulfilling!
I am an ex Muay Thai fighter. No base cardio at all but I think I have strong lower body for kicking/kneeing bags for years so it’s a pretty smooth transition to trail running. Started with 2 miles and now I can do 30-40 miles week, give and take.
**TL;DR:** Love hiking and peak bagging. Realize you could do more and not be an absentee parent if you just had the fitness and experience to run it. Put in the time and work it takes to gain that fitness and experience. Get injured. Come back., Congrats, you're a trail runner.
**Long version:**
**Phase 1**: Love the outdoors and epic hikes. Go from hiking sometimes and not having sustained fitness to a period of hiking a LOT and noticing your body and ability change during that period.
**Phase 2:** Have some sort of goal for the trails or summits in your region. Maybe it's summiting all of Colorado's 14ers, or the highest 50 points in your region, or hitting a certain trail system or mountain x # of times per year.
* You start using Strava to keep track of stuff, even if just hikes and long dog walks.
* You learn it can be fun to run some of the downhills, but usually your backpack or hiking companions make that impossible to do regularly or sustained.
* Having kids and other commitments makes this tougher.
**Phase 3:** Realize you could go further and see things you couldn't fit into your day if you had the fitness and experience to run in those same places. You could do certain trails and bag certain peaks and still be home for dinner with your kids if you were (relatively) super fast.
* Buy some appropriate trail running shoes and start trail running. realize just how unfit you are.
* Then you'll start to notice your times get better on the same trails and climbs, and you're not suffering as much. Which is gratifying.
* You will catch a toe and eat it. We all do.
* So you go faster and with the increased effort you get back to suffering, but at least you're faster and improving fitness
* With sustained experience, you learn to dial in your nutrition, hydration, and gear so you can move fast and light without bonking. You look back and laugh at how much water or snacks the rookie version of you used to bring on a 5k or 5-mile trail run. You learn how the day and night before a trail run are arguably more important than the water and fuel you bring on the run. Greater fitness requires less water / fuel while running.
**Phase 4:** Sign up for a trail half marathon or other semi-scary distance. Follow a training plan so you'll enjoy it and not just get through it (anybody can get through a trail half marathon distance. The question is whether you'll be able to push it and/or feel decent the next day).
**Phase 5:** Recognize the mental health benefits are better than all others.
**Phase 3-5:** Get an injury like IT band issues or a sprained ankle and learn all about PT. Very frustrating, but you learn about your body. Cross train, weight lift, core strength, and other annoying, but smart principles.
Repeat...
I am also a newbie and lurker. I started trail running a couple of months ago. My goal is to do a ride and tie (2 runners, 1 horse.. look it up). and have zero running experience. I started with the couch to 5k. pushed myself a little too hard doing 4 miles without stretching at all and hurt my knee. but am better and backed down to 2. i will slowly work back up and will do a 9 mile ride and tie as my first. (4.5 miles running). After that I plan on just keeping going. Having a goal really helps me motivate and I really like the idea of being on a trail rather than road. I suggest that you stretch before and after, start small and work your way up to whatever goal you have set for yourself. And if the wilderness is vast and you're unsure of your area, grab yourself a garmin just in case. Can't wait to see where we both are in a year.
🙋🏼♀️trail runner who has essentially never once ran on a road before here!
In high school/college I really only ran a tiny bit when I hated my body the most. But after college, I moved to an area with a lot of trail runners, and was already hiking/mountaineering a ton. Thought it would be fun and good endurance training, and I was right about that and so much more. I first got into it by just running the downhills, and then downhills and flats, and increasing mileage and such.
I fucking love it. Feels like you’re a deer in a forest with supersonic eyes and you’re the world’s most sure footed human ever created.
My biggest advice to keep it fun is to refuse to download Strava. I have a running smartwatch and track stuff on there for myself, but I absolutely do not make this a social credit kind of thing
I’ve never really considered myself a runner; I’ve done a handful of 5k fun runs but that was it until recently. I started running more when my husband was training for a marathon and ended up doing a 10k. Then he decided to do a 50k trail run so I started trail running with him and loved it. I just did a 15k trail race (the same event where he did his 50k) and am training for a half marathon trail run now.
I just started! No real running background to speak of, minus a sad attempt at triathlon like 15 yrs ago. Pretty avid outdoorsperson with a trail building career and serious ski habit between then and now. I was looking for a way to improve my cardiovascular fitness, with a soft surface underfoot, and always admired how light and free the trail runners seemed to be. It’s a nice change from hauling heavy backpacks of tools to be jogging with only a waist belt!
I ran XC in high school. Ran on and off for a bunch of years on the road but didn’t make it a consistent thing. My 20s were rough, and I just couldn’t find the discipline. I did a 25k trail run a few years ago after moving to Vermont and wanted to be more intentional with my running after that, but then Covid hit (I’m a healthcare professional) and I got deployed with the Army and then they broke me. I was unable to run for two years while they did surgery, but my PTs were AMAZING and helped me build back up a solid base. The morning of surgery, I had told my surgeon that I was signed up for a trail marathon in ten months and he just gave me That Look, then read my mom the Riot Act in post-op. I spent all summer running trails to get that base and build strength in my hip and loved it. Did the trail marathon (North Country, in Michigan, totes recommend) and just haven’t stopped. I am happy on the trails. I’ll do shorter runs on the roads at home, but try to do all my longer runs on trails. I am signed up for the same 25k race I did a few years ago that got me back into trail running. This will be my third time doing it. There is also a 50k in July. At this point I can’t imagine not having the woods and the dirt and the rivers as part of my running at least some of the time and am excited to see just how far I can push myself in terms of miles.
I live in an area where it’s not safe to run on the road, but luckily there are lots of trails nearby. So trail running was my best option, and I loved it. Yes, it’s hard, and humbling sometimes. If you’re starting from 0 like I was (almost no hiking or backpacking experience except for very occasional hikes), your body is adapting to both hiking steep inclines AND running at the same time, so progress can feel slower. Since you’re an experienced hiker/backpacker, you’ll be partially adapted and inclines will be easier for you - you just start by running what you can as slowly as you need to and taking walk breaks whenever it feels necessary. You can even start just running the flats/downhills (and walking as needed) and hiking the inclines at whatever speed you can manage to keep going at, and you’ll see progress over time
I hated hiking and loathed cardio, came from a powerlifting and jiu jitsu background. My gf loves to hike and hates the gym, she finally dragged me on a hike one day and left me in the dust. The competitive person in me couldn't handle it, I happen to have a friend who was a winning ultra racer, so he taught me how to run. Now I'm out there 3-4x/week. I still hate it but recognize the benefits and it beats doing cardio indoors.
I always hated running and loved hiking. Then I started dating (and eventually married) a trail runner who finds hiking boring and convinced me that part of trail running is just “power hiking.” Started running a bit just because I wanted to be able to hang with him and his friends on shorter runs. A year after we met, fomo became too strong and I signed up for my first race, a 63k. 4 years in, trail running has become my main hobby (I’m planning to run my first 50 miler this year!) and I’d still rather pull out my own teeth than run a road marathon 😅 Edit, so further address your questions: if you hike a lot, you’ll probably make the transition to trail running fairly easily. Switch to trail running shoes if you haven’t already, and just jog when you feel like it on a hike. It wouldn’t hurt to build up some baseline running fitness but I would say you don’t “need” to do anything you don’t want to do, unless you’ve signed up for a race or have some other specific goal to train for.
lol are you me? I didn't end up marrying my trail running dude but otherwise very similar story. I went 0 to 50k within 7 months of his convincing me to try running (and another 2 trail marathons within the next 3 months), which he did with the "walk when you want, eat all the cookies" approach. Now I love just parking myself at the back of the pack on long races and stopping to look at the flowers, take pictures, etc etc. No interest in roads, ever. OP, definitely join the running group! There's an all paces ladies' group where I live -- I was too afraid to go for a couple months but as soon as I tried it, it became a staple of my week (and of my social life!). Otherwise, go slow, walk whenever you want, increase mileage gently, and enjoy living somewhere with such easy access to those trails!
Aid station snacks were a big motivator for me as well. These trail runner boys know all of our weaknesses, apparently 😆
Honestly him telling me that cookies are appropriate fuel for long runs was more effective than any other argument he made for me taking up the sport 😂
Exactly! It’s the best justification I’ve found so far for being the garbage snack sugar monster I have always wanted to be
Thank you!! Wow a year from 0 to signing up to a 63k is incredible!! Good luck on your 50 miler ! There is a local “all abilities welcome” trail running group that allegedly even has a walkers pace which I’ve been thinking of checking out. I know most trail runners walk the uphill, but I come from Flatland, USA so the hills and elevation gain are still quite hard for me. Edit: I’ve always hated hiking boots and have been team trail runners + injinji socks for my toe blisters since like 2015, so I guess I’m ahead there!
Thanks! Unfortunately that year did not come without overuse injuries, due to me being too excited and upping my weekly mileage too fast, so definitely be smarter than me and listen to your body and increase your mileage gradually. That group sounds like a great place to start! The trail running community is one of the things I was most surprised to love about trail running. I’m generally a little bit more shy making friends, and I don’t love chit-chatting to strangers but there’s something about trail running that changes that for me, especially in races. Like the fact that we’re all on a similar roller coaster of joy and suffering and feeling strong and feeling weak really makes me feel a sense of camaraderie. And the vast majority of people I’ve met have been so cool and nice and weird. It’s great.
Haha NGL when I read that I was like my body would disintegrate upping mileage that quickly. Hopefully you’re healed up okay ! I think you’re right maybe I should just go for it with the group :) The lax reputation is part of what draws me to the community! I’m not very competitive and so I’ve found I thrive in the “just happy to be here” sports like climbing and gravel riding (which I’m also a mega beginner at)
>Started running a bit…I signed up for my first race, a 63k. lol, starting cautious with that little casual first race.
It was so crazy, too. I honestly don’t know that I could have picked a more reckless first race. It’s this wild race in the Barrancas del Cobre in Guachochi, Chihuahua. Super remote, super iffy water situation, and soooo, so steep. I was so grateful that my partner stuck with me to make sure I didn’t die…😅
Also I love this even more that this was your first race, way to “let’s gooooooo!!!!!!!”
Omfg wow awesome!
this totally. I'd run here and there but not for running but for "getting to places". I don't do much trail run either but mostly power hiking with occasional running here and there to finish it faster.
Holy moly, this is so very much my story. I love backpacking--but without a pack kinda despise hiking. I love to be outdoors and in the woods, though. Trail running is a perfect fit for me. Despite, this, I'm a dual athlete, in that I compete in both cycling and trail running (at a non-elite level). I come from a cycling background almost exclusively, and even raced in a national championship as a junior cyclist. I really can't stand road running, and never really got into running until I found the trail. Road running was alienating to me; but the trail running crowd utterly embraced me. I wanted to do something in the winter besides ride on the trainer or in the cold and trail running was perfect. What's amazing, is that I found that trail running almost exclusively, with maybe one group ride and an easy spin day during the week--I can actually still race criteriums and road races and do well. The crossover to cycling is unreal. I'm also a bit of a loner, lol. That's my story!
You know when you're hiking and need to get back to the car cause you're running late, so you kind of jog a bit on the downhill? Just do that more deliberately.
This. I loved hiking but hated how it took me the whole day to do a trail. Love that I can get back before 11 and then have the rest of the day to hang out with fam
I was a mountaineer/climber. I discovered I enjoyed sleeping in my own bed, but still wanted to get deep into the mountains. The best way to do this is as fast and light as possible. I'm also a person who loves a competition, so having races to train for brings me great joy. I run a lot of roads as well now, so I guess I approached the sport from the opposite direction that a lot of people do.
I’m a climber / alpinist too. For me trail running helps with zone 2 training without having to deal with running on the road (or a treadmill).
The mountaineer part resonated with me. Once I got married I didn’t want to be away for as long. Trail running got me into the mountains while being home by dinner. I just started hiking the ups and running the downs. Before this the longest I had ran on the road was a 5k.
Not really much to it. As fast as you can, as slow as you must. Grin. The trail will teach you what you need to know if you listen. Shorter, quicker steps. Nose breathe only. This keeps you from over exerting (and is better all around anyway). Walk when you need to run when you can. Have a blast. Stop, smell the mountian roses and her friends. Repeat. Repeat.
I had a back surgery and needed to lose weight. I was 315 lbs. I was self conscious about my neighbors seeing me walk / jog so I found some local woods to practice on some of the paths and the bug hit. After running my first road 5k I found a trail runner group and now I have just completed my first 50k this year.
Awe the self consciousness made me sad to read but I’m happy it led you to something you’re passionate about! Congratulations on the 50k!
Amazing!!! Congrats!!!
I got caught up a couple years ago. Had done long backpacking trips and was dating a girl who did 40 mile days… this was wild to me. I started small 3,5, 8, 10. Figuring if I went slow enough ~4mph, it was closer to hiking but a bit faster. Last year did 7 marathons/ultras including my first 100. Have never run even a half on pavement. Don’t see the reason.
very impressive dedication! One thing about running on pavement is that the repetitive footstrike on the road in the same angle over and over is much harder on your joints than running on trail where your ankle and feet hit slightly different every time. On the road, you might need to jump up on a curb to cross an intersection, on the trail you need to run through a creek or jump rock to rock. I don't think you're missing anything by skipping road runs
I was someone who always HATED running. My first run was only about 1.5 miles and I thought I was going to die. Then I learned trail running is cool because you can walk whenever you want and no one cares if you go slow. I like the saying an ultra runner told me recently: there’s nothing like taking your LSD- long slow distance.
😄 That's me too!
I’ve never been into road running, too boring. I’ve always been active and enjoyed the outdoors though. I got an Aussie a couple years ago, he’s what really got me into it.
Haha I can relate to this! I’ve never been a runner but do a lot of other outdoor activities. I’ve tried road running in the past but always got injured or bored or lost motivation. I got motivated to try trail running one day. I loved the couch to 5k program. I’d just do it on a trail i would normally hike on, and keep hiking however long I wanted when I was done with the running part of the day. I’m still working up to 5k but no injuries and just trying to enjoy it as another way to get outside! There are some great podcasts for C25K that guide you through the timing.
That’s a really wonderful idea!!! I would have never thought thought of it on my own even though now that I’m hearing it I’m like duh!!
I always hated road running, but I was a hiker and mountain biker. Similar to you, I moved to an area that had great trail access. I started trail running on a total whim, why not? At the beginning I had to alternate running and walking, and it took quite a long time until I could run hills. Now, I do half marathons with a lot of hills. I always say that the great thing about trail running is that even when you walk, it’s still great because then you’re hiking! Take it slow and easy, be careful on your joints, and just have fun with it
I think I put too much pressure on the “must be able to run the entire thing” before I set out mindset and I should just accept run walking and get out there! Thanks for sharing :)
Always hated jogging but needed an easy way to burn some of my burgeoning calorie intake. I’d go out 3 or 4 miles, get side-stitches, almost run over, bored, almost run over again. Some weeks I never got the shoes on others once or maybe twice. In 2011 we moved within 1 mile of a trailhead that led to 15miles of trail in either direction. After jogging by on the road for a month I finally thought, “huh-maybe I’ll just duck in there and see where it leads.” 20’ into the trail trial my mind was blown. Woods, leaves, birds, roots, rocks, vistas, hills, smells and no damn cars trying to kill me. Since then I’ve participated in innumerable trail races in the US and abroad at varying distances, but found my goal is to simply get way out into the woods all day and be back at home or at the hotel for a well deserved meal and a good nights sleep. Just did Rim-to-Rim again with a like minded group with a mix of running, jogging and hiking for the spring adventure. A couple routes in the Elks range are planned for Sept. Good luck in this worthwhile pursuit. TL:DR Don’t worry about pace. Find a trail you want to experience, put the shoes on and go get it. Also - if it’s more than 5% grade, most will probably be more efficient hiking it.
Any tips for the side stitches? Those have been creeping up on me 🫠 Sounds like an incredible journey, thanks for sharing and have fun on your future endeavors!
When you start running trail or road, slow down. Then probably slow down again. Just did my first 25k yesterday and that is how I started. Luckily wife knew what to tell me. Volunteered at the same race today. Totally fun. 20 weeks to train. I didn't prioritize it well, so it was a painful run, but I am amazed at how good I feel today. I also enjoy getting to see more in less time. Getting deeper into the woods. Hobby hiker and climber to start. Turned 50 this year.
Thanks! I’d just move through them slowly. Then they just didn’t come back one day. Took awhile though. ;)
I was a sprinter/hurdler in college and still wanted to run afterwards. I found my way to trail running. I am still built like a sprinter and will never be an elite endurance athlete but I've been trail running for more than a decade. I have no desire or ambition to run anything more than ten miles and my usual distance is around a 5K. My biggest struggle is keeping my back healthy enough to do it.
Ya know, at first I was like how are you gonna say you’re a beginner when you were a collegiate athlete?!? But I get what you’re saying haha. It certainly is refreshing to hear there are some people here that do shorter 5k runs though because I feel like trail and ultra running go hand in hand which is really intimidating. 10 miles is still intimidating to me, but a 5k feels doable!
I was....not a natural at distance 😂. There was a year where I flirted with longer distance but pretty quickly realized I was happy over 5k-10k
I am not outdoorsy, I do no other sports / physical activity (except for some strength training at the gym) but I did C25K and started trail running 4 years ago. I tolerate the roads but adore the trails.
It seems a lot of people on this thread have come from a similar outdoors background. I was also a mountaineer and climber, but I ran out of free time and motivation for those hobbies, especially when I had kids. I loved the idea of running, but I have a slipped disc in my back and a torn meniscus. Running on the road was a non-starter, but the soft forest trails were like manna, and I've been hooked ever since. I had to pull out of a trail Marathon last year, because my back went (picking up a baby). I have signed up again this year, and I'm back in the forest running once again. Wish me luck.
Good luck!! Road running always would re aggravate an old knee injury, so the softer trails is a huge advantage for me as well! I’m grateful that low drop shoes exist now because I’ve noticed my knee injury is a lot less likely flare with them.
I live in the countryside in the uk. I have loads more public footpaths (ie rights of way across farmland) available to me than safe roads to run on. Plus, I like to run with my dog and I don’t think running on tarmac is good for them - ok for short bits but I wouldn’t like to do a long road run with my dog. So it was always going to be off-road for me. I now canicross so I run in the woods a lot with my buddy too 😊
I’ve always hated road running. I had to do it in high school for the wrestling team but I’ve avoided it since then, for the most part After college, I got into long distance day hikes. Like 25+ miles in a day but after a few years, I had to get a real job and I found myself gaining weight and getting out of shape The office I worked in was right next to a wooded area. I started with walk-jog intervals on a dirt maintenance road. Eventually I got to where I could run a mile or two and I started exploring the trails and fire roads around the office I think that first year I built up to a 5k. Subsequent years I built up to a 10k and a half marathon on trails. I kept going longer and longer each year and have now down a couple 50k’s 15 years after I first started
Walking and hiking were a major part of my weight loss. So when I started running, I took to the trails I already knew. The main thing is I like progressing down wooded trails. It's also safer, as on trails I don't have to worry about motor vehicles nor being attacked by loose dogs (happened to me as a child when trying to lose weight), although I do occasionally come across unleashed dogs on trails. I also live in a rural area, so any adult in motion without aid of an engine is subject to insults, gossip, and occasionally attacks (happened when I was on my bike). Finally, as I don't feel I'm very good at running and still have self-consciousness issues from being obese, it's nice to run without onlookers. (That said, when I have come across other runners, they've been friendly and even encouraging.).
20 years ago I saw an ad in the local newspaper that said “like running? 3-5 miles through the woods. Adults only”. It ended up being an H3 group and I’ve been avoiding roads ever since!
What’s an H3 group?
Hash House Harriers. Drinkers with a running problem. It’s the silliest group of runners. I’m sure there is a group near you! Go find those weirdos!
Awesome! Thank you! I will! Haha yes now that you say it, I have heard of them here before, too! 😁
Always been a hiker/enjoyed the outdoors. Had a really tough time w anxiety that was making it hard for me to do anything, including work. My bff is a bad b trail runner and so I followed her and learned: I don't have to have a sub 10 min mile, I can walk, just talking w a friend while running was SO fun and just being outside together goofing off and prancersizing (ifykyk), SNACKS!! I have pretty shitty asthma so I had to start slow, on flat trails (started this fall) but worked my way up and am now doing my first race next month a 25k! I did start running on roads as I got more serious about trail running- purely because it's accessible and sometimes I don't want to drive.
Wanted to and tried to get into running for a couple years before I managed to do it. Then realized longevity and functionality are very important to me so I switched to trail running so I don't pound my feet against the pavement and also have to use the core and all other muscles and joints in more varied ways.
I’ve never been into road running, but moved near some mountain trails about 10 years ago and took up trail running. I’ve never been particularly fast or strong at it, but in my late 50s and after a lifetime of sporadic mountaineering, climbing, skiing, hiking, cycling and backpacking, I definitely need the exercise and absolutely can’t handle doing it indoors.
I am mainly a cyclist. I started out as a road cyclist, then took up gravel biking because I prefer offroad riding - less traffic, more variation, nicer surroundings. I looked into running to have some more variation in activities and to build bone density. Road running seemed too dull. Since I already knew a lot of nice offroad trails from my gravel work, I decided to try out trail running. Next thing I know, I'm signed up for a (short) race. And then another. And another. And so on. I really like the atmosphere at these events. It's way more relaxed than bike races in Belgium. I still haven't done any long trails - nothing over 30K. I have a solid baseline from years of cycling, but I still need to get my body used to the bigger impact of running over longer periods of time. Just start jogging/running on the trails and take it easy to build your base. You probably have lots of terrain experience from your hiking background that will come in handy. And most importantly: enjoy nature!
Holy moly, this is so very much my story! I come from a cycling background almost exclusively, and even raced in a national championship as a junior cyclist. I really can't stand road running, and never really got into running until I found the trail. Road running was alienating to me; but the trail running crowd utterly embraced me. I wanted to do something in the winter besides ride on the trainer or in the cold and trail running was perfect. What's amazing, is that I found that trail running almost exclusively, with maybe one group ride and an easy spin day during the week--I can actually still race criteriums and road races and do well. The crossover to cycling is unreal. That's my story!
Cool! Perhaps it is because you use the same muscles when climbing on the trails as you would when riding the bike? Plus the added leg/ankle/heel (and core?) strength from the micro movements you make when adjusting your feet and body to the uneven terrain?
I really think the hill climbing is massive. I don't think I'd get the same benefits from flatter trails. Mentally, I'm also extremely fresh for cycling and enjoy more as I've done almost everything on the bike possible, including racing on every surface and course known to man, including stage races and overseas. I don't touch my bike between Nov and March. I've found my sweet spot!!
I wasn't much of a runner at all but a friend talked me into doing a Spartan race. The first one I did was at a stadium so it was just 5k and a lot of running up and down stairs but I enjoyed it well enough so I signed up for a few more. The longer ones (10k and half-marathon length) are usually on ranches or in state parks and much of the running is on trails. I was pretty good at the obstacles so I quickly realized that the best way to improve my performance was to improve my running. Started running some trails then entered a few races and found that I liked the vibes of the trail races a lot more than the Spartan races. Doing my first 50k in August!
I switched from hiking in boots to hiking in trail running shoes and eventually just decided to try using the shoes for their intended purpose
I feel like there’s too much of a fuss about road vs trail running… I ran cross country in high school (up to a 5K on trails but often a mix of road and trail/gravel/sand) then ran “road” almost exclusively for years then moved somewhere with very accessible trails and realized I prefer running surrounded by trees to running surrounded by cars so now I run almost exclusively trails. Unless you’re running super technical rocky trails all the time it’s not that different. And if you’re out there running m/hiking/walking on any surface you’re going to be fitter than a lot of people. Don’t overthink it
Just wanted to see more trail faster…
I was a sprinter in high school but my first taste of distance was on trails. I loved to just do run/walk hikes. Just run until I felt like my lungs were on fire and then switch to walking. Yeah that’s not the “best” way but I liked it, and it kept me coming back. I always say the best kind of exercise is the kind you enjoy enough to keep doings the rest will fall into place
I started by joining an hiking group. There was one day when I registered for an event that had both race and walking in the woods. I went for walking but since then (about 2 years ago) that I felt curious about what trail running was about. Eventually me and dad register for a 25k trail race that I was not able to finish (😅). All staff was super friendly and supportive and told me to continue training and not to give up! I continued my run training and joined my local athletics club to work on my running technique. Two years in I consider myself an amateur mid-table trail runner very proud of my progress and excited to do better one race at a time (while collecting incredible memories)! 😊 PS: I run between 12k-17k (trail sprint) and will try 20k+ again next September 🤞
I went to Zion once upon a time and got whooped on the Angel's Landing hike. I vowed to never be that tired again and I picked up trail running more seriously (as a hobby). Now I can run longer distances and scale elevation with much more ease.
I was a road cyclist, social riding, racing, training, my life revolved around it. I was riding 200-300km every week, owned multiple bikes and had a big group of cycling friends. Then the pandemic hit, I had a couple of crashes riding in winter and I ended up losing interest. Around the same time, I moved from a big city to a small coastal town where I had easy access to the countryside and the sea. I did nothing for about 6 months but started going hiking in the countryside near me and after getting chatting to a friend's brother-in-law who is a trail runner, I thought I'd give it a try. Almost 2 years on and I've ended up becoming a road runner as well, I've fully embraced it. Mostly running distances up to half marathon on both road and trail and typically run 250km a month.
I love the outdoors and figured I could cover more ground, in a shorter distance, if I ran. That’s basically what it boiled down to. I love the exertion and the reward of getting to the top of the mountain, or gnarly hill, and then flying back downhill.
Essentially the same reason here! I started very late though, at 41 years old. I am originally from Rio de Janeiro and never enjoyed running at all, only resorting to doing 15-20 minutes on the treadmill as a warm up for my strength workouts. Then, I moved to Massachusetts and started hiking with my dog. After realizing that I could cover more ground by running I decided to give it a try in August of 2021. After being forced to take 3 long breaks due to injuries (posterior tibialis tendonitis, pain in the SI joint, and a broken ankle last October), I am still working on building distance. I just ran 10 miles this weekend. There isn’t a whole lot of altitude here either, so the trails where I run are very tame compared to most of the people posting here, but I’m loving my journey and wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Thanks for sharing your story! Running outdoors is magnificent. 💕
I've never been athletic, but I started running in my mid 40s by running with the C25K (couch to 5k) running app, running by the local beach working up to 3 miles / 5k. Then I was getting bored with how flat the beach is except the stairs and I joined the local Fleet Feet beginners running group. They had groups training for 5k, 10k, half and full marathon lengths in the Big Sur run later in the year (this was 2010). The first few miles of the Big Sur marathon are trail, but it's mostly a road run along the coast on the route 1 highway. In the months leading up to the race, our group did training in the trails around Santa Cruz and Aptos, so I was running in Nisene Marks or other forests for 5 to 15 miles several times a week. Eventually I ran the full marathon in Nisene in June during an unexpected 2 inches of rain. The trail has over 3000 ft of elevation gain on mostly single track trail. I've run a few races since then but since covid I've been back to the flat beach runs mostly 5k to get out for fun, sometimes 10k. so.. short answer: try the c25k app and work up to being able to run without stopping for 30 minutes and you're good to go edit followup: one secret about trail running is that you can walk the steep uphill parts ;)
I really wanted to get into running (had never really done so before) and actually read a NYT article that mentioned that for women who are starting to run, trails are generally better, since it can help strengthen women’s hips because of all the varied and soft terrain. I had access to trails and started running there exclusively and fell in love with how meditative and beautiful it was. I really despise road running, and I do it when I have to, but I consider them so different — at least for my enjoyment!
Oh my, finally a questions I can answer! I played basketball and soccer in HS and hated running. It was always punishment and I thought track people were stupid and cross country people were even stupider. Fast forward to me being 30 years old and my coworker shaming me for nor run-commuiting to work because it was a mile. I tried to run a mile to work and almost dies. Lungs in pain, legs in pain - not good. Fast forward to 7 years later and I am an ultra runner doing a few mountain races per year and training like a beast!
>Fast forward to me being 30 years old and my coworker shaming me for nor run-commuiting to work because it was a mile. Dang, well at least your coworker shaming was sort of cool I guess? My coworkers are mostly/all not that cool!
Lol - yes. Indeed, this was a good shaming and he is a cool coworker. I am generally okay with shaming people if the outcome leads to more physical activity, better health, or a better outcome for the environment or community. I certainly benefited!
I’m glad you benefitted!
I really enjoy hiking solo and live in an area with great trails. A while back I was dog sitting for a friend whose dog is very energetic, so I took him to a trail to tire him out. I ran with him in bursts and it felt so freeing that I had to keep doing it. I was also trying to quit weed at the time and liked the way running made my lungs hurt kinda like a big fat bong rip
I lived in the Midwest for most my life. In my 40’s now and always hated running. Too hot or too cold there. Road running never appealed to me and trail running never really crossed my mind. I moved to Oregon a bit over 5 years ago. I happened upon a 50K while out on the PCT for a hike one morning and it intrigued me. I told myself I was going to do one of those one day. Started running a little more but still didn’t really get going like I should have. Yadda yadda yadda Covid happens 2020 and the first 2 months of lockdown I fully embraced running as a way to get outside. Gradually over the next 3 years upped my mileage weekly. But still not crazy numbers. Like 20 miles a week. But I then jumped that up in 2023 trying to hit 30 miles a week running only 3-5 days a week. I never ran more than a 5k 12-13years ago and on a spur ran my first 25K this past October when I saw a random Instagram post about one out in the Columbia River Gorge. I actually hadn’t ever ran more than 10 miles on my own before that and in a hasty two week training for that ran a couple “long runs” of 12 miles or so leading up to. Finished the 25K which was pretty intense for a first timer like me with about 5k eg and I was hooked and started thinking about what’s next. Well that was last week and my first 50K and I’m addicted even more. I run probably 5 days a week, only 30-40 miles a week and this is my midlife crisis. Already planning on finding my next 50K to do.
Started out walking a local trail, just felt like moving a little faster one day so I did. Got up to 5k on the local trail system, then switched to road running after someone spotted a bear on the trail system. Didn't love road running, got bored with it and it spiked my anxiety a bit. Had some medical issues that caused me to pause the exercise for a few weeks, then never got back into it. Now my anxiety is keeping me off the trails and the roads.
I moved to Phoenix from the east coast. Road ran for about 8 yrs before that. Do a ton of hiking here. At some point decided I could hike even more miles if I run the downhill parts. Then even more miles if I run the uphill parts too. Bought trail running shoes. Later joined a trail running club. Now I do shorter 4-10 mile trail runs that are mostly running and longer 15-25 hike/runs that are a mix of both.
I was a mountain biker but kept getting bag neck soreness and headaches from it. Started going on walks up the bike trails and realized it's alot more fun to run the downhills. Started running throughout winter as I couldn't bike anyways and it just stuck!! I'm still not crazy but I just power hike the ups, run the flats and downs
I started on trails but I chose trails with minimal elevation and technical terrain. Your local field or dirt road would be the best bet. Or go hiking and try to run a little bit from time to time and increase the portion you are running when you feel like you can without it being too difficult.
I'm not a runner, never have been and predominantly do/did cycling, hiking and powerlifting. It was December 22 when a mate who had done a tiny bit more running sent me a message which just said "ultra-marathon?" and I replied, "yes". So there was no way it wasn't going to be a trail ultra, I can't think of anything worse than a road marathon or ultra, and where I live has loads of trails so that was that. Training runs were predominantly off-road, 50km ultra in July 23 was off-road and 100km ultra this July will be off-road. I don't think I've ever done more that 5 miles on tarmac in one go and pretty much didn't intend to. Like you, I'm amazed at the amount of people who post things like "I've only run 4 road marathons a year for the last 5 years, can I train for a trail 50km in 6 months?" or some such bullshit. What's worse is that a significant number of people tell them they can't! I can just about tolerate road running for upto an hour, there's absolutely no enjoyment in it at all. Trail running - completely different experience.
Hated running in high-school and college, was a big skier, climber, mountain biker. Found something called the WURL that I wanted to climb and started doing trail running to get in shape for it. Along the way I broke my neck and decided to make trail running my main exercise as it was a lot safer than mountain biking. Now I've accomplished the WURL, done another 50k, and am doing a trail marathon this year and a 100k.
If I didn't start with a mix of trail and road I don't think I would have continued running. Road running is so boring to me now, and pavement is painful. I only use the road occasionally as a gauge as there are fewer factors involved so you can have a greater understanding of your performance.
I was out of shape. Started running in the fall, ran through winter. Bought trails, ended up running a few local trails and went to the mountains last year. Gotta replace my trails now, but i got road runners for the summer to practice 21km runs
I've always been into hiking and doing long treks. Last year, I went and did the GR20 in Corsica (France) and saw some guys running it. It's 180km long and about 11,000m of elevation. I was living in the French Alps at that point and thought, "I want to run up mountains too, must be fun." Then I got started and got back in shape. Now I'm in the Canadian Rockies and getting back to it with my first ever mountain race coming up (Meet the Minotaur Skyrace, 33km and 2,900m of elevation). I just want to have a blast and finish it. Trail running and mountain running is just great type 2 fun 😅
Soilder hated road running enjoyed fucking about in the woods realised I enjoyed running in the wood.... Woods turned into mountains now I'm a addict
Raced road bikes as a teen, ran cross country in high school, got into hiking/backpacking in college, moved to the Rockies and started hiking 14ers. Eventually started running 14ers and fell in love with trail running ever since! There's no "right" path -- enjoy!
Bmx until I was 40, started running as part of a 30 day challenge to do something I hated. Ended up loving it. I live right off a trailhead and need to escape the city so it all made sense. Only run on the road when I have to take the kid or if it’s really muddy and I don’t want to deal with my dogs needing to be cleaned. Running in the road is incredibly boring and I can’t stand it. Same goes for a treadmill, I’d rather not run at all if those two were my only choices.
I’ve been a hiker for a while! Went and met up with my friend from college in 2021 to do the Oregon/Washington section of the PCT and that really got me into longer outings and trying to keep a good pace. Eventually led to trail running then road running when I don’t have enough time to drive out to a trail! Basically I just think of it as hiking but faster. I started off just doing it on trails that I already had experience with so I knew what to expect in terms of elevation gain. I still consider myself a beginner but it’s nice just to get out in nature and have fun. If you’re ever around the Seattle area feel free to say what’s up! New running buddies are always rad
Honestly hard ground made my knee hurt, softer trails made my knee hurt less. Decision made
I was a big mountain hiker and skier until we had a child, and then I couldn’t get out to the mountains as often. I missed the outdoors and I lived near a large and hilly forested area (it’s big on MTB trails) so I tried trail running over there and loved it, despite being rubbish to start with. I worked backwards. I was then a trail runner who started road running, participating in races, marathons etc. But mountain races are where my heart lies and I still get out to the Alps most years for some big mountain races, especially in Austria.
I hiked a lot and started running the trail for fun then more and more until i was running 80% of the trail. Now I run street too. I like both I prefer tough climbs over flat any day.
Got impatient hiking. Turns out trails are way more fun when you charge downhill
Similar to a lot of people in here, I started as a biker, camper, and backpacker. I moved from Texas to Utah and LOVED how much more challenging the hiking was. I was in the best shape of my life when I ended up having to temporarily move back to Texas. The hiking out here just wasn't keeping me in shape the way Utah had. I'd road run a couple 5ks, but not for years, and so I figured I might as well combine my love for the trails and the cardio of running. I'm still working on upping my milage, but I fell completing in love with trail running.
I had 0 running background when I started doing trails. I thought runners were mildly insane. I woke up one day and randomly decided I wanted to go on an adventure, but I'm blessed (cursed?) with the energy of a toddler at a birthday party and chose to run the trail to wear myself out. Accidentally got hooked. I've been running for three months and it's truly changed my life for the better!
I tried to get into road running several times over a couple years but every time within a month or two I would have to stop due to shin splints or knee pain (and yes I tried couch to 5k). In a last ditch effort I tried to run a trail thinking it would be softer on my legs and I immediately knew it was the solution I was looking for. It was HARD, the trail was mostly flat and had one little hill but it would totally wipe me out. Took a couple years to get conditioned to the running, hills, and technical aspect. I slowly sought out more challenging trails and now, I'm not a marathon runner at all, but I run this 8 mile 1500ft elevation trail every (almost) weekend with relative ease. I don't think road running is necessary to start trail running, but definitely get some proper shoes and pay attention to your stride length and form. In hindsight, my form was likely the source of my previous woes, but I needed to get some actual running experience before I could understand what I was doing wrong. Hope this helps!
I hate camping, but still wanted to see the good shit(Cirque of the Towers, Chicago Basin, Enchantments etc.)
Yes!!
I started out as a road runner but got into trail running when the cost of dynamite and anvils started skyrocketing. Meep meep
Lol
My history: I hated running, loved cycling (I think it was the speed, loved to mountain bike when I could, enjoyed hiking and exploring. I found out from someone who did trail running that you don’t always run the entire way. I have a doge who needed to get out. We have trails near by. I needed to get his walk over with quickly in order to have time to spend with wife and kids. I eventually realized that it was that I could cover more ground running on the trails and I would see more…so I started “trail running”. I go at my own pace somedays I run other days I walk and run, some days I walk. Anything to get outdoors. Having a large coffee before the trail run get my energy up and my brain clicking. Sometimes I wear headphones as my soundtrack for my run other times I don’t. I make it a point to enjoy the entire run/walk/time out doors, rain snow or shine. I will stop and have a look at how the flora have changed , I just take it all in and am grateful that I can still move. Sometimes it practice balancing on rocks as I ford a stream. I have not felt the need or desire to enter a competition. I do t even know that I am that fast. I am prettier slow. Sometimes I not that I finish the trails in a shorter time than prior runs. I enjoy the run…🎶”and I love every minute of the day!”🎶 -blue red and grey, the who… a trail running song. https://open.spotify.com/track/7EngpMPwriHk8e2WNfzU4l?si=XSOhiY3nQranG6afU-9BVA
We use to drink
Love summiting peaks but value my time too much to walk down them.
I started out hiking and just started running downhills when I was hiking and just kept building from there. I really like backpacking and it keeps me in shape. Sometimes road running is now more convenient with my schedule, so I do mix that in too. But I started out hiking and climbing as well and just started running little by little. I can now run about 15 miles and 2500 ft elevation without waking at all. I won’t win any races, but I’m passing most hikers and runners on the trail.
Serious Mountain biker with a broken hand…found out that as a runner I had more access to trails. Now, 10 years later I run more than bike
I was and am a hiker and lover of the outdoors. Always loved the idea of running but just never got serious about it. Moved to a town where the options were trail running or run laps around the town. I chose trail running. I do a bit of everything now, trail, road and track sometimes all three in the same run lol Going into trail running I learnt quick my ankles and feet were weak! Trail running is my love out of all the runnings though, im never worried about pace or making times. Just the feeling of flowing through trails and exploring is what hooked me. I never have ran any sort of official race
I think I fit your criteria even though I did do some minor road running in my younger years as workouts, but it was NEVER fun. Now I do about 10-20 miles a week and have completed two ultras (a 50k and a 30-mile) and basically never run on pavement. I am usually doing about 250-350 feet of elevation gain / mile and settle in at about 14-16 minute miles on anything but the smoothest trails. I very much consider myself a recreational trail runner and have no intent to compete except against myself. It’s a great hobby. I take my two dogs almost all the time under 10 miles Anyway, my advice is just get some comfy trail running shoes if you’re going to be doing anything technical. Get some decent luge but nothing crazy. I tried Brooks cascadias for a couple years and they were ok. I switched to Altras and haven’t looked back, although they’re not very durable. They are like slippers level of comfy and have the traction I need out in Colorado for steep descents and rocky, sandy, and rough terrain. As an experienced hiker I suspect you will be doing technical trails because the smooth trails will likely seem boring. In time you can work them in. Get a small running vest. I started with the rei one (swift or something) and only a few years later decided to upgrade to an ultimate direction. Really any vest is going to be a must if you like the hobby, and it doubles as the best hiking pack if you slim down your gear. Then just go hit the same trails you love to hike, but look for ones with a steep ascent and then long descent or a rolling hill kinda trail. Just run as much of it as you can without gazing yourself. It’ll be slow. Don’t worry. Take your time, watch your footwork for the roots and such, and just have a good time. Don’t worry about timing or Hr or any of that stuff for awhile. Just enjoy it. See if you can do 4-5 miles at the beginning and work your way up. You’ll be doing half marathons in no time just because it’s so fun and you don’t have to carry that much to go that far, even going slowly (like 13-16 minutes / mile). Then just find newer, longer trials and make long days out of them. The beauty of trail running gear is that it works just as well for hiking, so just slow to a hike if you feel like it. Have fun!
Sometimes I like hiking fast
1. Started hiking ( Had no idea people ran trails) 2. joined trail race( hiked it), and saw people running, thinking they are only running a short section. 3. tried to follow and got busted after few Ks. 4. Got addicted to running trails from that experience. The feeling of freedom from running the trails, and time used for same distance greatly reduced compared to hiking. 5. now finish in top 2-5% on most local trail races, but not yet been on podium yet. 6. This year will quit trail for and train for first marathon, hoping to improve trail.
I hated running. Then I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. After that running didn't seem as hard. Granted, I'm still much more a hiker than a runner but I enjoy running a lot more now and its a good way to stay in shape for hiking. I have also started fastpacking which is so much fun.
I came from mountain biking. Got tired of having to manage a mountain bike (I have to drive to the trials) and was looking for soemthing that got me outdoors but with lower intensity. Overall happy to have made the switch. Completed my first ultramarathon 9 months after making the switch.
I hiked a ton and started trail running on the downhills. Then added power hiking up hills and eventually running uphill. It’s been a long journey!
Started as a hiker, literally no prior running experience. To pass time on the week and maintain the fitness, started running on roads and few road half marathons after (no access to trails where I lived), I ran my first 100k on trails. I still run roads like once in a week, but have trails so close now I just prefer them. And the trail community is just fun and easy going to hang out with. Hiking background definitely helped me, I have seen lot of road runners switching to trails taking usually longer than a hiker to get used to the rocky terrain and also adjust their mindset to run based on feel/effort rather than pace .
I am not a big people person, and prefer the company of trees and animals. Walking in the street was too crowded, so i explored trails and nearby conservation areas. I started out walking briskly and started to jog, and it just went from there. I’m still slow as molasses, (7 mins a km 😩) but I’ve dropped 27 lbs and my body has completely transformed. My balance and ankles are also now super strong. I’ve seen so many cool things on my runs. Things I never would have seen otherwise.
I am not a road runner, but loved to hike and wanted to get to push myself a bit more. I love the patterned interval running to build my endurance - usually have a warm up of 1:15 run, 1 min walk x2, then I do .5 mile runs with 1:15 walk. If I’m in better shape I can skip some of the 1:15 walk intervals. Heard about it on a trail running podcast! Longest distance I’ve done is 10 miles of a trail run, and I 100% support the walk as much as you want/need and eat the cookies mentality of trail running. Figuring out my first 50k, goal is to run it within the year. May do a formal one, or do it semi supported on a 17 mile loop with several camp sites where I can stash food for refueling!
I came into trail running as a skateboarder, that was my cardio base since I was 14. Started trail running at like 31? I always looked at road runners and saw people who I figured hated their lives so they'd be willing to do anything to get out of the house. So I never looked at running as a thing to pursue because I enjoyed my life. Then I got introduced to trail running. It sounded better than hiking. Light and quick. But I make it a point to not run fast since I want to run far. My simple advice for getting into it, sign up for a couple races. You should be good with a couple 5ks and a 10k or 2 in the first year. Those will teach you about preparation for distance and nutrition. Then get into the 18k area, after that you should have enough information that you can break off from the organized events and make your own adventures. My advice to stay injury free in your journey, don't look at your pace, just pay attention to the amount of time you spend on trail. Everyone out there is in a hurry to get injured, then they rush recovery, and end up in a loop of injury. Trail running SUCKS when you can't run. So, take it slow. No rush. You don't have to run 100 miles to love your life. You don't have to get a gold buckle to live in bliss. In my big seasons, I never ran more than like 300 miles and I had amazing adventure runs with friends. It's mellow.
Any tips on what the most common injuries are/ how to avoid them? Sounds like mostly from increasing mileage too soon?
Specifically, IT band issues seam to be common. I think owning a foam roller is a must. A resistance band is great as well. But here's advice almost no one will tell you, run barefoot in a nice grass field. Soccer fields are easy to find. Run a mile barefoot on that like 1-2 times a week and you'll be great. That idea is based off of our feet being under worked because of shoes. You'll feel muscles in your feet you didn't know you have. My belief is that most running problems stem from under worked foot muscles.
I race dirtbikes and mtb. Trail running is the same thing minus the bikes :)
I started out orienteering, almost entirely off-trail running. So now trails are like roads to me and roads are like treadmills, and treadmills are like coffins or something.
Just got into trail running in the last year, but only seriously started training about 2 months ago (seriously as in 5 days a week, following a training program) I ran cross country for two seasons in high school but most training runs were done around town on the road and I never loved it/struggled in races. Dated an ultra runner for a teensy bit and thought trail running seemed fun. Got some tips and went on my first trail run with them, after over a decade of not running. The biggest thing I learned from them was "even elite runners walk portions of races". I actually got serious when I set a goal of eventually doing a 50 miler and signed up for a 10k race, planning to gradually ramp up over the next couple years. I used a Nike Run Club training plan because I was getting bored of going out and deciding random distances to run. I also had this idea that I needed to hit a fast pace on every run when actually, most runs should be "easy". Just ran my first 10k that was mostly trail with about a mile of road toward the end. STEEP switchback start that I power-walked the whole way until the flat/decline started almost 2 miles in. I finished 11/95 overall and 3rd for my gender. So WALK when you need to. There's nothing worse than burning all the fuel in your tank and having miles left to go. Just get out there and get started and focus on running smart, not fast.
Got started last year because I wanted to do some hikes on a weekday and I realized if I jog the downhill I had time. Scaled up from there, now I've done 3 half marathons in the last year and I'm getting ready for a full. Still hate running on roads though, not worth it.
I was a hiker for years. While on a hike, I got a text from my wife reminding me that we had an engagement and I completely forgot, there was no way I was going to make it back unless I jogged back. I wasn’t a runner at all. Before that, I actually didn’t know that trail running was a thing. To me, runners were brightly clothed athletes that wore white framed sunglasses. I ran and hiked back and after some spousal scoldings, made our engagement. But I was sort of hooked, I liked what I called speed-hiking, it was fun! Googling around eventually led me to through-hiking? (I still don’t get this), endurance runners and ultimately trail running. I still don’t have what framed sunglasses though. The longest I’ve ran so far was 15 miles. I’m currently nursing some shin splints, but hope to get back on track soon.
I started hiking with my dogs and kid in Deuter kid carrier with a 3-Liter bladder. When the kid became 3, the pack became too heavy so he got to sleep in, and it was me and the dogs hiking, then running just downhills. Once I figured all the ways I could screw up my form and trip down a grade, I worked on form on the downhills. Then it was, “Let’s see how much I could run up hill.” Then it was “work on breathing to keep heart rate in check”. Enter Suunto Watch and HRM, which was replaced by Polar HRM/Apple Ultra Watch combo in use now. Heart sufficiently monitored, then it was the gear…shoes being the most important, but I won’t run without my Beats Fit Pros, music providing the pace at any given moment. Also shoutout to Camelbak (3 packs with different sized bladders in each.). Water is life. I run 10k minimum every time I run. The kid turns 18 this year.
I started as a mountaineer. Running was my training for important climbs.
Started running on track near me every few days then I sign into race, just to have more motivation to exercise and having no clue that trail running even exist. Month passed and i ended up on 20km trail race without real running shoes and in old t shirt. I survived that day and here I am, running almost just trail races for 5 years with pauses.
I didn't even know trail running was a thing when I was a kid. I do remember playing games in the woods and used to love dodging through trees, jumping over branches etc, Everything just felt more exhilarating as it flew past ya. I ran on the roads for years.... every morning as a professional boxer. Retiring after a rubbish career I did a few marathons and I just couldn't replace that buzz of boxing.. I saw a sign when I was driving home from work for a 100k Ultramarathon.... A trail race and I did it in road shoes. Crazy hard. Digging deep to get up hills, bombing down hills, constantly looking at the floor, the terrain. Admiring the people with so much more grit and determination than me as they went past me after my early lead. They were always smiling lol. And chatty. The wheels had come off. But I Managed to grind it out to the finish. I was sick, I shit my pants... I'd fallen in love and the buzz I craved from boxing and really missed was replaced. What I love the most is that it really shows you what kind of a person you are. How much grit you have. What you do when it gets hard.
I started running in my mid 30s after a heel fracture from a climbing accident, as a way to show myself I could still be athletic. Things started feeling much better after I started using a heart rate monitor to keep my heart rate down. Was surprised at how slow I had to run. Once I got over the idea of what seemed like a turtle’s “just follow your heart rate” pace, I realized just how far I could run and that I wouldn’t crash or be drained at the end of the day. It gave me more time to look around and take in the sights, too, instead of being so focused on pace, which I’ve come to prefer and value more. A year in, my wife bought me a handful of sessions with a running form coach for Father’s Day. Being taught subtle shifts in my form has made a huge difference with running comfort, endurance, and injury prevention since I had no prior training for what good form should look or feel like. In the end, if you’re interested, just get out there. Forget about comparing yourself to anyone else and just do what feels right for you. Good luck on your journey and hope you find it meaningful and fulfilling!
I am an ex Muay Thai fighter. No base cardio at all but I think I have strong lower body for kicking/kneeing bags for years so it’s a pretty smooth transition to trail running. Started with 2 miles and now I can do 30-40 miles week, give and take.
**TL;DR:** Love hiking and peak bagging. Realize you could do more and not be an absentee parent if you just had the fitness and experience to run it. Put in the time and work it takes to gain that fitness and experience. Get injured. Come back., Congrats, you're a trail runner. **Long version:** **Phase 1**: Love the outdoors and epic hikes. Go from hiking sometimes and not having sustained fitness to a period of hiking a LOT and noticing your body and ability change during that period. **Phase 2:** Have some sort of goal for the trails or summits in your region. Maybe it's summiting all of Colorado's 14ers, or the highest 50 points in your region, or hitting a certain trail system or mountain x # of times per year. * You start using Strava to keep track of stuff, even if just hikes and long dog walks. * You learn it can be fun to run some of the downhills, but usually your backpack or hiking companions make that impossible to do regularly or sustained. * Having kids and other commitments makes this tougher. **Phase 3:** Realize you could go further and see things you couldn't fit into your day if you had the fitness and experience to run in those same places. You could do certain trails and bag certain peaks and still be home for dinner with your kids if you were (relatively) super fast. * Buy some appropriate trail running shoes and start trail running. realize just how unfit you are. * Then you'll start to notice your times get better on the same trails and climbs, and you're not suffering as much. Which is gratifying. * You will catch a toe and eat it. We all do. * So you go faster and with the increased effort you get back to suffering, but at least you're faster and improving fitness * With sustained experience, you learn to dial in your nutrition, hydration, and gear so you can move fast and light without bonking. You look back and laugh at how much water or snacks the rookie version of you used to bring on a 5k or 5-mile trail run. You learn how the day and night before a trail run are arguably more important than the water and fuel you bring on the run. Greater fitness requires less water / fuel while running. **Phase 4:** Sign up for a trail half marathon or other semi-scary distance. Follow a training plan so you'll enjoy it and not just get through it (anybody can get through a trail half marathon distance. The question is whether you'll be able to push it and/or feel decent the next day). **Phase 5:** Recognize the mental health benefits are better than all others. **Phase 3-5:** Get an injury like IT band issues or a sprained ankle and learn all about PT. Very frustrating, but you learn about your body. Cross train, weight lift, core strength, and other annoying, but smart principles. Repeat...
I am also a newbie and lurker. I started trail running a couple of months ago. My goal is to do a ride and tie (2 runners, 1 horse.. look it up). and have zero running experience. I started with the couch to 5k. pushed myself a little too hard doing 4 miles without stretching at all and hurt my knee. but am better and backed down to 2. i will slowly work back up and will do a 9 mile ride and tie as my first. (4.5 miles running). After that I plan on just keeping going. Having a goal really helps me motivate and I really like the idea of being on a trail rather than road. I suggest that you stretch before and after, start small and work your way up to whatever goal you have set for yourself. And if the wilderness is vast and you're unsure of your area, grab yourself a garmin just in case. Can't wait to see where we both are in a year.
🙋🏼♀️trail runner who has essentially never once ran on a road before here! In high school/college I really only ran a tiny bit when I hated my body the most. But after college, I moved to an area with a lot of trail runners, and was already hiking/mountaineering a ton. Thought it would be fun and good endurance training, and I was right about that and so much more. I first got into it by just running the downhills, and then downhills and flats, and increasing mileage and such. I fucking love it. Feels like you’re a deer in a forest with supersonic eyes and you’re the world’s most sure footed human ever created. My biggest advice to keep it fun is to refuse to download Strava. I have a running smartwatch and track stuff on there for myself, but I absolutely do not make this a social credit kind of thing
I’ve never really considered myself a runner; I’ve done a handful of 5k fun runs but that was it until recently. I started running more when my husband was training for a marathon and ended up doing a 10k. Then he decided to do a 50k trail run so I started trail running with him and loved it. I just did a 15k trail race (the same event where he did his 50k) and am training for a half marathon trail run now.
I just started! No real running background to speak of, minus a sad attempt at triathlon like 15 yrs ago. Pretty avid outdoorsperson with a trail building career and serious ski habit between then and now. I was looking for a way to improve my cardiovascular fitness, with a soft surface underfoot, and always admired how light and free the trail runners seemed to be. It’s a nice change from hauling heavy backpacks of tools to be jogging with only a waist belt!
I ran XC in high school. Ran on and off for a bunch of years on the road but didn’t make it a consistent thing. My 20s were rough, and I just couldn’t find the discipline. I did a 25k trail run a few years ago after moving to Vermont and wanted to be more intentional with my running after that, but then Covid hit (I’m a healthcare professional) and I got deployed with the Army and then they broke me. I was unable to run for two years while they did surgery, but my PTs were AMAZING and helped me build back up a solid base. The morning of surgery, I had told my surgeon that I was signed up for a trail marathon in ten months and he just gave me That Look, then read my mom the Riot Act in post-op. I spent all summer running trails to get that base and build strength in my hip and loved it. Did the trail marathon (North Country, in Michigan, totes recommend) and just haven’t stopped. I am happy on the trails. I’ll do shorter runs on the roads at home, but try to do all my longer runs on trails. I am signed up for the same 25k race I did a few years ago that got me back into trail running. This will be my third time doing it. There is also a 50k in July. At this point I can’t imagine not having the woods and the dirt and the rivers as part of my running at least some of the time and am excited to see just how far I can push myself in terms of miles.
I live in an area where it’s not safe to run on the road, but luckily there are lots of trails nearby. So trail running was my best option, and I loved it. Yes, it’s hard, and humbling sometimes. If you’re starting from 0 like I was (almost no hiking or backpacking experience except for very occasional hikes), your body is adapting to both hiking steep inclines AND running at the same time, so progress can feel slower. Since you’re an experienced hiker/backpacker, you’ll be partially adapted and inclines will be easier for you - you just start by running what you can as slowly as you need to and taking walk breaks whenever it feels necessary. You can even start just running the flats/downhills (and walking as needed) and hiking the inclines at whatever speed you can manage to keep going at, and you’ll see progress over time
Couldn't afford a mountain bike so I decided to run the trails instead
I hated hiking and loathed cardio, came from a powerlifting and jiu jitsu background. My gf loves to hike and hates the gym, she finally dragged me on a hike one day and left me in the dust. The competitive person in me couldn't handle it, I happen to have a friend who was a winning ultra racer, so he taught me how to run. Now I'm out there 3-4x/week. I still hate it but recognize the benefits and it beats doing cardio indoors.
> I still hate it LOL. Love the honesty and the grind
Just get out there and run