Trail Running
Trains the Quads.
- Equipment
- Bodyweight
- Mechanic
- Not recorded
- Force
- Not recorded
- Level
- Beginner
How to do it
- Choose a trail and footwear with enough grip for the surface.
- Start at a walking pace and build to a run on the easier stretches.
- Shorten the stride on uneven ground and on descents, keeping the feet under the body and the steps quick.
- Lean slightly into climbs and drive with the arms; on descents, keep the knees soft and the weight over the feet.
- Look a few strides ahead rather than at the feet, so the footing is chosen before you reach it.
- Walk the sections that are too steep or too rough to run.
Common mistakes
- Overstriding on descents. Long strides downhill land on a straight leg and a heel; short, quick steps keep the knees soft.
- Watching the feet. Looking down rounds the back and gives no time to choose the footing; look ahead.
- Running every section. Steep climbs and rough ground are walked; a walk there is faster and safer than a stumble.
- Leaning back on descents. The weight stays over the feet; leaning back puts the heels down and the feet out in front.