Many people find that the transition from road running to trail running is not as easy as it might seem. This brings to light that technique could be a crucial element when it comes to becoming a better trail runner. Jason Fitzgerald summarizes the difficulties that a road runner might face when making the transition from road running to trail running in an interview that he had with Jeff Galloway, entitled "Trail Running Hacks for Beginners: Jeff Galloway on How to Get Started with Trails":
“What top mistakes do road runners make when they start trail running?”
“Jeff: The first mistake is that their stride length is too long. Because of trail hazards like rocks, sticks, holes, uneven surfaces that change from step to step, a runner gains more stability by shortening the stride and having the foot land underneath their center of mass. The natural stride of a road runner has been embedded in the subconscious brain and they often maintain this stride when venturing onto the trails. This can result in more ankle injuries, less stability, and more falls.”
“The second mistake is that runners bounce too much while trail running. By staying low to the ground while still clearing debris, trail runners have better control over foot movement. Road runners tend to bounce a bit higher and are often surprised by foot instability as they land.”
“Finally, many runners go too fast on the downhills. Roads offer a smooth surface with few irregularities and road runners tend to run faster because of gravity and momentum. This speed on the trails doesn’t allow for careful placement of the feet around rocks and other obstacles.
“Jason: Trail runners often run by effort rather than a strict pace. Beginners who are just getting started with trail running may want to stop using their GPS watch – pace isn’t as important as your overall effort, which will be higher because of the terrain, obstacles, and elevation changes.”
“Running slower isn’t just a good idea because of effort. You’ll also be able to pay more attention to the trail itself and enjoy the scenery.”
Check out the full interview here and for more useful trail-tips, Jeff Galloway has a 'Complete Guide - Trail Running: The Complete Guide here.
This article was written by JASON FITZGERALD