First of all, you should know that this beautiful sport allows us to get in touch with nature, a characteristic that is very well appreciated by many runners. However, you have to be aware that running in the mountains is not the same as running on the road, since the characteristics vary.
Preparation before starting trail running
Before beginning to start practicing trail running completely, it is important to follow a series of guidelines so that it is an activity that can really satisfy us. The first thing you should do is a medical examination.
It is always important to know the state in which we find ourselves before starting to do a sport. You have to be aware that trail running is a sport that will require constant changes of pace, which will make your heart work. In addition, it is highly recommended to have a heart rate monitor with an activity watch, which will help us take care of our health at the same time that we can follow our training.
Once you take these indications into account, you can start practicing this sport.
Basic tips to start in trail running
Once you know the above, it is time for you to know a series of basic tips to be able to get started in trail running. Although it may seem that running is a simple sport that has no complications, it really is not.
The race requires knowing the limits of each one’s body, and also having an appropriate technique. To all this we must add a series of tips to keep in mind:
Spontaneity
Although there are those who think that running can be a boring activity or who are pessimistic when it comes to achieving your goals; You should know that running and getting in contact with nature can become a very pleasant activity.
Running is the simplest, healthiest and cheapest way to play sports; and by opting for trail running you can enjoy unique landscapes as well as pure and clean air; and all this in an environment that can give you maximum peace of mind, an excellent way to disconnect.
Run close to home
In the event that you live in a small town, this will be an advantage when you start trail running, since in this way you will be able to quickly access routes through the natural environment.
This will make it very easy for you to quickly get away from the noise or the cars to make your way up the mountain; and if you live in the outskirts you will not have to take the car. In the event that this is not the case, try to find a way to move to nearby places to start learning to enjoy trail running.
wear the right clothes
A very important point if you want to know how to start trail running is to take into account the weather conditions in the mountains, which can be unpredictable. For this reason, you must be prepared both to suffer a lot of heat and to face low temperatures.
In fact, currently the vast majority of athletes who practice activities in the mountains use a three-layer system. This system consists of keeping the body dry and at a good temperature using three garments with different characteristics.
Also, keep in mind that in summer or sunny conditions it is preferable to choose to wear light and cheerful colors, which help to repel heat and prevent the absorption of solar radiation. It is also recommended to wear thin and light shirts to enjoy greater breathability.
However, conditions can change from moment to moment, so even in summer it is recommended to pack a waterproof jacket. Nowadays it is easy to find models that are light, thin and very easy to transport.
For its part, in winter you have to bet on the three-layer system. The first layer is the shirt that is responsible for drying sweat and keeping the body dry; the second layer, which is a jacket that seeks to keep the body warm; and the third layer, which is the outer one and whose function is to keep snow or rain out. For the lower part of the clothing, meshes are recommended in most cases, due to their lightness and comfort.
It is also important to use the right accessories. In winter we recommend the use of gloves and a hat and in summer sunglasses.
Choose a good shoe
It will be useless to wear the best clothes if you do not do the same with your footwear. It is very important to choose the right footwear, it must be comfortable and have several options. For when it rains, it is advisable to bet on models with Gore Tax or similar membranes that prevent water from penetrating, keeping the foot dry. In summer, however, it will be preferable to opt for footwear that offers greater breathability.
When buying it you will also have to pay great attention to the sole, to choose the one that best suits you and the places where you are going to practice this sport.
