Brian Polen, race director of the Akron Marathon Rubber City Race Series, shares trail running tips.
BEEP! HONK! WHOOSH! These are the sounds that those of us who typically run on the roads have become accustomed to during our runs, and sometimes running with these distractions can take away from what is supposed to be our relaxation time and opportunity to get away from the rigors of daily living.
(photo by volunteer Rob Blair)
“Luckily for those of us who live and play in Summit County, we have another option to help us get away from it all: move your run to the beautiful trail systems of Summit Metro Parks!”
Explore the ponds and streams of Munroe Falls, take in the views of Cuyahoga River from the Glens Trail at the Gorge, traverse the technical trails of Hampton Hills, get in some social time from the well-traveled trails at Sand Run, take in the history that the Towpath Trail represents, and more. Regardless, these trails will allow you to trade vehicular traffic for wildlife and provide you that opportunity to actually relax during your recreational time.
What does it take to move your run from the road to the trail? Really, it doesn’t take much, but here are a few quick tips to help you make that first trail run a success:
1.) FORGET YOUR GPS WATCH
On the trails, with all of the twists, turns, unstable footing and changing elevation, you can expect that your pace will be a bit slower than what you usually run on the roads. By forgetting your GPS watch, you won’t be held back by this distraction and you can focus on truly enjoying the run, the terrain and the extremely good workout that a trail run presents.
2.) TRADE THOSE ROAD SHOES FOR TRAIL SHOES
A good pair of trail shoes, which you can get at your local running specialty store, boasts features such as a rock plate built into the sole to protect your feet from the rocks and roots you will encounter on the trail, a resistant upper to keep the elements out, and an aggressive tread pattern to help with stable footing no matter what trail conditions you encounter.
3.) KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING
Nothing will deter a new trail runner from coming back faster than turning that 3-mile fun run into a terrible 10-miler because you cannot find your car! Do some quick research on the trail that you are headed to and be aware of where the trail goes, what the trail markings will look like, and what landmarks are along the route so you can benchmark if you are on the right track. Find Summit Metro Parks trail information here.
4.) TAKE A FRIEND AND A PHONE
Running on the trails is a great time to be social, and by taking a friend with you it not only allows you much needed time to catch up with a friend, but also gives you a partner to keep you safe in the rare case that you need some help. It is also advised, at least until you become familiar with the trail systems, that you take your phone along as an additional safety device — plus, phones are great for taking selfies!
We are blessed that the area where we live has an incredible system of parks with countless trail systems. Get out there this summer and explore this local resource. Running on the trails presents a bit more diverse and intense workout than road running, and the soft surfaces are actually easier on your body which can lead to a healthier and happier training cycle. Start your trail running adventure — go explore Summit Metro Parks!