Friday 12 June 2015

Tips for starting trail running

Tips for starting trail running
With the days getting longer and the evenings warmer getting out to do some exercise is a great activity to start. Mr JibberJabber is a big fan of running and regularly goes out to get the miles in. If pounding the pavements doesn't appeal to you get out on your local trails to enjoy some varied terrain. Here are Mr JibberJabber's top tips to get going.

Start out with short distances – Don't think you are going to be running marathons within weeks of starting out. Even if you start out by going for 10 minutes and then upping it to 15 minutes you're still doing more than the person sitting on the sofa.
Get up to 5K – The first distance most people want to get to is 5 kilometres. One way to achieve this is taking part in the weekly Saturday morning parkrun events. They are free to take part in, you don't have to book a place or do it every week. Don't worry about running the whole way round as walking parts of it is done by many participants. Of course the best part is that they all take place around 336 different parks and fields of the UK.
Don't run alone – If you've caught the running bug get the encouragement and experience of others through joining a running club. They quite often have weekly events designed for runners at different stages and abilities.
Pick the right shoes – At first your usual running shoes will be fine but after a while invest in some proper trail running shoes. With their large studs to give better traction, toe bumpers and hard wearing fabric they are designed to deal with the harshest conditions.
Enjoy the scenery – Trail running is better than being stuck indoors on the treadmill and easier on the body than road running. Take in the view around you but watch out for uneven ground and overhanging branches.
Find new routes – Running the same route again and again will leave you bored and unmotivated. Research new trails with different terrains to give you something different to look forward to.
Respect other trail users – Many trails are multi-user paths. Listen and watch out for cyclists, walkers, dogs and horses.

Rest – If you're feeling rubbish, too tired or simply full of cold let your body recover. In the long term you'll be doing yourself a favour. Even Olympic athletes have to rest so this is perfectly acceptable! If you want to get out go for a walk instead.

Are you a trail runner? What is your favourite route?

This is a collaborative post. All the words, opinions and photographs are courtesy of the JibberJabberUK team.



Mums' Days

17 comments:

  1. Some good tips - great to get out in the countryside to keep fit especially at this time of year.

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  2. Running is not for me, but we do love walks through the woods and in the park - being outside and exercising is good for the soul!

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  3. oh great such a great idea love these summer days outting fun to do's

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  4. Great tips although I'm more of a stroller :-)

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  5. Fantastic tips, I like to walk lol me and running dont mix, but being out in the fresh air is good

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  6. Fab tips! I really like walking a lot but am not sure I'm quite up to running, yet.

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  7. Some fab tips, I am sure I will still get lost though, if I ever ran ;) x

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  8. My best friend is a runner and she runs around 3 miles 3 times a week. She is amazing and has four boys, she says that running keeps her fit.

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  9. Running always sounds so freeing, I wish when I could I had tried more of it.

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  10. I can't really run but I love walking in the countryside - it's great just to be out in the fresh air.

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  11. Some great tips, I've always wanted to start running x

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  12. I would love to do this I have loads of countryside near me

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  13. I am not runner and the thought of pounding pavements sends shivers down my spine but this looks fun

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  14. I'd love to be able to run one day, I'm crazily unfit so I wouldn't be able to now, but I'm starting to be healthy and exercise more so fingers crossed for the near future! xx

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  15. I am so unfit, but know that I need to improve my fitness levels - am considering starting couch to 5 k in september when my youngest starts school - daunted by the idea but know I need to tackle my health now!

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  16. I am not a runner but these kind of surroundings could deifnitely inspire me!

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  17. Gosh, you've tempted me - treadmills are just the dullest things ever and we now live in a place with no paths, so I've not been for a run in ages. I should get myself an os map and workout some routes! Although I'm also a chicken, so I might need to get someone to come with me :) Thanks for linking up to #TheList xx

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I appreciate your comments. If you have any tips, tricks or tweaks please pass them on!