TRAIL RUNNING

           One of the latest trends in running is to escape the every day hassles of curbs, cars, and dogs and run the trails. Now when I say trails I don’t mean the nicely paved trails we now have in St.Clairsville and Wheeling but the scenic areas that put us out in the boonies, as I like to call it. The paved trails in the above mentioned are nice but nothing like hitting some real trails for some back to nature experiences.

           It hasn’t happened in our area but there is a growth in races that are strictly trail runs. A decade ago you would only find maybe a dozen of these so called races but now there are hundreds ranging from 5 milers to overnight “ultras”.

The only part of trail running that has caught on in our area is the wearing of trail shoes. Trail shoes have entirely different feel and look. The main reason to wear them has been just a fashion statement. Here are a few tips on trail running.

           The first thing I would like to add is the fact that trail running is done on a much softer surface which reduces the risk of normal running injuries however, being that you will be running over roots and rocks the possibility of sprained ankles will increase. Other possibilities are bee stings and scratches. The most basic rule of trail running is to always look two steps ahead and down. Always pay attention to the terrain. The next thing is to run in a slight crouched position. Keeping your legs slightly bent and elbows up lowers your center of gravity thus providing better balance. Always think time and not mileage. With this one you may have to change your normal mindset. Most trails can’t be measured anyway(unless you have a gps) so just put in the time. Always carry some water. Sometimes you get so caught up in the running that you find you are farther away than expected and in need of fluids. Another tip is to walk the steep parts. I usually don’t use the “w” word when it comes to my workouts but in trail running sometimes it just makes more sense.

           I’m sure most of you out there are wondering that this is all fine and dandy but just where can I find these trails. Believe it or not, there are a few in our own back yard. I came upon one in Bellaire just a few years back and I’ve been running around here for some 25 years! It’s a little rugged and it takes a good climb to get to it but I enjoy it. My Sunday runs used to include the nature trail behind the miniature golf area in Oglebay Park; its about a mile long and easy to run. The trail down at Wayne National Forest in New Matamoras has been claimed by Runner’s World magazine to be one of the best in the country. Barkamp also has some trails that can be tested and is also going to be the site of an upcoming trail race(the only in out area). So if you want a change of pace and a change of scenery, look no further than some of these places. Enjoy. See ya on the roads.