Buy a trail guide. If there are no books specifically devoted to trail running for your area, get a guide to hiking, mountain biking or cross-country skiing trails.
Step2
Ask the personnel at a running shoe store or outdoor outfitter for their opinion on the area's best trails. Be sure to tell them exactly what types of trails would be appropriate for your personal fitness level.
Step3
Join a running club and ask its members what trails they would recommend. If the runners in the club don't like to run on trails, convince them to try.
Step4
Decide what kind of run you want to do. Would you prefer to run a loop, or would you rather run out and back?
Step5
Consider who you're likely to run into on any particular trail. If you don't like sharing a trail with mountain bikers or horseback riders, look for trails that permit only foot travel.
Step6
Study a topographical map of your area and decide which trails are most appropriate for you.
Step7
Take into account the ease of access, terrain, elevation, mileage, exposure to sun and wind, and the presence of water.
Step8
Visit online resources like Trails.com to see if they list trail running trails in your area.
Tips & Warnings
Never assume that everything you find in a trail guide is correct. Before trying a new trail, call ahead to appropriate land-management agencies to ensure that the trail is currently safe and open to the public.
Get out and try new trails. There are always winners hidden amidst the duds.
on 11/22/2005
Most trail races can be walked or run, and they provide snacks, maps, and some friendly company. Find a race nearby that has a "loop" course, and look for volunteers, aid stations, and a well-marked trail.
on 11/22/2005
Horse trails are sometimes overlooked by trail runners. It's important to be careful around horses, but most times you'll have the trail to yourself.
on 11/22/2005
8-mile circular route, fully marshalled with first aid points. Route marked by Dayglo ribbons. Finish off with a potato pie supper. Contact Steve (s.j.wallwork@mmu.ac.uk) for more details.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Most trail races can be walked or run, and they provide snacks, maps, and some friendly company. Find a race nearby that has a "loop" course, and look for volunteers, aid stations, and a well-marked trail.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Horse trails are sometimes overlooked by trail runners. It's important to be careful around horses, but most times you'll have the trail to yourself.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 8-mile circular route, fully marshalled with first aid points. Route marked by Dayglo ribbons. Finish off with a potato pie supper. Contact Steve (s.j.wallwork@mmu.ac.uk) for more details.