Considering trail running. Any advice?

NorthCascades

I've done a lot of hiking, scrambling, and backpacking, so I'm very comfortable on a trail and familiar with many of the ones around here. I also have good outdoor gear. But I'm not terribly experienced as a runner. (I can run a 5K in less than 30 minutes.)

I'd love to hear any advice people want to share with me about this, but I'm especially keen on how to choose a trail. I have a first run in mind but with my lack of experience, I may have chosen it for the wrong reasons.

RuNaRoUnDaFiEld

Don't over think it, just get out and do it. You're very fit any way so you don't need to do run/walk.

You'll love it, it's very addictive!

rybo

Don't over think it
Start by taking a trail you are familiar with and running the easy parts, walking the rest. Boom, trail runner.
You have the most difficult part down, being at ease on the trail. Just move a little faster on some parts

MeanderingMammal

Find a trail, go and run on it.

If it feels too technical, slow down and walk.

Essentially try to avoid excessive climbing initially as that can be pretty energy sapping.

Also perhaps moderate expectations. If you're currently around a 30 minute 5K, expect somewhat slower.

NorthCascades

Ok, here's my plan then, let me know if this sounds ok or if I should adjust it.

Cascade Pass Trail. I've hiked this one dozens of times. It's narrowish single track, but the tread is very smooth, for most of the trail there are no rocks or roots. There are a few short talus fields, I'll either stop the timer and walk those sections, or start running after the last one ends.

I'll take a Wednesday off for this because the trail is very crowded.

I plan to hike from the trailhead up to the pass, enjoy the scenery for a while, then run back to my car. That'll get me a 3.7 mile run with 1,800 feet of descent.

RuNaRoUnDaFiEld

Stunning place to run.

One of the runs I do I have to stop running and climb using tree roots. I just keep the timer going and the next time I do that route I try to beat that time.

shagerty777

If you really want to feed your possible new addiction, get on the TAUR (Trail and Ultra Running) group on Facebook... I just signed up for my first 25K trail race and I haven't even run a 1/2 marathon yet...

NorthCascades

Is 1,800 feet of descent ok?

At the top it'll be pretty flat for a brief meadowy period, then the trail enters the woods and it's down hill every step of the way, with a bunch of switchbacks. They're easy to recognize and there's good soft dirt tread. To me it seems like an easy introduction but again I'm not that experienced with running in general.

cheriej2042

I'm an avid hiker and I trail run 2x/week to get ready for trips. I would not consider myself a runner but I can run 5-6 miles on the trails. Here is my advice
Run on well groomed trails to start(even fire roads that are nice and wide)otherwise you are going to risk tripping/falling/face planting
Get the right shoes for trail running (yes there are trail running shoes)
Be careful on the downhill at first because you can really pound your knees, also on really loose rock/scree I just walk those parts

I like to run in a state park that has some great hills and ocean views. Also we've had lots of rain this year so more rattlesnakes although I haven't yet seen one the rangers posted signs. I have seen bobcat, deer, rabbits so lots to distract you.

MeanderingMammal

NorthCascades wrote: »

Is 1,800 feet of descent ok?

At the top it'll be pretty flat for a brief meadowy period, then the trail enters the woods and it's down hill every step of the way, with a bunch of switchbacks. They're easy to recognize and there's good soft dirt tread. To me it seems like an easy introduction but again I'm not that experienced with running in general.

Continuous, that's quite a lot. Downhill can be quite demanding on the core, and you're going to feel a lot of impact in the quads.

Descents are fun though.

vespiquenn

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

NorthCascades wrote: »

Is 1,800 feet of descent ok?

At the top it'll be pretty flat for a brief meadowy period, then the trail enters the woods and it's down hill every step of the way, with a bunch of switchbacks. They're easy to recognize and there's good soft dirt tread. To me it seems like an easy introduction but again I'm not that experienced with running in general.

Continuous, that's quite a lot. Downhill can be quite demanding on the core, and you're going to feel a lot of impact in the quads.

Descents are fun though.

This. If possible, try to make sure you don't overstride during descent. It's easy to do, especially when it's for a long period of time, and can be pretty rough on the the joints. Otherwise, I think you'll do fine.

laurenj915

I love trail running. It feels like being a kid again. Have fun, be ok with falling and skinning your hands and knees.

jgnatca

I had the privilege to attend a workshop by John Stanton. When going uphill you can go faster by shortening your stride. Try it. It works.

WayTooHonest

Good shoes. I love my Brooks trail runners. Much lighter than the Salomans. I have run multiple Spartans in both. The Brooks were so much better, especially when wet.

ETA I HATEHATEHATE to run. But I can actually run comfortably and quickly using the Pose Method. I recommend reading about it, giving it a try, see what you think.

NorthCascades

laurenj915 wrote: »

I love trail running. It feels like being a kid again. Have fun, be ok with falling and skinning your hands and knees.

I love cross country skiing more than anything else, and I learned that falling is a big part of it. Guess this'll be a way to keep my love alive until the snow comes back.

NorthCascades

vespiquenn wrote: »

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

NorthCascades wrote: »

Is 1,800 feet of descent ok?

At the top it'll be pretty flat for a brief meadowy period, then the trail enters the woods and it's down hill every step of the way, with a bunch of switchbacks. They're easy to recognize and there's good soft dirt tread. To me it seems like an easy introduction but again I'm not that experienced with running in general.

Continuous, that's quite a lot. Downhill can be quite demanding on the core, and you're going to feel a lot of impact in the quads.

Descents are fun though.

This. If possible, try to make sure you don't overstride during descent. It's easy to do, especially when it's for a long period of time, and can be pretty rough on the the joints. Otherwise, I think you'll do fine.

This is making me wonder if I should try a flat trail the first time. I don't know, I can be really indecisive. This trail has a lot going for it - at the top you're eye level with the glaciers, it's my favorite place to hike, it's where my first long thru-hike started, I've spent many nights in six different wilderness camps in the area, there's a lot of happy nostalgia. All that vs my knees will hurt.

Do you think if I spend some time running down hill in the city, that will help?

crackpotbaby

I'm off to buy my first pair of proper trail running shoes today.

I'm by no means a great runner; I can run about 4km on hilly but well maintained bush paths.

I have my eye on a gravelly trail which is about 6km of wide fire trail tracks.

I'm not quite ready for that yet so planning on trying a 2km uphill/downhill circuit on a smaller trail with similar surface.

Which me luck finding the shoes today; my current running shoes are totally unsuitable ... I feel every rock!

crackpotbaby

This is where I'm running

NorthCascades

Ok I guess now I have to post a photo of the trail I have in mind! You can probably understand why I'd want to choose this one.

This is looking west from below Cascade Pass. Forbidden Peak in the background.



Almost the same view but the trail is visible in this one. I'm thinking I might start running just after the talus field ends, hoping it'll be 5 km to the trailhead.



This is above the pass on a climbing route, I won't run up here. Looking down into Pelton Basin. I've spent a few nights in that little valley.



This is a few miles further up the trail, at Sahale Glacier Camp, where I spent two incredible nights. Not going to run up here, either, but it's the same trail and the happy memories are a big part of why I'm thinking about doing this.





The trail I'm considering is narrow but smooth with good tread. My friend complained that the trail is too good, more like a park and less like a wilderness.



And here's a picture of my bike at the trailhead. It was the most difficult ride I've ever done in my life.

NorthCascades

80 % of the trail is in thick forest, though. Most of the way you can't see anything but trees.

L1zardQueen

Jelly!

NorthCascades

When I biked the road up to the trailhead, I suffered a lot, even got mild heat stroke, but I got to combine my passion for cycling with my love of hiking.

I don't love running. At all. For some reason I don't understand, I want to run in the spring. On a nice day, I feel motivated to run a couple miles after work. It's great for my heart and I think it's helping my cycling. I pick it up again in the fall because I know it helps me get ready for cross country skiing.

But I wonder if I might be more fond of running after I do this.

L1zardQueen

I like hiking up trails and then running down them. I like to focus on my footing, picking the next step. Enjoy the process.

scorpio516

Footing, footing, footing.

Avoid trails with loose surfaces, avoid trails with excessive roots.

Wider is better, IMHO.

Look out for bikers.

Meganthedogmom

You live in Washington? I am so jealous. It's absolutely beautiful there!

NorthCascades

scorpio516 wrote: »

Look out for bikers.

That's one thing this trail has going for it for my purposes with this. No bikes, no horses. Even mid-week, though, it'll be crowded, this is the most heavily used trail in the area.

You and @Tiny_Dancer_in_Pink are both stressing footing, other people have stressed the important of small strides. As a novice runner, should I find another trail to get started? Or do you think if I make a point of running down hilly roads in the city, I can figure it out before this run? (It won't be melted out enough for another month.)

lorrpb

No expert on the topic, but it would make sense to do some downhills in town to help condition your muscles & connective tissue. Such a gorgeous route you've chosen!

L1zardQueen

I take little steps, watch the trail in front of me but not my feet, use my arms for balance. I stay loose, upright and light on the foot.

Going uphill is the same thing but cardio part. Haha! I run when I can and walk fast with big arms when I can't run.

Trail running is so freeing.

Nony_Mouse

Trail running is the best, especially when it's downhill . Just go, and enjoy!!

NorthCascades

I really appreciate the advice, everybody.

There was a time in my life when I was too heavy and unfit to run. I don't love running, but I love being able to.

I've only ever run on streets in my neighborhood in Seattle. I'm kind of looking forward to soft dirt.

NorthCascades

meganridenour wrote: »

You live in Washington? I am so jealous. It's absolutely beautiful there!

Come visit!