Trail Running

Trail Running: Tips & Resources

A collection of useful and interesting resources for experienced and new trail runners alike.

What is trail running?

Trail running is simply defined as going for a run at the heart of nature. It’s an extremely all-round non-stadia sport that, of course, works the legs, but also the upper body. Lastly, it requires concentration and attention. (Salomon)

You don’t need to be high in the mountains to go trail running. You simply need to be in nature.

Trail running is mostly a recreational form of off-road running, but there are many competitive events in Queensland. Trail running is conducted on wide and single trails that may be flat or quite steep. Trail running events may vary in distance from 5km to over 160km (ultra) runs and there is usually no navigation required apart from following course markers. Because of the distances, it is mainly suitable for adult participation.

There are numerous local trail running groups around Queensland which are often affiliated with QRun, the recreational division of Queensland Athletics. (TRAQ)

 

<!–Trail running is a sport-activity which combines running, and, where there are steep gradients, hiking, that is run “on any unpaved surface”. Trail running normally takes place in warm climates, or on good paths, or tracks which are relatively easy to follow, and does not necessarily involve the significant amounts of ascent, or need for navigating skills. Unlike road running and track running it generally takes place on hiking trails, often in mountainous terrain, where there can be much larger ascents and descents. (Wikipedia) –>

In Queensland, trail runners are represented by TRAQ* (the Trail Runners Association of Queensland), a non for profit organisation that was formed in 2006. Conceived through the desire of trail runners wanting more trail events than what was being offered. It organises the annual Queensland Trail Running Championships, which brings Queensland trail runners and event organisers from Nerang to Weipa together in one large competition (88 events in 2019).

TRAQ focuses on the quality of the trail event, allowing all skill levels to enjoy the challenge and experience of off-road running, from 10km through to marathon distance and has incorporated specific events to allow entry runners and children to get the taste of this popular outdoor activity.

The steeper more technical form of trail running is often referred to as mountain running (10% on average or more). TRAQ has organised State and Australian Mountain Running Championships. The Australian Team competes at the annual World Mountain Running Championships (IAAF event).

There is no national trail running body, but the national body from mountain running is the Australian Mountain Running Association (AMRA). The international bodies for trail running are the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA (not for profit).

 

       

*TRAQ is an Outdoors Queensland Financial Member 

Useful Resources

Why is Stretching so Important? 4 Benefits of Stretching for Runners

Why is Stretching so Important? 4 Benefits of Stretching for Runners

The benefits of stretching far outweigh skipping your stretch sesh for ice cream. Try these four types of stretches. Then get ice cream.

Let’s be honest: most runners don’t love stretching. And why would they? It’s boring, uncomfortable, and time-consuming! They wonder why their muscles can’t just be limber and flexible on their own and curse their hamstrings for always feeling so darn tight.

But, even though most of us are not huge fans of it, regular stretching is really important for flexibility, joint health, and injury prevention. And you don’t have to spend two agonizing minutes yanking on tight muscles to get these benefits. There is more than one way to stretch a quad, and many benefits to be gained from doing so! Read More

Source
Road Runner Sports

How to prevent chafing: 5 tips to avoid this runner's nightmare

How to prevent chafing: 5 tips to avoid this runner’s nightmare

Red and sensitive skin – ugh chafing is the worst! Luckily, you can avoid this awful irritation. Here are 5 tips on how to prevent chafing.

Ah, summer. It’s here. The long days, ice cold drinks, and those group runs with your closest friends. This is the season for running, but it’s also the season for sweat. And where there’s sweat and rubbing there’s the dreaded chafing. This painful irritation is enough to ruin anyone’s day or maybe even week, depending on how bad it gets.

Don’t let chafing get you down this summer. Fortunately, you can prepare for this as long as you know how to prevent chafing this summer.  Read More

Source
Road Runner Sports

Trail Running for Beginners (Cool of the Wild)

Trail Running for Beginners

To put it simply, trail running is little more than off road running. For some, that means hours of gruelling uphills over challenging and sometimes perilous terrain. For others, it’s simply getting off tarmac and onto something that resembles raw earth beneath their feet. But whatever trail running means to the individual, it will take you places that roads and pavements can’t access, and you will almost always be rewarded with a huge sense of accomplishment – and probably some great views too.

Getting off road can also be a great way to stabilise joints, improve reactions and work the core; the constantly changing terrain pushes the body to adapt and react quickly, dealing with whatever challenges come along. Read More

Source
Cool of the Wild

 

What is Trail Running?

What is Trail Running?

Have you decided to take up trail running, but this sport seems difficult, technical or even dangerous? Do you think that you can only do it high in the mountains over long distances? What actually is trail running?

Trail running is simply defined as going for a run at the heart of nature. It’s an extremely all-round non-stadia sport that, of course, works the legs, but also the upper body. Lastly, it requires concentration and attention.

You don’t need to be high in the mountains to go trail running. You simply need to be in nature.

Source
Salomon

20 trail running tips for beginners

20 trail running tips for beginners

Majell Backhausen  is an Endurance Coach and Elite Athlete for Salomon, Suunto and Compressport, and an advocate for simplicity, patience and longevity in the sport of trail running and outdoor pursuits. Here are some of his top trail running tips for beginners.  Read More

Source
Kathmandu

 

19 Quick and Dirty Trail Running Tips for Beginners

19 Quick and Dirty Trail Running Tips for Beginners

New to running trails?

Here’s what you need to know before heading off the beaten path.

Although trail running is similar to running on the roads, there are some differences to make note of before you hit the trailhead. To help you get started, we pulled together a list of our best trail running tips that will guide you. While they may seem like a lot, they’re not hard to do!

Most importantly, have fun on the trails, and be careful. But fair warning: They say that once you go to the dirt, you never go back!

Read More

Source
Runners World

 

6 Things Every Beginner Should Know Before Trail Running

6 Things Every Beginner Should Know Before Trail Running

From the moment my worn-down Asics hit the dirt trails in DC’s Rock Creek Park, I knew my running would be forever changed.

Like most people, I started out running on the roads. I trained for a road marathon, and established neighborhood loops from my house. It was good. I was happy.

But that day more than six years ago — on that trail — I realized how much more the simple shift from running on trail, not pavement, could provide … Read More

Source
Rock Creek Runner

 

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide To Trail Running

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide To Trail Running

You always remember your first. For me, it burst every preconceived notion I had of what was, back then, a fringe pursuit. It was harder, the terrain tougher. I should have trained more. It took longer than it should have and it hurt way more.

But then my first trail event was also much more fun, way more fulfilling and ultimately more addictive than I could ever have imagined it to be … Read More

Source
We are Explorers

 

6 ways to help your trail running technique

6 ways to help your trail running technique

When it comes to your running technique, you want to be one step ahead of the game. Whether you’re new to trail running or need a refresher, these six running techniques can help you understand and better your trail running style. Read More

Source
Majell Backhausen  is an Endurance Coach and Elite Athlete for Salomon, Suunto and Compressport, and an advocate for simplicity, patience and longevity in the sport of trail running and outdoor pursuits. Here are some of his top trail running tips for beginners.
Kathmandu

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Heart Health Benefits of Running

Heart Health Benefits of Running

Running is one of the most popular athletic activities for both fitness and fun. Although it can be challenging and exhausting, men and women run every day for a variety of reasons. Some of the most significant benefits of the sport are health-related. Improving heart health is one of the biggest motivators for people who choose to start running. Many people also begin a training program to lose weight and better their mental health.

Running is more potent in creating positive results when there is day to day consistency. Training should build up gradually—depending on an individual’s fitness level—to ensure desired results. Read More

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Sarah Gerhrke
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The world’s most beautiful trail runs

The world’s most beautiful trail runs

Trail running gets you fit whilst you soak in the added benefits of being outdoors and immersed in nature. It is calming yet strangely primal.

Added focus is required to navigate the unfamiliar and unpredictable rugged terrain that keeps you mentally stimulated in a way that road running does not.

If you are an avid trail runner and are looking for an adventure that may require some travel then you need to add these five trail races/locations to your bucket list.

Source: Times Australian

12 Benefits of Trail Running (Cool of the Wild)

12 Benefits of Trail Running (And Why You Should Try It!)

I’ve always sought out parks and green spaces to go running in … but it wasn’t until I took to the trail out in the countryside that I truly felt and appreciated the multiple benefits of trail running.

Over the years I’ve been drawn to the trail more and more … I gain so much more from trail running than I do from road running. And that’s not just physically. The mental benefits of trail running are, for me, as good as any therapy session, if not better!

I’f you’re totally new to trail running then it’s a good idea to build up to it slowly. Read more in our guide to trail running for beginners. Running on the trail can feel very different to road running; more tough to start with that you might prefer! Work up to it sensibly, however, and you’ll soon find yourself soaring your way to the summit with ease.

So here’s why I tend to avoid road running and why the benefits of trail running outweigh the benefits of road or treadmill running. READ MORE

Source
Cool of the Wild

 

A runner’s guide to exploring Queensland’s national parks

A runner’s guide to exploring Queensland’s national parks

Our recent home-bound lifestyle due to COVID-19 has seen many of us either blow the cobwebs off the treadmill, or run lap after lap around our neighbourhood pretending we’re in one of Queensland’s national parks. A selection of Queensland national parks have reopened for locals who live within 50km (with social distancing measures still firmly in place, of course). For the full list, click here.

For the lucky people with these national parks on their doorstep, it’s time to immerse yourself in nature. Move your body, fill your lungs, and be inspired by the natural world – in-person – once again.  Read More

Source
Queensland Uncovered

The Hidden Benefits Of Trail Running

The Hidden Benefits Of Trail Running

Trail running’s heaps of fun, but it’s not just spoonfuls of cardio — running trails is good for you in many interesting ways, from your abs to your brain, and it’s a great way to get a nature fix along with your workout.

With all the recent hype about ultras* and mountain running, it’s easy to look at the peak athletes of the sport and think that you’ll never do something mental like run 100km or trot over the Alps.

Luckily, you don’t have to. Trail running is simply running on a trail. Anyone can do it and gain a shedload of benefits from the get-go. The real reason people start running longer distances isn’t to find some hidden elixir of life — they run a long way because running is actually god damn fun … Read More

Source
We are Explorers

Feeling Anxious?

Feeling Anxious?

Research Shows Trail Running Benefits Your Brain

A growing body of research supports what so many trail running enthusiasts, myself included, have experienced themselves: logging your miles in nature does wonders for mental health … Read More

Source
Competitor.com

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