Run with a Friend |
Consider trail running as a separate sport to
urban running. The risks of injury in an area you consider serene
may also mean few people coming by if you happen to twist an
ankle and require help.
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Be Multisenory |
Wearing headphones eliminates a key sensory
input when running. It doesn’t allow for your full attention on
the trail. Surprising wildlife, not seeing critical impediments and
surrounding yourself in man-made sounds will increase your
chances of injury
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Eyes on the Trail |
Use a natural break to take in the beauty of the
trail. Don’t hesitate to walk or stop. If you don’t slow down, turning
your head to take in a scenic view may mean missing a critical
step. Watch in front of you and don’t overthink where you
are about to step. The brain, and your subconscious, will connect
the multi-sensory information coming in for the planting of your
foot – it’s amazing really! This mind-body connection is critical
to successful trail running and will improve with time if you start
out easy and then move to progressively more difficult runs. An
example from the runs in this chapter would see you progressively
increase from the flat, wide and soft Burnaby Lake run to the
more difficult Minnekhada run (not as flat and with more roots,
twists and turns), then on to a more difficult run such as Lynn
Loop. Depending on your ability, the amount of time or number
of runs at each stage will vary.
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Equipment |
Bring a cellphone and water (think of these as being
safe and safer), but don’t carry them in your hands. Think hydration
packs, hip packs, water belts or pockets over carrying items
in your hands. Trail running shoes, in my opinion, are not strictly
necessary, but they are sturdier and can give added traction.
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