Metro Vancouver has such a diversity of trails, it’s no wonder runners are moving from pavement to dirt with such frequency. In fact, the hammering force of running itself may also be leading people to softer ground. Trail running provides a different type of workout than, say, the classic Vancouver Seawall run. This is not just because of the coffee shops you don’t pass but because your body has to be more “ON.” Cruise control doesn’t work when trail running. Subtler muscles are involved to fine-tune balance, the brain works double-time to assess where best to step and at what speed and the body shifts on its axis to maneuver over awkward obstacles. Running among trees feels faster, just as cars appear speedier on narrow roads versus wide ones. This page outlines seven exceptional trail runs in a selection of unique environments. They vary in length (5 – 15 km), in difficulty level and in running surface. When running at Locarno Beach’s low tide, for instance, it would probably be wise to use older running shoes due to the saltwater puddles you’ll be hopping over. Brunswick Point, on the other hand, has firm gravel and is potentially in full sun, so plan accordingly. Conversely, the most sun you can expect at Lynn Loop is sun-filtered rays through fir, cedar and hemlock trees. Burnaby Lake leads you past so many different user groups sharing the park you will find many reasons to stop and watch, while Minnekhada Regional Park’s user groups are mostly of the avian kind. Certain runs are especially good in certain seasons. In the spring, running at Crippen Regional Park on Bowen Island probably means you can watch nesting birds in wildlife trees near the lake, whereas in the fall, Campbell Valley Regional Park provides a diversity of deciduous trees changing colours for you to run below. Diversity is a splendid thing. Trail running involves some uncertainty, which you should be prepared for. Expect uneven terrain, sudden rises and drops, unseen roots easily clipped with your shoe and rocks that cause your foot to plant and as we all know, injuries hurt! Your pace should be slower than when you are on pavement, so the run will feel longer than the equivalent distance on a road. See trail running as more about the process of the run, not the time and distance covered. For complete enjoyment of your trail run, please take extra caution. Here are a few points to consider when moving at speed along the trails:.
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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