IF YOU’RE NEW TO RUNNING OFF-ROAD, OUR TRAIL WORKSHOP, COVERING EVERYTHING FROM KIT CHOICE TO TRAINING ADVICE, WILL BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE, SHOW YOU HOW FUN THIS TYPE OF RUNNING CAN BE, AND HAVE YOU CHOMPING AT THE BIT TO TAKE TO THE TRAILS

WORDS: ISAAC WILLIAMS

If you’re new to running, or you’re simply yet to stray from the concrete comfort of the road, the idea of getting off the beaten track – into a world of mud, hills, roots and the odd cow – can be an intimidating one. Your worries are easy to overcome. Because ask any trail runner to summarise their off-road experiences and the answer is likely to be a variation of one word: fun. That said, before you take to the trail there are a few things to bear in mind…

TRAIL-SAFE PROCEDURES

For many runners, trail is simply more exciting than road. There’s more variety, more freedom, more space. Yet those factors also necessitate slightly more prep, and a bit more pre-run thought, before you lace up your shoes and head out the door.

“When you’re on the trails, you’re more likely to need to be self-sufficient, so you need to think about carrying some water, some food, and maybe some emergency clothing”, says running coach Karen Weir (runwithkaren.com). Unless you’re planning on running for hours, something as simple as an energy bar or a banana is likely to be plenty; and it’s worth packing a hat, gloves and emergency jacket just in case something goes wrong. “Even if you’re running somewhere like the Surrey Hills”, says Weir, “you’re not going to be immediately accessible like you would be when running on road, so you need to be prepared.” To carry all that, you’re going to want a lightweight running pack that doesn’t bounce around when you’re on the move – something like the Salomon Agile 2 Set is perfect (from £47.99, wiggle.co.uk).