There’s nothing like a walk in the woods.
Rays of sun sneaking through branches, a cascade of shimmering light. Early morning solitude with fresh fog lifting from the trail. The sounds of silence. Soul-filling natural beauty. The poetic hiking journey at a local park, in my mind, could only be sweeter by combining this with my other passion – running.
But I didn’t know where to begin. I sat on the dream for years, unsure of how to launch into the (tad intimidating) world of trail running. If you’ve ever wanted to take the plunge, here are some tips to get you started.
Find a friend: The biggest obstacle for me was taking the first step. I had no idea what it meant to trail run, where to go, and how not to succumb to disasters I cooked up in my mind. So, I found other trail runners. Moms Run This Town/She Runs This Town has a cohort of women who gravitate toward trails. Also, local Ultrarunner, Aneta Zeppettella, recently started a regional chapter of Trail Sisters, focusing on empowering women within the trail running community. Search for both groups on Facebook and ask to join, they are free!
Explore: Not originally from this area, I jumped into discovering the amazing park system. I got my start at Sugarcreek MetroPark which is, according to Aneta, is the most beginner friendly trail.
[quote]”It is the best marked, the most used, drains the fastest, and you are never far from your car,” she says.[/quote]
Aneta also enjoys Caesar Creek State Park, boasting a 12-mile perimeter loop you can cut shorter if you are looking for smaller distances. Another one of her favorites is Bill Yeck in Centerville. With creek crossings, open fields, and many loops to choose from, you can’t go wrong. In addition, Centerville-Washington Park District holds a weekly trail running group through Up and Running which utilizes Bill Yeck and Grant Park.
Choose a goal: It helped to pick an organized trail race to mark on the calendar. I joined the Ohio River Road Runner Club and discovered they host tons of trail races in every season and the events are usually free to members! Not only did this provide a goal, but it also connected me to another awesome community of like-minded trail runners. More importantly, at races, I ironically learned to slow down and let go of speedy expectations. Your pace on the road is not created equal. And another insider tip, most ordinary trail runners walk the big hills (which I absolutely appreciate).
Gear up…or not: When I stepped up to the starting line at my first organized trail race, I was intimidated. Runners were decked out with their hydration packs, trail shoes, and seemed to know exactly what they were doing. I was alone and anxious. But I learned it isn’t that complicated. You can buy trail shoes or not. Bring a hydration pack or carry a water bottle. Wear capris or short-shorts. Just do you. Nobody is worried about it, so you shouldn’t. If you hop into trail running and decide you’re addicted (which will probably happen), eventually invest in a pair of shoes. Aneta says a good pair of trails shoes are helpful when conditions are slippery or muddy. Toss in a pair of wicking socks and you’ll be ready to go!
Be safe: Some women are comfortable running alone, and others aren’t. Safeguards to take may include running with pepper spray or a personal alarm. A Road ID is an additional precaution in case of an emergency, and some have the capability to track you. Aneta’s advice is to always tell somebody your course, projected run time, and if you will have cell service. Carrying your cell phone with you is a solid safeguard. In fact, this is all good advice for any run.
Each trail run is a breathtaking adventure. If, even for a moment, you have considered dipping your running shoes in the dirt, do it! Now is the time to take a chance. Hit those trails!
Resources: If you’re itching for more information to inspire your journey to the trails, check out Trail Runner Magazine and UltraRunning Magazine. Also, request to join the Trail and Ultra Running LADIES ONLY Facebook group.
