Photo by Shannon Johnstone/ShannonJohnstone.com
I’m tired of winter already. It doesn’t help that it’s been colder than usual, and I’ve been letting my foot repair itself from MistleTOEgate. But there’s something about the general bleakness that makes me impatient for spring to arrive. To cope, I’m walking the dogs at Farris Park. And reading the funny trail run recaps on Running Down.
Few running experiences can top a really good trail run. Few things in life are as grueling as a bad trail run. How can a runner influence the whims of fate in his/her favor?
I’m probably not the best person to give advice on the topic; however, that won’t stop me from sharing my thoughts—so long as you don’t hold me liable.
1. Practice lifting your feet higher. I think that advice is applicable on the roads, too, but it’s especially important if you want to avoid tripping on roots and rocks (only if you want to; to each his/her own).
2. Practice lifting your feet faster and lighter. A heavier step = a heavier fall if you slip.
3. Walk if the terrain is frightening. Or don’t—maybe it’ll do you good to face your fears. Who am I to tell you how to live your life?
4. Make a trip/fall look like part of a dance routine. Actually, you probably shouldn’t do that. Me, I can’t help myself. But it won’t hurt to say “Ta-da!” even if nobody is around to see your rendition of the Roots and Rocks Rumba.
5. Make a vocal exclamation, such as “Woot!” or, my favorite, “Karate, Chop!” from time to time. You’re running like a crazy person in the woods, for crying out loud. A few centuries ago you’d be accused of being a witch or something and burned at the stake. Act like it.
6. But still be polite and civilized. It’s not all about you.
7. Chase the rabbits and squirrels, and try to catch them before they run off the trail. It’s a general policy with trail races to subtract 15 seconds from your race time for every creature you carry across the finish line.
8. Mind the vultures.
9. And the owls.
10. Relax. Stress is exhausting.
Well, there you go. That’s all you need to know about trail running. Now, go out there and get you some rabbits!
Critique:
1. Hmmm. I always heard this, and it makes sense, but I’m not sure if I do it.
2. Correct. But I would phrase it differently.
3. Barreling down a hill of roots and rocks completely out of control and can be exhilarating.
4. Good tip. I will try this.
5. This will make you run faster, and in races people get out of your way. I prefer “Whoooop!”.
6. But if alone on a trail, it is all about you.
7. Better yet, BE the rabbit or squirrel.
8. Now your just padding your list.
9. Holy crap no your not. I think I saw an owl swoop over me the other day
10. thats what trails are for
I think I will steal your idea and do a trail running post of my own.
ac
Well, I stole the pic. Or, as you call it, the Ancient Briton.
Note:
While I do understand the difference between “your” and “you’re”, constantly searching for the apostrophe key is too exhausting.
Im all about eficncy.
Farris counts as a trail, right? I can think of two or three roots right off the top of my head.
My trail running partner, a 63-year-old ultramarathoner, likes to shout a pirate-y “AAARRRGH!” every mile or so.
I did an awesome dance move on Higgins Trail the other day. The squirrels were applauding.