1. TRAIN WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHOES
Repetitive motions can lead to overuse injuries. Changing up your running shoes on every training sesion will keep you from striking the same way. Experiment with different types of shoes, from racing flats and hybrid city-trail shoes to strong trail runners.
2. TRAIN FOR TRAILS
Trail running takes a different skill set than jogging on roads. You might think the only way to get good at running on trails is to run on trails, but a lot of us don’t live in the mountains. If you train in the city, Jump curbs or little fences, run on cobblestones and take any little trail you find. Break up your strides so you’re landing on your feet differently, mimicking the hazards of trails.
3. WORK HARD ON YOUR WEAKNESSES
Even the best runners have room for improvement. Find your own weaknesses by running with other people, whether it’s a race or with a local running club, then focus on improving, whether it’s climbing, descending, sprints, or endurance. Once you become good at one thing, there’s always something you can work to improve on.
4. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE TRAILS
Don’t wear sunglasses while running on very technical trails. Dappled light can distort depth perception. Focus 3 meters ahead of you on the trail and make sure you lift your feet on every stride.
5. COMMIT TO A RACE
A race will give you something to focus on, an opportunity to be part of the running community, and a way to celebrate your training. Even if you are not competitive, it is very cool to be a part of big group moving toward the same goal. You can find all kinds of sport events at our Race Calendar from 5K races to the toughest ultra trails.
