Good things about trail running:
  • The lateral movement strengthens muscles that don't get used when road running. Since I've been trail running exclusively I haven't twisted an ankle once. And I used to twist them all the time.
  • If you run hills, you'll get some mighty shapely calves and quads
  • You can (and sometimes should) walk the uphills. If you walk with purpose, it won't slow you down at all and may in fact allow you to recover enough to go faster on the flats and downhills.
  • No vehicle exhaust.
  • It's love for your knees and hips (if you have cranky knees and hips like I do).
  • Birdsong.
  • Everybody's happy.


The bad things about trail running:
[can't think of any]

Seriously, it won't hurt your road training if that's what you are worried about, even though you are going slower. I have some routes where I average 9 mm and others where I average 11:30 mm or slower...just depends on the terrain, the day, etc.

It is a whole different animal and requires a different mindset. You will learn how to pick your feet up more (which will in turn build your legs in a way that is very different from road running). Light and quick, that's what I always tell myself. I probably fall once a month, usually on a stretch of trail that isn't technical as I tend to pay less attention when my brain doesn't see so many rocks and whatnot.

And as Limewave says, it's good for the soul.

Have fun!