Trail Running? Long...

[yellow]

RR, I'm flattered that you'd think of me when you think about trail running.

When I am down your way for work, I love running in the Red Cliffs Preserve. I'm not sure how far you are from St Geo, but if it's close by, this is what I would do if I were you (I'm sure there are some more serious runners out there who disagree with this, so take it or leave it as you see fit!):

• Set some realistic goals and some not-so-realistic ones. Forget what running once was and open your mind to what it can be.
  
• Go to a running store (might have to go to the "city"!) and get some expert help on getting a pair of shoes that will be comfortable for run/hiking on your desert trails
  
• Start out with time goals, not distance goals. Use a program if you want, but I think you'd do fine on your own. Say you want to be out for 30 minutes total, start with running for 1 minute then walking-with-purpose for 4 , then running 1 minute, then walking for 4, etc. Mix it up. But always go with purpose...not strolling.
  
• Gradually up your running and reduce your walking. My sometime-coach is a big believer in allowing your expectations to be flexible for days when you just don't feel "it". That might mean that you happen to walk more on some days than others. He's told me more than once that if I go out for a really big run (as in 20 or more miles) and know it's not going to be a great run that I'm better off turning around and going home, taking a nap, and saving my physical and mental energy for the next day.
  
• Pick an event to train for and do it! By this I mean train for the time/distance and the terrain. I've always wanted to do this event (they have 5 and 10 mile options): http://geminiadventures.com/DesertRATSfestival.html. There is some really great running around Fruita (CO, not Utah). Yes, there are some substantial hills.

You're not crazy. I could give you a pretty long list of ailments and show you some elites who also have plenty of their own. You learn the difference between mental and physical limiting factors. Maybe you'll only get up to 5 miles max, but maybe you'll find yourself running the Moab Red Hot 50k in 5 years. Let it happen. Chi Running is a great start.

Because trail running is by nature slower and requires more...focus, you have a lot of opportunity to run gently. I always walk a little when I'm out on the trails. I can't see any reason NOT to walk. I don't walk a lot, but I don't run every single second, either. I've never been hung up on pace or stuff like that, more just out there for the exercise and enjoyment. And lo and behold, I end up being pretty "fast" because I'm consistent.

Just some random thoughts for you to take or leave as you see fit.

[Becky]

Go for it! Your story reads very much like mine, and I'm having great success with chi running. Like you, my previous running experiences were riddled with pain- shin splints, IT band-related issues, the whole shebang. The CR style has definitely lessened those issues for me. I've learned how to avoid shin splints, and how to listen to my body when it says, "hey, old cranky hip here- had enough!". (Many thanks to the wonderful TE ladies who have taught me how to manage and rehab that cranky hip!) 2 months into it, I've learned a lot, and it's been positive enough to keep me motivated to continue running and learning.

Start slow, buy good shoes, and really listen to your body. It will tell you if you're doing too much too soon (mine certainly does!). Good luck, and have fun!

[yellow]

P.S. Lots of great opportunities in UT! Check out this calendar. Most listed as 50s/100s, but many of them also have shorter distances as well.

Series in NV: http://www.calicoracing.com/

[indigoiis]

I really love trail running. Here in Rhode Island we have stony, technical trails that are often wet, swampy, stumpy and slippery. It requires being really in tune with everything - body, trail, feet, surroundings. So much more exciting than going around the block a few times.

It sounds like you are excited. That's good! It's good to have fun while running!

[Red Rock]

Thank you for all who have come to answer some of my questions. I have thought about the Desert Perserve. It is a cool place. I really need to go out and see more of the trail system. Brad Passey who does the outdoor column for the Spectrum newspaper has been on more trails than I have! I am in St. George itself with all of its traffic. We do have an actual running store here in town. I will have to go check them out.

I will have to look more into those calendars and other attachments that you all have presented on this thread. I love all of the information and experiences your giving me, keep it up. Right now leaf clean up is calling.

Yellow when your down here we need to touch base.

Red Rock

[Jolt]

I really love trail running. Here in Rhode Island we have stony, technical trails that are often wet, swampy, stumpy and slippery. It requires being really in tune with everything - body, trail, feet, surroundings. So much more exciting than going around the block a few times.

Well said--in fact, roads are downright BORING when one gets used to trail running! Now when I have to run on the roads, I practically have to drag my butt out the door to do it.

[rocknrollgirl]

I only trail run. I cannot stand being on the road. If you take the advice that has been given here, I think you will do just fine. Start slowly, walk/run, stretch, good shoes....

Like Yellow said, I only run for time. The terrain varies so much that worry about "pace" does not work. I train that way, and I do just fine in races.

and enjoy, it is a whole different animal than being on the road.

[Red Rock]

Thank you to all for our information here. I have run on the track for time too but the trail is so much more intresting.

For hydration, does it really matter what you use? A Camelback vs. a hydration belt? Or is it really what you would prefer.

Thank you,
Red Rock