Pushing your body in challenging terrain can be one of the most rewarding parts of being a runner.  Make sure you prepare for them mentally and physically before tackling technical running.

Most every runner has had the following experience: You’ve been running through neighborhoods and town paths and feeling great. Then you branch out to more technical terrain that involves climbing, descending, and managing your footing and you realize that this is a much different experience than the town runs you’ve been knocking out. Taking TEC advice here are some tips to move past your fears and onto the trail.

Slowing Down

This is probably one of the hardest things to force ourselves to do mentally, forget about your mile pace. Hiking some technical climbs in trail running is something that even the pros do. Incorporate hiking when you feel the effort that you’re using is going beyond what’s sustainable to get to the top and keep running.

Check out the TEC article Making the Transition from Road to Trail Running for more on slowing down.

Injury

There’s a physicality to running technical terrain that’s over and above the normal demands of running. Climbing, descending, and managing your footfall in technical terrain takes its toll on the body. It’s important to be strong and athletic outside of running to ensure that your body can handle the wear and tear.

Check out the TEC article Tips for Running through Tough Terrain for more on strength maintenance.

Wildlife

Before embarking on any trail or backcountry, be sure to check any local resources for trail etiquette and recreation expectations.  When properly prepared, you can experience the best nature the trails have to offer.

The U.S. Forest Service Know Before You Go lists offer a variety of tips and tricks to help you enjoy your adventures.

Falling

Falling is something that happens when trail running, and racing, which happens very infrequently, if at all, on roads. It’s not a matter of if you’ll ever fall while trail running, it’s just a matter of when.

Check out the TEC article Making the Transition from Road to Trail Running for more on preparing to fall.

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