Everything You Need to Go Trail Running, According to Trail Runners

We’re all doing our best to practice social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, switching from in-office meetings to Zoom calls and boutique fitness classes to Instagram Live workout sessions. If you’re fortunate to live near a park or outdoor area (that isn’t crowded, of course), trail running is a fun way to get outside while still maintaining your distance. There are a few things to know, though, before you hit the trails — even if you’ve been running for years.

“Trail running requires a bit more mental focus,” says Tiffany Carson England, a running coach with the Run Smart Project. It’s easy to zone out if you’re running on an open road, but you’ll need to pay attention to your stride when running on changing terrain. “Trail running uses lots of tiny muscles to keep you stabilized on uneven ground as you bounce from rock to rock and make quick changes in stride,” she says, cautioning that even experienced road runners may find themselves sore after their first few trail runs.

Since trail running requires its own specific skill set, professional trail runner Emelie Forsberg suggests that you “not think about pace or distance in the beginning. Just go out there and enjoy.” And that’s a lot easier to do when you have the right gear. We asked seven experienced trail runners about their favorite shoes, socks, layers, and apps to help get you started.

Read the full article by Karen Iorio Adelson on NY Magazine's website here.