I think you briefly touched on it, but a big benefit to trail running is it really works all your stabilizing muscles. My ankles, knees, hips, core all are getting a much different workout than I get on a road. On road work, you're really doing just a handful of movements over and over again with very little variability. On trails, anything goes. You are ducking to get under tree branches, hopping over roots and rocks, skipping little gullies or gulches etc. You get a lot more side to side motion as well, so your ankles and knees are getting worked to keep you upright and moving along. It's just a superior workout in so many ways. I love trails! I used to do nothing but road running, I've recently switched to doing about half and half trails and road. I'm very blessed to live in a place with 3 Texas State parks within 30 miles of me, all have beautiful trails with varying challenges. I'm about half way through the Capt'n Karl's Trail Series - 4 - 60k night time trail races, one every 3 weeks for 3 months. Toughest thing I've ever done. Only 3 weeks to recover and build again and then your back out at night running some of the toughest trails in Texas. Third race is in Colorado Bend State park next weekend, really looking forward to it. Good video! Glad you're enjoying trials!
Awesome. I really only started taking running seriously last fall and have been almost exclusively been running on the roads. Currently training for another road race but adding in trail runs has for me been a huge benefit. It's funny, I had some pretty lofty long term goals when it comes to road racing but having so much fun on the trails I'm not sure what direction to go in after this training block (marathon or ultra). Also, that Capt'n Karl's Trail Series sound both brutal and awesome at the same time!!!!
I think i shared this with you already but I did two trail races in prep for my last marathon. They kicked my but because they were so technical and had so much vert. So yes, yes, yes to trails. Looking good Matt
It is a bit challenging to get to trails when all my runs start at my front door, but I have trail shoes and I use them in winter to run in the snow. ❄️
Funny you mentioned that. There were plenty of times when I was out running this winter thinking I might have made out a little better with some trail shoes
Hi Matt. New to your channel. What you say fully endorses what we have found over two decades each of running. Trail running for road racing has reduced injury risk, made for psychological enjoyment and worked on stabilising all those small muscles. When we have been forced onto roads for the majority, legs have become stale. Having run 2:42 (John) and 2:56 (Dawn) in the past, our next training series will be focussed on getting the qualification times for the London Marathon. Have subbed.
Awesome, thanks. Definitely loving the trails. They seem to really be having a positive impact on my training and so much fun. Pretty new to the whole marathon game so hoping to some day be able to put up numbers even close to what you folks are. by the way, loving the parkrun videos. I have been trying to get out to my local one here (work schedule has been getting in the way) but hopefully going to make some changes to make it happen. Looks like a lot of fun.
@@WhatMatterstoMatt Improvements in the marathon can happen for years so you never know where it will take you... Good luck on getting to your parkrun, which one is it?
Hard to do without having them near you. I am pretty fortunate to have a lot of trails that I can access that are really pretty close. Only thing I might mention is that "trail runs" for me is really anything that gets you off the pavement/hard surfaces. This could include local parks even if it is made up of crushed rock it is still more forgiving vs. the paved road or sidewalk.
I think you briefly touched on it, but a big benefit to trail running is it really works all your stabilizing muscles. My ankles, knees, hips, core all are getting a much different workout than I get on a road. On road work, you're really doing just a handful of movements over and over again with very little variability. On trails, anything goes. You are ducking to get under tree branches, hopping over roots and rocks, skipping little gullies or gulches etc. You get a lot more side to side motion as well, so your ankles and knees are getting worked to keep you upright and moving along. It's just a superior workout in so many ways.
I love trails! I used to do nothing but road running, I've recently switched to doing about half and half trails and road. I'm very blessed to live in a place with 3 Texas State parks within 30 miles of me, all have beautiful trails with varying challenges. I'm about half way through the Capt'n Karl's Trail Series - 4 - 60k night time trail races, one every 3 weeks for 3 months. Toughest thing I've ever done. Only 3 weeks to recover and build again and then your back out at night running some of the toughest trails in Texas. Third race is in Colorado Bend State park next weekend, really looking forward to it.
Good video! Glad you're enjoying trials!
Awesome. I really only started taking running seriously last fall and have been almost exclusively been running on the roads. Currently training for another road race but adding in trail runs has for me been a huge benefit. It's funny, I had some pretty lofty long term goals when it comes to road racing but having so much fun on the trails I'm not sure what direction to go in after this training block (marathon or ultra).
Also, that Capt'n Karl's Trail Series sound both brutal and awesome at the same time!!!!
I think i shared this with you already but I did two trail races in prep for my last marathon. They kicked my but because they were so technical and had so much vert. So yes, yes, yes to trails. Looking good Matt
Yeah I often go to trails at some point during medium and long runs to break up the monotony.
It is a bit challenging to get to trails when all my runs start at my front door, but I have trail shoes and I use them in winter to run in the snow. ❄️
Funny you mentioned that. There were plenty of times when I was out running this winter thinking I might have made out a little better with some trail shoes
Hi Matt. New to your channel. What you say fully endorses what we have found over two decades each of running. Trail running for road racing has reduced injury risk, made for psychological enjoyment and worked on stabilising all those small muscles. When we have been forced onto roads for the majority, legs have become stale.
Having run 2:42 (John) and 2:56 (Dawn) in the past, our next training series will be focussed on getting the qualification times for the London Marathon.
Have subbed.
Awesome, thanks. Definitely loving the trails. They seem to really be having a positive impact on my training and so much fun. Pretty new to the whole marathon game so hoping to some day be able to put up numbers even close to what you folks are.
by the way, loving the parkrun videos. I have been trying to get out to my local one here (work schedule has been getting in the way) but hopefully going to make some changes to make it happen. Looks like a lot of fun.
@@WhatMatterstoMatt Improvements in the marathon can happen for years so you never know where it will take you...
Good luck on getting to your parkrun, which one is it?
Thanks for the information, and beautiful trail!
Thanks, love having some pretty great trails right in my backyard
looks awesome matt!
Thank you so much.
What's the best way to run trails when there arent any near you (not within walking distance) and driving to one isn't possible?
Hard to do without having them near you. I am pretty fortunate to have a lot of trails that I can access that are really pretty close. Only thing I might mention is that "trail runs" for me is really anything that gets you off the pavement/hard surfaces. This could include local parks even if it is made up of crushed rock it is still more forgiving vs. the paved road or sidewalk.
Number one benefit of trail running : you never get bored
Absolutely👍