Why Trail Running Rules...

I recently had quite a bit of time of my hands and started thinking about how more peeps should be trail running. I get it...I get it...you may like running road, but it doesn't mean I can't try to convince you otherwise.

So I started percolating about some of the reasons I've heard runners say why they can't (or won't) run trails...

Myth #1: I'm gonna twist an ankle.

The reality is that you could twist an ankle no matter where you run - the sidewalk, the track, the street, etc. As a matter of fact, you could, really, twist your ankle walking to your kitchen. I know. I've been trail running for about 3 years and have only twisted/rolled my ankle once or twice.

Myth #2: I'll need trail shoes.

I've only purchased trail shoes once. I think I've run about 10 trail ultras ranging in distance from 30k to 100 miles, and each 1 was run in regular road shoes. In my opinion, you can run just about any trail run/race in road shoes. Spare yourself the expense, I say, and just run.

Myth #3: I'll need special/more trail clothing.


You'll actually need less clothes.

Myth #4: I have bad knees.

I think (depending on the trail, of course), that a runner would benefit from the softer surface of trails. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that dirt is softer than pavement/road...wait...

So there you go...like you needed a reason to run trail.