Trail running? You mean people actually run on trails?” I thought when I first started working on this article.
Like most normal human beings, I was surprised to learn some people like to run on trails—for fun.
I consider myself an avid runner, but I had no idea this kind of running was such a popular activity on the Central Coast. I’ve always understood that trails were for hiking and the road was for running, but my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to find out for myself what trail running was all about.
So one balmy afternoon in San Luis Obispo, I met Dusty Davis, a member of the SLO Trail Runners, for a run up and around Madonna Mountain. After a brief introduction and some conversation, we began the steady climb.
The panoramic views of the San Luis Obispo Valley, the oak trees that line the trail, the fresh air in my face, and the constant challenge beneath my feet made that trail run one of the most exhilarating running experiences I’ve ever had. We ran a total of four miles, but instead of feeling beat and exhausted, I felt rejuvenated and relaxed.
In the age of iPads, Droids, and a struggling economy, I now understand why so many people are taking up trail running. There’s nothing like running somewhere different, where the cars can’t go and you can have a one-on-one experience with Mother Nature.
There are as many variations of trail running as there are trail runners. There are people who prefer running trails for daily training and exercise, and there are more adventurous runners who spend weeks running through the backcountry.
Trail running is defined as running in an unpaved, remote area. This form of running differs markedly from traditional road running, and it seems that more and more people are abandoning the pavement for more serene and primitive paths.
The popularity of trail running has increased steadily since the 1990s, with more organizations, clubs, and magazines dedicated to the sport than ever before.
According to Nancy Hobbs, executive director of the American Trail Running Association, participation in the sport has increased for a couple of reasons.
“The popularity of trail running stems primarily from the challenge inherent in the sport and the beautiful spaces that provide an opportunity to partake in the sport,” Hobbs said.
She explained that the increasing number of venues available for trail running and the rise of trail-running events has also helped boost the sport’s notoriety.
The Central Coast—with its beautiful beaches, local lakes, and plethora of mountain ranges—offers plenty of trails for runners to explore.
Thomas Reiss, a San Luis Obispo local, caught the trail-running bug about seven years ago.
“I used to do a lot of road running and marathons in my late 20s and 30s,” Reiss said.
But after taking a few years off, Reiss decided he wanted something more down-to-earth and closer to nature, so he began training on trails. Eventually, he met other trail runners, and they started running together.
After some further networking, the group decided to get organized and set up a Facebook page. Within three months, the SLO Trail Runners gained 200 members.
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“We’ve decided to make ourselves a club, and we’re fighting the paperwork right now. Once we’re established, we will probably start hosting organized runs every other Saturday,” Reiss said.
Another plus about trail running, Hobbs said, is that it’s much more forgiving on the body when compared to traditional running.
“Trail running offers a softer surface, so the repetitive impact is lessened,” she said. “Your body learns to develop different core and balance muscles.”
Unlike paved roads, trails absorb some of the shock that hits joints, but it still works every muscle in your body—from the shoulders down. As a result, a runner’s joints often feel refreshed at the end of a run.
“[Trail running is] not as repetitive; there is less pounding and more variation. Running on a road is actually harder than running 50 miles on a trail,” Reiss said, adding that there are also mental and spiritual benefits to the sport.
“Trail running becomes more of an experience outside of health and fitness; you feel more connected to nature,” he said. “I get to run on top of a mountain range and see things that you would never see when just running on the road.”
Trail running has also gained notoriety for its competitive aspect. The ATRA and other organizations worldwide hold numerous trail races in the United States and overseas.
“You would be surprised to know how many people do trail races here on the Central Coast. I know of 100 people that are running 50 to 100 mile trail races,” said Reiss, who’s had the opportunity to run in France, Lake Tahoe, and the Rocky Mountains.
Staff Writer Kristina Sewell is ready to try her legs at some more trail running. Send encouragement to ksewell@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Mar 8-15, 2012.
