Trail running provide a wide variety of benefits, starting from building endurance and physical strength to boosting creativity and mental health. As Steven Rindner says that no matter whether one wants to shake up their workout routine, spend time in nature or just want to find a new challenge, hitting the trails can be a good idea. There are both physical and mental health benefits associated with trail running.
Steven Rindner marks a few major benefits of trail running
Trail running boasts of a unique experience that benefits one’s spirit, mind and body. No matter whether one is an experienced runner or is lacing up their running shoes for the first time, going on a trail run would be a good idea. While road running is certainly more familiar to most people, hitting the trails can introduce them to a world of new challenges and rewards. Here are some of the top benefits associated with trail running:
- Improved physical fitness: Trail running facilitates a full-body workout that engages muscles that runners may not use on flat roads. The varied terrain, comprising of roots, rocks, hills, and descents, forces the runners to use stabilizing muscles, especially in the core, legs, and ankles. Running on softer, uneven surfaces can help reduce the impact on joints in comparison to pounding the pavement.
- Enhanced mental health: Running in nature can have many psychological benefits. Simply being surrounded by fresh air, trees, water bodies and more, can help lower symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. Navigating obstacles on the trail requires runners to stay focused on their path, which would help take mind off day-to-day worries. In fact, trail running can be somewhat of a meditative experience. The peace and serenity of nature provide runners with a mental reset, leaving them revitalized and refreshed.
- Increased endurance: The varied terrain and elevation on trails would mean that the body of the runner is constantly adapting, building endurance and strength over time. Uphill climbs can challenge the cardiovascular system, while downhill stretches can significantly improve speed and coordination. With consistence practice, runners may observe that trail running increases their stamina faster than running on flat surfaces.
- Improved focus and creativity: As per certain studies, spending time in nature can improve cognitive function. Trail running can help improve problem solving skills and spark creativity, making it a perfect activity for clearing the mind. The focus necessary for navigating obstacles like roots and rocks forces the runners to be present in the moment mentally, keeping distractions at bay and improving concentration.
- Connection with nature: Getting a chance to connect with nature is among the most rewarding aspects of trail running. It allows runners to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the outdoors.
As Steven Rindner says, while at start trail running may seem a bit hazardous due to uneven terrain, it can actually lower the risk of the common running and overuse injuries. The constant change in stride and foot placement helps avoid repetitive stress injuries that are pretty common in road running. Trail running tends to encourage a more natural foot strike, which can help with the running form, and lower the likelihood of common running injuries.
