The popularity of trail running continues to rise as more people discover the joys of turning off the road and seeking adventure on the trail. To mark the launch of our new TRAILFLY SPEED shoe, we’ve pulled together a light-hearted A-Z of trail running, for both trail newcomers and trail veterans to enjoy.
A is for Animals – A big bear, a startled snake, a charging cow, we’ve all got stories to tell from our trail encounters with wildlife. Expect exaggeration both in size and viscousness of said animal.
B is for Barkley Marathons – The ‘race’ only 15 trail runners have finished since 1986. Staged in unforgiving woodland next to a state penitentiary, entrants attempt to complete laps of an unmarked course, tearing pages from hidden books as they go. Learn more.
C is for Chamonix – The mecca of trail running. Once a year this French town under the shadow Europe’s most famous mountain hosts the sport’s biggest event – the UTMB® Mont Blanc. Anyone who is anyone is usually there.
D is for Divorce – Trail running can become addictive. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
E is for Etiquette – Unofficial rules of trail include greeting fellow runners with a wave, nod or spoken grunt. Holding gates open for others, shielding tired buddies from the wind, making way for downhill speedsters, and always aiming snot rockets downwards.
F is for FKT – The acronym at the opposite end of the three-letter scale to DNF. A Fastest Known Time is a speed record, often set by an individual over a long trail, for example the Appalachian Trail or Coast to Coast. DNF, in case you’re unsure, stands for Did Not Finish.
G is for Grip – This is not road running. Trails are uneven, unkept (sometimes) and unpredictable. Good underfoot shoe grip is an absolute necessity, unless you like nursing cuts and bruises on your knees, elbows and butt!
H is for Hills – Come in all shapes and sizes. Some trail runners love them, others hate them. Learning to conquer them is your best form of defence. Check out our top tips for uphill and downhill running.
I is for Inspiration – Trail running is awash with people and stories that inspire. A quick Google will unearth articles, films and podcasts to keep you going for days, weeks, months. Type in ‘Nicky Spinks’ for starters.
J is for Joints – They creak, wince and sometimes swell, especially in the morning. Make them your best friends, treat them kindly and hopefully they’ll reward you with many, many years on the trails.
K is for Kudos – If it’s not on Strava, it didn’t happen. Hit the thumbs up button and dish out the kudos to trail runners you follow. The longer your run, the more kudos you’ll get. It’s just how it is.
L is Legs – The greatest weapon in a trail runner’s armoury? Probably. Don’t just pump miles into them, remember to build strength within. The gym is good, but impressive gains can be made at home by dedicating time to these 8 simple leg strength exercises.
M is for Mud – Yes, it can slow you down. Yes, it can be troublesome to wash off. Yes, it can smell. But it is part and parcel of trail running (especially in winter), so embrace the mud. Plus, it plays a vital role in giving you a trail runner’s sock line to proudly show off post-run!
N is for Navigation – Trails can become disorientating, especially in bad weather or woodland areas, so learn the skills you need for the type of trails you’re running on. Don’t rely purely on trail signage. Use maps and GPS tracking to help keep you safe.
O is for OK (to walk) – Everyone does it, even if they don’t talk about it. Walking, power-hiking, whatever you want to call it, there is absolutely no shame in doing it. Indeed sometimes – on steep trail ascents – it can be quicker to walk than run.
P is for Packs – Rarely seen on the backs of road runners. Regularly seen on the backs of trail runners. A lightweight running pack has become a gear essential, ensuring you have extra kit, fluids and, of course, snacks close to hand. Trail runners love snacks.
Q is for Questions – Trail running poses many questions (especially for beginners), and not just ‘what shoes should I wear?’ Seek out experienced trail runners and tap into their knowledge or join one of the many online communities. Check out our own beginner’s guide.
R is for Recovery – Cool-down jog? Ice bath? Massage? Maybe. Pizza? Chips? Cake? Definitely. Enjoy the recovery, especially after a long trail run. A good stretch against the cake shop counter can work wonders.
S is for Solitude – Escape the stress and drama with a run on the trails. Find peace on the paths and discover nature away from the noise. Adventure is waiting… just watch out for those animals (See A).
T is for Trial – Trial. Not trail. That’s right. Trial all your kit and nutrition, get to know what works for you and what doesn’t. It’s a game of trial and error. Win the game and you’ll be trail cruising.
U is for Ultra – Go long. Run further than a marathon (26.2 miles) and become an ultra-distance runner. But why stop at 30, 40 or 50 miles? 100-mile+ trail races and challenges are all the rage nowadays (See B, C, F, W). Ultra running looks set to be here for the long-haul.
V is for Views – One of trail running’s biggest perks. Go high for added panoramas and go at sunrise or sunset for extra wow. Just don’t forget to snap a quick pic for your Strava upload and watch the kudos (See K) roll in.
W is for Western States – The world’s oldest 100-mile trail race, first staged in 1974. Held in California every June, the WSER (Western States Endurance Run to give it it’s full name) is one of the biggest events on the calendar. Read our 2022 Western States race report.
X is for X-train – Ok, we’ve cheated a bit. To cross-train (or in this case x-train) is to build strength, conditioning and endurance in other parts of the body while giving your running-specific joints (See J) a lovely rest. Biking, swimming, yoga, pilates, the list is endless.
Y is for Yellow – Pale yellow is what you’re aiming for. The gold standard trail running urine colour. Stay hydrated on the trail or face the consequences.
Z is for Zest (for life) – Trail running delivers this in abundance. Every. Single. Time. Now where are those trail shoes…..
