Why Do You Love Trail Running? | Hikers University

We all know that trail running is great for health and all, but why do you love trail running? Why does it make you feel great? 

Does your day feel incomplete unless you have been on the trails? If so, you are not alone. 

Trail runners love the activity like crazy, as it allows them to escape the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives and takes them closer to nature. It allows them to explore, achieve their fitness goals, and feel hardcore about themselves. 

Here are the feelings that trail running offers and some important gear to enhance your experience on top of it. 

I have been trail running for over 10 years now. What I have written below is basically the highlights of my own personal relationship with the trails and how running on them makes me feel. 

Table of contents

HideShow

Why Do You Love Trail Running?

Exploration

Exploration is a big reason why people love trail running. It allows them to see new places and experience nature in a way that they wouldn't be able to otherwise. Trail running also gives runners a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and clear their minds. There are many different trails to choose from, so runners can find one that suits their needs and interests. Trail running can be a great way to get exercise while also enjoying the outdoors.

Nature Makes You Happier

People love trail running because nature makes people happier. When we are in nature, we feel more connected to the world around us, and this connection makes us happy. Trail running allows us to connect with nature in a unique way by running through beautiful scenery and getting close to wildlife. 

Trail running is also a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. It's a low-impact activity that is gentle on the joints, and it's a great way to burn calories and stay in shape. Plus, being out in nature can help reduce stress levels and improve our overall sense of well-being. 

Running on Trails is Easy on Your Body

When most people think of running, they imagine pounding the pavement. But running on trails can actually be easier on your body and better for your joints. 

The uneven surface of a trail forces your muscles to work harder to keep you balanced. This helps improve your overall stability and strengthens the muscles around your joints. 

Trail Running Builds Stabilizer Muscles

Trail running is a great way to build stabilizer muscles. These are the muscles that help you maintain balance and control while running on uneven terrain. By strengthening these muscles, you'll be able to run with better form and avoid injuries.

One of the best things about trail running is that it forces you to engage your stabilizer muscles more than running on a flat surface does. This is because you have to constantly adjust your stride and body position to account for the changing terrain. As a result, your stabilizer muscles get a great workout every time you hit the trails. 

Trail Running Switches Things Up

Trail running is a great way to mix up your workout routine. Not only does it provide a change of scenery, but it also challenges your body in new ways.

Running on uneven terrain strengthens your stabilizer muscles and helps improve your balance. And, because you never know what obstacles you'll encounter on the trail, every run is an adventure.

 Trail Running Helps You Lose Weight

Trail running is a great way to lose weight because it forces you to use more muscles than road running does. This is because when you run on uneven terrain, your body has to work harder to keep you balanced. This means that you're burning more calories and losing weight faster. 

In addition, trail running also helps to build muscle. This is because when you run on trails, your muscles have to work harder to propel you forward. This leads to increased muscle mass, which in turn helps you to burn more calories.

Trail Running Allows You To Escape

Trail running is a great way to get away from it all. It allows you to explore new places, get some fresh air, and just clear your head. And, of course, it's a great workout. But what really makes people love trail running is the sense of freedom and adventure it provides. 

There's something special about being out in nature, surrounded by trees and wildlife, that just can't be replicated on a treadmill or even a paved road. When you're trail running, you're truly in the moment and present in your surroundings. And that can be incredibly liberating. 

You Feel Hardcore After a Good Trail Run

People love trail running because it gives them a sense of accomplishment. There's something about conquering a difficult terrain that makes you feel like a badass. And let's be honest, who doesn't love feeling like a badass? 

Trail running also provides a great workout. Not only do you get to enjoy the great outdoors, but you're also burning calories and getting your heart rate up. What's not to love about that? 

How Does Trail Running Make You Feel?

Trail running is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, but it can also be a great way to improve your mood. Running in nature has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing stress levels and increasing feelings of happiness and well-being. 

Trail running can help you to feel more relaxed, happier, and healthier overall. 

One of the main ways that trail running can improve your mood is by helping to reduce stress levels. When you run in nature, you are exposed to many different sights and sounds that can help to distract you from your worries and concerns. 

In addition, the physical act of running can help to release endorphins, which are hormones that have a positive effect on mood. Endorphins can help to improve mood and reduce stress levels. 

Running in nature can also help to increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can help to increase levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood. 

Serotonin is often referred to as the "happy hormone" because it is associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. So, by running in nature, you can actually increase your levels of serotonin and improve your mood. 

Tips To Make Trail Running More Fun If You Don’t Love It Already

Join a group or club

Joining a group or club is a great way to meet other trail runners and get motivated to hit the trails more often. There are many different groups and clubs out there, so find one that fits your interests and goals. 

Set some goals

Setting goals is a great way to stay motivated and improve your trail running experience. Whether it's running a certain distance or time or simply completing a difficult trail, having something to strive for will keep you coming back for more.

Explore new trails

One of the best things about trail running is that there are endless possibilities for exploration. Make sure to mix things up by trying out new trails whenever possible. Not only will this help prevent boredom, but it can also lead to some amazing discoveries. 

Get the right gear

Having the proper gear is essential for any trail runner, whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned pro. Make sure you have comfortable shoes that provide good traction, and consider investing in some other key items, like a GPS watch or headlamp. 

Be prepared for anything

When running on trails, it's important to be prepared for anything that might come your way. This means carrying a few essentials with you, such as water, food, and a first-aid kit. It's also a good idea to know the route you're taking and to tell someone else where you're going. 

Take your time

One of the best things about trail running is that there's no need to hurry. Take your time and enjoy the scenery around you. If you find yourself getting winded, just slow down and take a few deep breaths. There's no need to push yourself harder than necessary. 

Reward yourself

After completing a difficult trail or reaching a personal goal, make sure to give yourself a well-deserved reward. This could be something as simple as a post-run snack or a new piece of gear. Whatever it is, make sure it's something that will keep you motivated to keep running. 

Connect with nature

Trail running is a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the world around you. Take a moment to stop and smell the flowers, listen to the birds, or simply take in the beauty of your surroundings.

Challenge yourself

One of the best ways to make trail running more fun is to challenge yourself. This could mean pushing yourself to run faster or further than before or taking on a more difficult trail. Whatever it is, make sure it's something that will help you grow as a runner. 

Have fun!

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to have fun. If you do not enjoy yourself, what’s the point of doing it? So make sure to find what works for you and stick with it. Trail running can be a great way to relieve stress, get some exercise, and see some amazing places. So go out there and enjoy yourself! 

Trail Running Gear To Make Your Trail Running Experience More Fun

There's nothing quite like trail running. It's a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, and it can be very calming and relaxing. But in order to really enjoy your trail running experience, you need to have the right gear. 

The most important piece of gear for trail running is a good pair of shoes. You'll want shoes that are comfortable, provide good traction, and protect your feet from rocks and other debris. There are many different brands and styles of trail running shoes available, so it's important to try on a few pairs before putting your finger on one. 

Another important piece of gear for trail running is a GPS watch. A GPS watch can help you keep track of your distance, pace, and elevation, which can be very helpful when you're trying to improve your running performance. There are many different brands and models of GPS watches available, so it's important to find one that has the features that are most important to you.

Another piece of gear that can be very helpful for trail running is a hydration pack. A hydration pack will allow you to carry water with you on your run, which can be extremely important in hot weather. There are many different brands and models of hydration packs available, so it's important to find one that fits well and has enough capacity for your needs. 

Finally, don't forget to bring a first-aid kit with you on your runs. You never know when you might need it. A first-aid kit needs to have pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and some bandages. 

If you have the right gear, trail running can be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. So make sure you're prepared before you hit the trails!

About THE AUTHOR

Peter Brooks

Peter Brooks

I’m a hiker, backpacker, and general outdoor enthusiast. I started hiking out of college while working for the National Forest Service, and have been hiking ever since. I’ve been solo hiking and leading hiking groups for two decades and have completed hundreds of small hikes and some majorones such as the Appalachian Train and the Pacific Crest Trail, and hiked on four continents. I’d love to share some of my insight with you.

Read More About Peter Brooks