How to Start Running Outdoors

These different types of outdoor running can add variety and excitement to your routine while providing the luxury and full experience of being outside, immersed in nature. Each one also offers its own distinct atmosphere, challenges and rewards...

Trail Running

What is trail running? The basic idea of trail running is to run off road. This can be anything from an unpaved path in the park to a long and steep hill trail, and the focus can be to enjoy the outdoor experience of nature or to conquer challenging trails. Trail running can mean fewer injuries as the running surfaces are softer, and it also allows for technique improvement and speed improvement as the trails offer terrain challenges and really put your endurance to the test. After some trail running, taking your race to the asphalt will feel like smooth sailing.

You’ll need specific trail running shoes that provide extra traction and durability. Moreover, they'll need to be either water resistant or provide total water drainage.

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Also to learn more, come visit our other post about trail running shoes and why they're important:

Do You Need Trail Running Shoes?

Fell Running

Fell running is like trail running but with an emphasis on inclines. Fell running introduces a wide variety of terrain that you may not be used to, and you’ll find yourself running in some places and potentially walking others. The inclines that really make up fell running will push your endurance and make a serious workout for your ankles and quads, so strength training is a big component of success here. The steepness of a climb or descent is central to the challenge posed by a mountain or fell race. Often runners who participate in official races must have navigational skills and must carry survival gear with them during the race, which is a testament to the fact that fell running is for those that want to experience outdoor running like never before.

For mountain running, you'll need fell or trail running shoes with plenty of grip for steep descents. As weather changes can be unexpected, it’s important to be prepared with the layers you may need on your fell running expedition.

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Mud Running

What are mud runs? Rather than races to train for, mud runs offer more of a change of atmosphere and surface. Mud races are about enjoyment and 'surviving' the race, while times and Personal Bests (PB's) are much less a concern. They often feature obstacles, water ditches and climbing segments. Distances range from relatively short 5km to more demanding half marathons.

Gear is going to be punished during a mud run, so you may want to opt for a used pair of running shoes. However, tight-fitting running clothes will work better in water segments. From what we’ve learned, the lighter the clothes, the better you’re off for the remainder of the mud run.

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