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Christian Schiester Explains Trail Running Racing

Nov 15, 2016
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Trail running puts different demands on your running technique. Extreme runner Christian Schiester explains trail running tips on how to best use your physical and mental energy to pace yourself on rough terrain.

Setting your pace in a trail running races

A trail running race has the same objective as a road race – you’ll want to cover the distance from start to finish as fast as possible.

But when you’re taking on trails, you’ll need to think differently about how you set your pace when compared to road running.

“The big challenge is adjusting your pace to the conditions underfoot,” explains Austrian trail expert and ASICS ambassador Christian Schiester. “You have to run evenly and be fully focused to avoid getting injured.”

Focus on the course

Generally speaking, when you’re running on road you don’t need to pay too much attention to the course. It means you can focus on speed and performance.

Trail running races are the exact opposite. It’s all about the course, and the terrain demands your complete attention.

“Focussing fully on the course is much more important than would be the case in road running,” says Christian.

Uphill versus downhill

Distributing your energy effectively in a trail running race means adjusting your pace for uphill and downhill stretches. It goes without saying that running up steep slopes poses different challenges for keeping your speed than a downhill slope.

“My strategy is simple,” says Christian. “Full power uphill – focussed and considered downhill.

“Going downhill is the most dangerous type of running in my opinion. Just one misstep could result in serious injury. That’s why you really need to check your pace and put all your focus on the terrain before you.”

Monitoring your pace and location

Despite the natural surroundings, trail running is a high-tech sport. For Christian, his race day equipment includes a handheld GPS device, and of course water and energy foods to last him through the day.

“There are now fantastic trail running backpacks from ASICS that fit well to your body and hold enough food and drink for your run,” he says.

“During a course I'm always able to access data using my handheld. Modern technology makes it simple to precisely check my pace”

Another reason to carry a handheld device is to make sure you stay on the right track.

Don’t rely on technology alone

Despite the race day gadgets, Christian is quick to warn against becoming dependent on them. That’s why he studies maps and landmarks of the trail courses he’s going to run.

He also tries to remember as much as possible from running them – partly for future use, and partly to make sure he fully experiences and enjoys his runs.

“I store every course as images in my head. These are images that I get to store in my brain day in day out through trail running. I collect these superb impressions of nature, impressions that will stay with me for the rest of my life!”