Todd Neilson on trail running

When people think Trail Running they think mud, they think hills, and they probably think hard work. Honestly, it's all those amazing things and much much more.

If you’re new to the sport or already have experience running on road then there’s a few small things you need to know. Your footwear needs to be up to the task, trail running is often on all types of surface and your shoes need enough grip and enough stability to deal with all the technical parts, most running brands do a trail running version already so the transition is easier than you would think.

Another thing to realise is there will be hills, and sadly you can’t run through them, they will become your most loved and most hated foe but you will have to earn their respect one way or another. It's important to remember that often the terrain is extremely mixed so paying attention to where you're putting your feet is imperative, stumbling and the odd trip is inevitable, just be prepared to dust yourself off and carry on.

What trail running gives you is a connection to the environment, it's as much exercise activity and as it is a collaboration with nature and nature is ready with running streams and rising sunsets if you’re willing to work for them. That's what Trail Running is, work, it forces you to engage with the landscape and never stops reminding you of two things:

It’s always tough,

And it’s always worth it.