THE FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAIL RUNNING

Rule #1

Have fun

Trail running is the freedom to choose. Use it wisely: Pick the trails that look the best, the races that look most interesting, the paths that look most challenging.

Rule #2

Keep your eyes on the trail

Fix your gaze on a point 3-4 steps ahead, imagine your running line and follow it. Though the scenery can be beautiful, try not to get too distracted.

Rule #3

Forget the watch

Learn to run by level of effort, not time. Stop watches are for road runners, not the trail runners. Trail running is about discovering more ways to measure "personal best" than just time and distance.

Rule #4

Respect the trail

Trail running is about respect for nature: Treat nature with care and leave the trails as you found them.  It also means a healthy respect for the challenge by knowing your limits – try starting out on a relatively flat course that doesn't have too many rocks, climbs or roots. Then go longer, harder and faster as you get better and more experienced.

Rule #5

When in doubt, see Rule #1