- Find your groove without pavement -
By Dave McMahon
****
Unleash yourself from routine everyday pavement running and
get in shape on beautiful forest trails. This article tells you exactly what to
do to get started in trail running.
This article is about the benefits and safety of running on
trails or rough terrain for an all-season, all-natural total body workout. The
author of this article is Dave McMahon, a Canadian winter biathlon champion, who
goes into detail about how running off-road can help improve your core strength,
power, endurance, agility and balance, whereas doing the same on a road can
prove to be less beneficial and less enjoyable.
Running on hilly, winding and narrow trails offers a dynamic
and less structured workout because there will always be a variety of footing,
pace and stride, coupled with the mental challenges of concentrating to avoid
hazards such as roots, rocks and mud. To ensure safety of the readers who are
new to trail running, McMahon explains proper form and running techniques so
that you don't end up with a twisted ankle or worse. He emphasizes that if you
start on easy terrain, you will soon realize that keeping a good pace, while
looking ahead instead of at your feet will cause the hazards to disappear.
This article is very helpful for someone like me who enjoys
doing lots of running of all kinds. Especially with orienteering coming up in
class, the hints offered by the author could be a great way to start the unit.
Next time I go for a run on the trails, I will be keeping in mind everything I
read.
I recommend this article to anyone who enjoys running and is
looking for some change and excitement.
McMahon, Dave. "Trail
Running Anywhere, Anytime". Ottawa Outdoors Magazine. Summer/Fall 2009 http://content.yudu.com/A1d3vr/OOM-SumFall2009/resources/10.htm
Great article and review. No further feedback required.
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