One of the reasons many runners choose to run on trails is because they love being outdoors. They love the feel of the fresh air in their lungs, sun on their shoulders, and the peacefulness of being surrounded by nature. Yet sometimes, trail and ultra runners have no choice but to hit the treadmill if they want to get in a run. If that's you: don't despair, I've got five fun treadmill workouts Continue reading →
Merrell Bare Access XTR – Trail Shoe Review
It's been quite a while since I've written a shoe review in these parts. I had fallen into a regular routine of ordering the exact same shoe model over and over, because why mess with what works? Alas, on a fateful day in New Jersey last October, I reluctantly put on a demo pair of Merrell Bare Access XTR 's. And over the course of 5 miles (a Ragnar Relay Yellow loop), I fell in love. Continue reading →
Trail Running’s Affect on Mental Health: 5 Proven Ways Trail Running Makes You Happy
When you were little, chances are your mom was always hounding you to "go outside and play". Little did you know, she was doing more than just trying to get you out of her hair - she was helping you stay healthy. As adults, we seek alternate ways to enjoy the outdoors that differ from the tree-forts and stick fights of our past. For some of us, our nature solace comes in the form of running Continue reading →
Trail Running Gear for Beginners: What You Really Need (and What You Can Skip)
Starting a new sport or activity can be exciting, and wildly overwhelming. When it comes to running, it may seem obvious: all you need is a pair of running shoes, right? But then you start looking into available running equipment, only to be bombarded with $180 lightweight sneakers, $200 hydration packs, and $750 GPS watches. But like any sport, there are the "must have necessities" and the Continue reading →
No Equipment Beginner Strength Training Workout for Trail Runners
Hey there trail runner! Do you know you need to strength train, but don't know where or how to start? Do gyms intimidate you, time eludes you, and you don't have access to any equipment at home? Don't worry, I've got you covered. This (free!) no equipment needed, beginner friendly strength training workout for trail runners can be done in the comfort of your home - or even outdoors. Continue reading →
Paris Mountain 50K / North Lake 25K Recap
As I write this post, I'm having a hard time believing that it's been four years since I first ran the Paris Mountain 50K (now the Paris Mountain 50K / North Lake 25K) . We've now lived in South Carolina (again) long enough for me to have run a race, but completely forgotten what the course was like. Time flies when you run - a lot. In 2015, fresh to the Carolinas, Geoff and I headed Continue reading →
Ragnar Trail Relay Wawayanda Lake – Race Recap
When the opportunity to captain a team for a Ragnar Trail Relay Wawayanda Lake in New Jersey presented itself, I won't lie: my first thought was "New Jersey has trails?" It's a sheltered point of view, of course, but my New Jersey experiences to date pretty much include countless trips up and down the Jersey Turnpike. When I think of the Garden State, I immediately picture the Vince Lombardi Continue reading →
What to Expect at Your First Trail Race
You've registered for your first trail race. You've (hopefully) taken your training off road. Race day is approaching and the unknown differences between road and trail racing have left you feeling nervous. Good news: self proclaimed Church of Trail Running ambassador Coach Heather is here to answer all of your questions! Here's what to expect at your first trail race, as well as other tips to Continue reading →
How to Avoid Wild Animal Attacks While Trail Running
It makes perfect sense why people would be apprehensive of wild animal attacks while trail running: the forests (and deserts, and plains, and other places trails naturally occur) are homes to wild animals. Further, while they are relatively rare, when wild animal attacks DO happen to runners, the stories are sensationalized and shared endlessly among the community. How many times did we see Continue reading →
7 Things to Do During a 100 Mile Ultramarathon Taper
You've spent the last 6 months or more training for your 100 miler. You've put in your miles, and now entered the taper block of training, a time both hated and loved by runners everywhere. Now that your training volume has cut back significantly, what else is left to do before race day (besides feel like you're going to lose your mind from lack of adequate activity?) Answer: plenty. Here are Continue reading →
How to Overcome the Fear of Running in the Dark
The majority of runners I know are early birds: putting in their miles as soon as the sun rises. In fact, most races, from 5K's to marathons and beyond, start first thing in the morning . So it's no surprise that there is an inherent fear of running in the dark and at night among runners: because they simply don't do it. But if you've got an overnight ultramarathon or relay race coming up, the Continue reading →
