Ultimate Trihards Triathlon Squad

Hi all,

hope you didn’t get to lost with Billy showing the way!

Benefits of Trail Running

Running in a triathlon is mostly about strength - with a little speed thrown in. Towards the end of the race after a swim and bike the body is pretty tired so those that are stronger can hold their run form better and hence run at a greater pace than those that are starting to waver.

Running trails will build this strength better than any other surface out there. The constant changing of your foot strike has the effect of developing the muscular system and surrounding support structures better than the same/same on road foot fall. This constant changing pattern also helps repetitive stress injuries that plague many runners who stick to concrete and round the bays loops.

There will be more hills in your workouts than planned as the constant change in the surface will mean that you are more often than running up or down hill. That and trails are more likely to be situated on hills where building - even in Wellington! is precariuos at best!

The surface is softer on the body. Asphalt is great for cars but not for the human body. After time on the trails you will notice the difference when you return to the concrete jungle out there. Running trails will mean less injuries and you will be able to run more mileage as a result.

Running trails will help with your form as it promotes mid to forefoot landing. You are often forced to take shorter steps when running trail. This helps to stop you falling over - due to keeping your centre of gravity over your feet more. This means that you will be less likely to overstride and actually ‘brake’ as your foot hits too far in front of the body.

It promotes speed - when you run technical trails you find that you have to physically move your feet faster this helps you go faster. Simple concept but often forgotten! This is also true when you run downhill keeping your form together. When you run down hill on trail try and run leaning down with the hill and still on the forefoot - it is pretty hard to run down with your heels hitting the dirt - and your quads will be toast at the bottom!

And running trail has all those benefits of being in nature… and you get a chance to get muddy like you did as a kid!

Coach Logan