How to Run Trails!

“How to Run Trails!” That’s about as ambitious a post title as you’ll ever see here at iRunFar… but today […]

By on December 17, 2008 | Comments

“How to Run Trails!” That’s about as ambitious a post title as you’ll ever see here at iRunFar… but today we share resources from some masters of the sport that we’ve collected over the past few months. While we could throw in our two cents on how to run trails (and likely will), it would be hard to improve on the following expert advice. Note that not all top trail runners agree on the finer points of trail running, so it’s worthwhile to digest more than one take on any subject. Please let us know of any other great resources on how to run trail – this is certainly a work in progress.

How to Run Uphill

  • Trail Running Uphill – Scott Jurek (Video suggesting keeping a neutral pelvis and leaning forward from the ankles – 4:05)
  • Uphill Trail Running – Nancy Hicks (A post suggesting to avoid running on your toes and to find a comfortable cadence)
  • Running Uphill – Karl Meltzer + Scott Mason (Video calling for a faster cadence and reminding that walking is OK- 1:58)

How to Run Downhill

  • Tackling the Downhills – Nikki Kimball (Video suggesting keeping your hips forward and using your arms for balance – 1:15)
  • Running Downhill – Karl Meltzer + Scott Mason (Video reminding you to look ahead for a good line, staying lower to the trail, and conserving momentum – 2:19)

Other Tips and Advice

Closing
Did you find any of these links particularly useful, unhelpful, incorrect, or inspiring?

Again, please let us know of any other great resources on how to run trails.

Bryon Powell

Bryon Powell is the Founding Editor of iRunFar. He’s been writing about trail running, ultrarunning, and running gear for more than 15 years. Aside from iRunFar, he’s authored the books Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons and Where the Road Ends: A Guide to Trail Running, been a contributing editor at Trail Runner magazine, written for publications including Outside, Sierra, and Running Times, and coached ultrarunners of all abilities. Based in Silverton, Colorado, Bryon is an avid trail runner and ultrarunner who competes in events from the Hardrock 100 Mile just out his front door to races long and short around the world, that is, when he’s not fly fishing or tending to his garden.