Trail Running 101: Find Your Wild

There’s something primal about leaving the pavement behind and hitting the trail. Out here, you don’t just run—you connect


With the dirt under your feet, the trees overhead, the wind pushing you along. Trail running isn’t about chasing pace or finish lines; it’s about discovering a wilder, freer version of yourself.

This guide covers everything you need to get started: gear, safety, mindset—and most importantly, how to enjoy every single step.

Trail running is a little wild, a little messy—and absolutely magic.

It’s not about speed or racking up medals. It’s about feeling free, soaking up nature, and smiling at how awesome nature makes you feel.

Whether you’re new to trails or just need a reminder, here’s everything you actually need to know to start strong and fall in love with it.

Start Easy, Start Local

  • Pick a convenient and relaxing trail close to home. 
  • Look for short, friendly routes—think gentle loops, not vertical goat tracks.
  • Every great trail runner started with a casual jog (and usually a wrong turn).

Shoes Matter (But Not That Much)

  • Pay attention to your foot placement on the trail, ideally aim for even and flat footholds.
  • Trail shoes help with grip and ankle support, but don’t sweat it if you only have road shoes.
  • Fall in love with the trails first—upgrade your gear later.

Slow Down and Look Around

  • Trail running isn’t about PBs; it’s about moments.
  • Walk the steep bits, take photos, pause to appreciate the views, and go by perceived effort, not your watch.
  • Let the trails set your rhythm—not the other way around.

Bring Water and Snacks (Trust Me)

  • Trails take longer. Even short runs need water.
  • Bring a flask (or two) and be sure to keep hydrated during your run. 
  • Take a handful of trail snacks, and maybe a bonus snack to feel like a champion halfway through.

Safety First, Adventure Always

  • Always tell someone where you’re heading.
  • Better yet—run with a buddy.
  • And remember: turning back early isn’t quitting—it’s playing the long game.

Respect the Trail (and Yourself)

  • Stick to marked trails. Respect wildlife.
  • Respect others on the trails, giving way to hikers and bikers is always a good call. 
  • Leave no trace—what goes in goes out, even when there are bins I take my trash home.

Final Thoughts:

  • Enjoy the views.
  • Take the photos.
  • Eat the snacks.

Trail running isn’t about performance—it’s about presence.

Lace up, head out, and find your wild waiting around the next bend. What's next? You need a plan..

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Modřany Gully Long Run

Image
Modřany Gully Long Run:  Wild, Challenging, and just outside Prague Modřany Gully (Modřanská rokle) is my go-to long run  — this gorgeous nature reserve sits just south of Prague, with the trailhead outside Zbraslav on the east bank of the Vltava, around nine kilometres downstream from the city. What to Expect? This one’s a proper challenge—technical climbs, runnable descents, and a mix of surfaces: forest singletrack, packed dirt, loose clay shale, and rocky sections to keep you on your toes. Key highlights : Vltava Riverside Trail – A calm, flat start along the river, perfect for easing into the run. Quiet, partly shaded, and very runnable. Ascent to Hradiště – The first proper climb. It’s steep and scrambly in parts, but the views pay dividends. Hradiště Observation Tower – A 360° panorama over Modřany Gully. Total photo op. Hálkův Memorial – A stone monument in the forest, dedicated to Czech poet Vítězslav Hálek—worth a quiet pause. Šance Climb & Ravine – A wild, rugg...
Read more

Chuchle Grove Long Run

Image
Chuchle Grove Long Run: Trails, Fossils and Flow Chuchle Grove is my playground for hill repeats and intervals — as well as a scenic long run route that winds past the Vltava River and Barrandov Rocks. With plenty of options for loops and reps, it’s perfect for stacking up those training miles. What to Expect? This one’s a proper mixed bag: forest climbs, open hilltops, scenic descents, and even some quiet riverside stretches. Expect runnable dirt paths, short rocky climbs, and a good mix of forest shade and open views. Highlights : Vltava Riverside Warm-Up – a gentle intro before the hills start biting. St. Mary’s Spring – natural spring + peaceful shrine = ideal trail pause. Church of St. John of Nepomuk – your first high point with serious views. Chuchelský háj Nature Trail – forest paths dotted with educational panels. Homolka Summit – wide open space and panoramas over the Barrandian Basin. Velká Chuchle Descent – a scenic way to finish, looping you back to the river. A Trail T...
Read more

What I Learned From 30 Years of Trail Running?

Image
After decades of moving through forests, hills, and winding paths, I’ve learned that trail running isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life These are my biggest takeaways  from 30 years on the trail.  Inner-calm Whenever I step into a forest or nature reserve, it feels like an enormous weight is being lifted from my shoulders. I always take a moment to savour that feeling, and to thoroughly enjoy nature in that moment, marvelling at its calming grace.  This is where the noise fades. I’ve learned that my connection with nature runs deep, it allows me to decrease my stress levels without thinking about it. No need to meditate, practice mindfulness or stop thinking consciously, if I spend enough time in nature, it comes to me, like returning home after a business trip.  There's something deeply primordial about stepping onto an epic trail, knowing that through the millennia, countless people have taken the same steps, history has been made, civilisations thrived and l...
Read more

New to Trails? Let’s Make a Plan

Tell me about your running, I can help you build a plan to get in shape for a long run adventure.

Already a Trail Runner?

Great! Let's hit the trails and rack up some kilometres together.

Ready? Let's Get Running

Name

Email *

Message *

Trail Running FlexiPlan - Train Smarter, Run Farther

This isn’t your average spreadsheet. It’s a living, breathing training companion designed to help you build endurance, strength, and stoke—all while keeping things flexible. Life gets messy. This plan lets you roll with it.
Important: Training plans assume a certain base level of health and fitness. If you’re unsure about yours, check in with a qualified medical professional before launching into heroic hill reps or tempo chaos.