Trail Run

By Coach Matt Russ

Off road running can be highly beneficial to an athlete, even if your race is on the road. I add trail running into my fall base period. I really enjoy the change, and my knees and joints enjoy the lessened impact. The shoes we now run in are also designed to limit this impact as much as possible, but this also means the muscles of our lower legs do not have to work as hard. The uneven ground on a trail makes these muscles work to stabilize the ankle and foot, and can help prevent shin splints and other maladies. You may want to switch to a trail running shoe for greater traction, but be aware that these shoes are stiff and do not have a lot of impact absorption. Never run in trail shoes on the road.

Matt Russ has coached and trained elite athletes from around the country and internationally for over ten years. He currently holds expert licenses from USA Triathlon, USA Cycling (Elite), and is a licensed USA Track and Field Coach. Matt is head coach and owner of The Sport Factory, and works with athletes of all levels full time. He is a free lance author and his articles are regularly featured in a variety of magazines such as Inside Triathlon, and Triathlete. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information or email him at coachmatt@thesportfactory.com