Top 5 reasons to try trail running this spring

Have you been running the same roads for too long? Are you seeing pavement and road signs in your sleep? Hitting the trails is a great way to mix up your running routine, set new goals, and challenge yourself if your running is feeling a bit stale. Here are our top 5 reasons to run trails this spring:

• New Views Around Every Corner

This is definitely the first thing I think about with trail running–the beautiful views! I often create routes that bring me to the locations that inspire me. While you may be aware of the beautiful water at Green Lakes State Park, have you ever been to the Indian Ovens? These are large boulders eroded over thousands of years by wind and rain tower off of a little used trail in the park for a sight well worth the quad-busting climb. Other favorites include Tinker Falls, Jones Hill, Clark Reservation, and Pratt’s Falls. Watching these landscapes change through the seasons is a great motivation to get you out the door.

Above: The Indian Ovens are a great shady spot to take a quick snack break and admire nature!

• Owls, Deer, and Fishers–Oh my!

While I don’t see wildlife every time I head out for a trail run, I definitely cherish the moments I do and keep my eyes peeled for our local fauna. Here in Syracuse, you can see anything from common spottings like the white-tailed deer and friendly park mallards, to the rarer sights of a fisher (a small, fierce mammal that loves deep woods and avoids people). Spring is a wonderful time to spot one of my favorite small critters–the red eft, a terrestrial salamander that you may have “spotted” on our local trails. Did you know salamanders can sense magnetic fields and use that to “home” themselves back to their home ponds? 

Above: Wildlife photos from Kali Fatti, volunteer Fleet Feet coach & ultra/trail runner

• Challenging Terrain Brings Fitness Gains

For some people, challenges are the name of the game when it comes to running. I’m one of those people–I always want to see if I can run up that hill one more time, finish that longer race, or scramble up those rocks a little faster. Mixing up your usual running routine with the diverse hills, rocks, and roots of trails will help improve your knee drive, power, core strength, and confidence–and you may even find yourself closer to that road PR and a more well rounded runner as a result!

Above: Team Fleet Feet negotiates a scramble at Clark Reservation State Park. Photography by Life Is Trail Running

• No Cars!

Thanks to Kali F. for this one! We’ve all been there, you’re zenning out on your regular run route, and you approach an intersection at the same time as a car. You have the right of way, but will they notice you? Nope, their head is down looking at their phone, and you have to make the quick gametime decision to stop as they roll through their stop sign. Nothing drives me crazier! Luckily, when you hit the trails you’re sharing the paths with other outdoor enthusiasts. I’d much rather make way for a fatbike or a family on a picnic than a dangerous car!

Above: Tina Summerwood running the Morgan Hill Meat Grinder 

• Fun, Snacks, and Friendships

While I value my solo forays into the woods, there’s nothing I love more than sharing a trail run with my Fleet Feet friends. I’ve run hundreds of miles with these wonderful people, and through the hardest miles and the hardest laughter, we’ve made great memories across the state. Since trail running is hard work,  we usually celebrate afterwards (or even during!) with a snack. Coach Lauren’s muffins are a favorite! At the end of the run, whether a workout or race, it’s great to have the friendship of other people who love the outdoors. We cheer each other on, no matter the pace, goal, or terrain.

Above: Crossing the finish line of the Morgan Hill Meat Grinder Half Marathon!

Bonus Answers:  I asked the team what their favorite parts of trail running were, and highlighted some above. Others also mentioned love of the outdoors, enjoying nature, mud, water crossings, natural cushioning of trails, and the mental health benefits. What more could you need? 

If this all sounds great to you, join us Thursdays and Sundays beginning March 23rd for our spring trail running program. You’ll receive a training plan, twice-a-week in person training with speed work and long runs, and advice on everything from race day prep to trail navigation to run nutrition. Fleet Feet alum or annual distance member? Email Coach Maggie for your discount code.