Beginner's Guide to Trail Running Equipment

I started running as a college student because my schedule was incompatible with that of team sports. Initially, I found running to be boring, but a great way to maintain physical fitness. I kept on and eventually discovered the much more adventurous and exciting version of running, as I feel it to be, called trail running. Whatever your reasons for hitting the trail, a basic understanding of the equipment necessary will prove vital in your ability to run comfortably, measure improvement, and prevent injuries.

Trail Running Shoes

You have probably heard that running is the cheapest sport or activity you can engage in to maintain physical fitness. The reasoning behind this statement is simple: the only equipment needed is a decent pair of shoes. While this statement is probably true for the weekend warrior, it is poor advice for those who plan to run on a regular basis. True, shoes are by far the most important part of your attire. For road running, I would suggest running shoes over cross-trainers. Likewise, I recommend trail running shoes for trail running. Often, these are a bit more expensive than your basic running shoe, but they will prove vital as you find yourself better able to grip roots, dirt, mud, sand, rocks, and any other terrain you encounter. You will find your chances of injuries such as sprained ankles decreased as well. For this reason, I recommend investing in a decent pair of trail running shoes even if on a budget.

Sports Watch

While a decent pair of trail running shoes will prove to be your most vital piece of equipment, a sports watch will prove useful as a measure of how long you have been running. Distance is difficult to measure out on the trails, but the amount of time you have been running is not. As you become more familiar with the trails you are running, time ran becomes your measure of improvement in speed. Sports watches are sold at a variety of price ranges and this is one item that you will not need to break the bank on.

If on a budget: A simple, inexpensive, and useful sports watch will include the time and a stopwatch. This is really all you need. More experienced runners might enjoy a sports watch with the ability to record splits, or lap times, and other functions. This will, however, raise the price of the watch.

Dri-fit Clothing

When it comes to clothing, choose dri-fit (which wick away sweat) over cotton clothing. This will help keep you dry on long runs. Cotton tends to absorb sweat or precipitation and will weigh you down and make your run more uncomfortable. Many beginning runners who wear cotton do not notice this until they make the switch. After switching to dri-fit clothing, however, their runs improve. Everything you would wear running made of cotton has a dri-fit counterpart. This more expensive, but important piece of equipment, will keep you comfortable on long runs as you begin to build the ability to run longer distances. During winter months, dress in layers to keep warm. This typically means wearing tighter, more form fitting clothing as the thinnest layer, and slightly larger clothing over this. Dressing in layers will keep you focused on your run, not the cold. Again, go with dri-fit.

If on a budget: Invest in a dri-fit shirt. While shorts, pants, socks, and even underwear made of dri-fit materials will make your run more comfortable, they are less vital.

Hit the Trail

The equipment I have recommended will prove vital as you develop your abilities as a runner. However, it is also expensive. If on a budget, choose quality shoes, an inexpensive watch with a timer, and a dri-fit t-shirt. This will get you on your way with a more comfortable run, a way to measure improvement, and a reduced chance of injury. Have fun!