Running through the Woods

[Sandy]

If you gave up road running because of sore knees or because you?re feeling too old, than trail running may be for you.  Trail running can be anything off road from old railway lines, gravel roads or grass fields to trails forged through the woods and up ski hills.  Trail running is lower key than road running for the following reasons:
1.   You tend to run slower to watch for hazards.
2.   You see lots of nature.
3.   You run with at least 1 other person for safety reasons, the more the merrier.
4.   Difficult routes can beat you up, so you should walk up hills and take it easy or walk the downs.
5.   Repetitive stress injuries are a thing of the past as each footfall is different. 
6.   You see places you otherwise wouldn?t have.

     Racing the trails is even more fun.  Traditional distances for trail races are longer than on the road, ranging from 25k to 100 miles.  The hurry up and go forward mentality of road racing is virtually non-existent in trail races.  The longer you go, the slower, more methodical your running should be.  Stopping and chatting with volunteers is encouraged as is taking longer at the food stations to ensure you are eating and drinking enough to keep you going.  It is also worth your while.  Chips, pretzels, cookies, M & M?s, water, Gatorade and coke for shorter distances while the longer you go the more substantial the fare becomes; hamburgers, sandwiches, lasagne, soup and salty potatoes-yum!
     The crowds are not big, with participants ranging from 15 to 400, with a handful of spectators and volunteers to watch.  The awards are different with belt buckles and tree rings replacing medals, while sports bags and knapsacks replace race t-shirts.  Bruises, sprained ankles, thorny scrapes and poison ivy replace Achilles tendonitis and runners knee.
     You can wear your road shoes on softer trails, but trail shoes are a must for rougher terrain.  A fluid system that holds a lot is required for those longer routes or for large loop racing.  Layering is also a good idea.
     The Fat Ass Trail Run 7.5k/10k/17.5k/ and 25k will be held at the Batawa Ski Hill on Sunday Nov 14.  Registration at 8:30, race starts at 10:00am.

     As the marathon season begins to wind up, New York City Marathon, the Hamilton Road 2 Hope marathon/half marathon and Angus Glen half marathons were run.  At the Road 2 Hope Lou Scanlon (1:32:30), Bill Petch (2:02:39), and Julia Swedak (2:13:15) ran the half marathon.  The marathon was run by Benoit Labreche (3:43:10), Petra Austin (4:26:02), Damon Allen (3:09:10), Joy Petch (4:31:16), Jeff Lubeski (3:14:16), Neil Ibey (3:53:56) and Tim Johnson (2:53:49).  Eric Lindenberg (3:36:40) ran New York City.  Debbie Sicoli (2:36:57) and Carolyn Larue (2:24:54) ran the Angus Glen Half marathon while Jean Paul Thibeau (51:38) and Krista Tevlin (1:27:55) participated in the 10k. 
     Dave Penny ran the 2nd Annual Remember Run 5k in 19:45 and Nicole Bosiak (26:32) ran the Heather Saaltink Memorial 5k.

[Glo]

question - how does trail running work with necks that don't turn left and bad/sore achy lower backs?

[Newt]

G'day Glo,

As long as you start off slow and don't expect to run the same speed and distance as on the road, I wouldn't be surprised that it might even feel better than road running.

Peace
Peter

[Sandy]

Agreed!

[Glo]

thanks guys        - here's hoping that all turns are right 

[Newt]

Glo,

I don't find I turn my head alot, mostly periperal stuff. Unless of course a bear jumps out of the bush then your sore neck is the least of your worries.

You may actually find the softer surface (compared to concrete/asphalt) helps the lower back.

Peace
Peter

[The Moose1]

Glo,
Just to play "Devil's Advocate", I'm going to disagree.  Trail running introduces a significant number of stresses to the body that simply aren't present while running on an even surface.  Twisting, turning, tripping and attempting to stay upright on less than ideal surfaces will all put extra stress on all parts of your body.  That's why trail running is so much slower than road or track running.  A weak core will not make this easier, and (depending on how badly you are already injured) may make things worse.  If you decide to do this (and personally, I would anyway) be very careful.  Try to stay relaxed and loose, and slow down a little.  Remember that in some instances a controlled fall is better for you than fighting to stay upright.
Your neck...the only time you'll need to turn your head that far is to see how much ground you've made on the person you just passed.  In that case, look over your right shoulder.  
Know in your heart that almost every racer would be out there in your condition (self included), and I'll probably see you there to, but we all know that you probably shouldn't be.

See you Sunday,

Mike

[Newt]

Mike,
Obviously if Glo has very serious back problems any running could be bad for it, but just the examples you have given are the reasons why trail running would be better for most people. i.e. "twisting, turning, tripping and trying to stay upright on less than ideal surfaces" We spend way too much time in static and/or repetitive positions/motions. Our bodies were made to move, twist and bend a lot of our problems are because we don't do enough of those things on a regular basis. (myself included - too much time sitting at a computer screen)

Peace
Peter

[Kate]

Oh yeah sure, Mike.  Pretty sure last year you called me a wuss!

[Glo]

well the back thing has been worked on by Bryan  THANK YOU  but I think this week it is just an overwork at the Y,  but the neck, upper back (wing) thing got me stumped.   
Kate might be right - it might just be the too much driving and much added stress thru work.

I just wanted to ensure that running on trails wasn't going to hinder/ hurt me more. 

see you Sunday (hopefully)

[The Moose1]

I agree, most people should trail run more, or generally get out and exercise.  I don't see how this has any bearing on the question at hand.

[Sandy]

Amen Peter! 

Gloria, obviously the question at hand can not be answered fully without knowing what the biomechanical causes are and it is irresponsible to "diagnosis" when not qualified hence the general response. However trail running by nature puts a runner into a better overall biomechanical position which can improve many things that runners suffer.  In chatting with numerous runners the only issues that have worsened by trail running are foot related ie:subluxing cuboids, stress fractures.  Bottom line is short of an acute injury like breaking something most people find the slower paced, involving nature of trail running a relief to their bodies and their minds.  Maybe getting out and communing with nature will relieve some stress and help your neck and shoulders out! Hope to see you Sunday!

[NancyR]

...communing with nature will relieve some stress...

YES!! absolutely for me :)

[Glo]

Thanks for all the advice,  as for now, I'm pumped, and ready for tomorrow  - I can (almost) move my  neck completely to the left without pain, and the 'wing' seems to be fine.

keeping my fingers crossed that I don't get called into work to Kingston tomorrow.................   10k in the woods, here I come !!!!

 

[NancyR]

Glad you are coming out Glo!

Looks like a super day (weather) until later on... yay

Nancy