Trail Running Q&A

Good morning!

I am a tad sleepy this morning but it doesn’t even matter. Last night, I went and saw Les Miserables which is my favourite musical of ALL TIME. I am a bit of a Francophile so seeing the show live made me lose my mind a little. (And also explains why this post is up later today – sleep > editing blogs.

I’ve been getting some more reader questions lately and I thought I would tackle some today. If you have a question for me, I can’t promise to be an expert, but I am happy to answer in any way I can. (Email lacesandlattes@gmail.com).

It seems you guys are trail minded these days, so I made this a trail running themed Q & A.

Q: What watch do you use for trail running? Is it is the same as the one you use for road running?

A: Actually – no. I love testing out gear and I have a different watch for road running than I do for trail running. For trail running and racing, as well as any triathlons, adventure races or any other activity that requires a watch that is durable and won’t get destroyed by the elements, I use my Suunto Ambit 2.

This is the first watch I have found with a specific setting for trail running and it offers navigation, speed, heart rate, altitude, weather conditions and is water proof. (I even wore it during my ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!) It uploads to Strava alongside my other watches and it is my little adventure watch. You can follow my Movescount here and my Strava here if you are interested.

 

Q: If you are training for a road marathon, why are you running trails?

A: Good question. Trails are the perfect way for me to work on strength and stability as well as getting in some hard core hill training. As I prepare for long stretches of pavement, it is important to me to have training in more difficult elements to make race day seem like a breeze. Mind you, my long runs are all done on road, but my conditioning work is done on trails. Switching up the surface helps to prevent injury and keeps my training interesting and fresh.

 

Q: My shoes were destroyed by my last trail race. How do I get rid of the mud?

A: How destroyed are you talking? I was knee deep in mud after my Run for the Toad 50 KM but I threw them in the washing machine and after 2 washes, they were good as new. Just make sure you take out the inserts. I also like using an odour eliminator to spray shoes down after a trail session to keep them smelly rosy.

Q: What trail races are you doing in the fall?

A: I list all my races on this page, BUT I am constantly adding to it. I am doing 5 Peaks Kortight Centre and Hardwood Hills (email me for an updated discount code if you want to join me), Chase the Coyote and RAID THE HAMMER, teaming up with Explore the Back country. I also am in the process of solidifying details for an exciting December trail adventure so I will keep you updated on that.

Trail tips:

Email me for a special discount code for the last two 5 Peaks Races in Ontario. Let’s Get off the Road.

I am joining with the Orangeville Running Free this Sunday for a course tour of Chase the Coyote. Let me know if you are interested and let’s go chase some wildlife!

My questions for YOU?

What trail races are you doing this fall?

What watch do you use to train on trails?