Technical trail running is characterised by the terrain being quite difficult to traverse. This may include obstacles such as rocks, loose surfaces, roots, mud, water, steep climbs and steep descents. Some technical sections may also require the use of the upper body in order to negotiate. Technical trail running is usually significantly slower than running on smooth surfaces, and there is a higher risk of injury.
Time and effort
If you worry too much about how fast you’re going and how much distance you’re covering on technical terrain, you run the risk of becoming disheartened. Instead, focus on the effort you’re putting in and the time you’re investing. If you find it challenging, the chances are that others will find it challenging too. If you put in maximum effort, you can’t go wrong.
Balance
Balance is critically important on technical trails. Try to incorporate balance (single-leg exercises) and plyometrics (split and squat jumps) into your training. Refer to this training plan for examples.
Shorter stride
It’s important to reduce ground contact time and “float” over the surface. This makes it easier to deal with unexpected changes in terrain. Avoid stop and go movements, which will slow you down, waste energy and can make the terrain harder to negotiate.
Footwear
Good trail shoes make a big difference on technical terrain and will give you a lot more confidence. The lugs on trail shoes help grip the surface as you climb hills, rocks and muddy slopes. They also help you stop when you need to on steep descents. A good tread pattern will help to clear mud as you run. You will find shoes designed specifically for particular terrain types. However, to get started, general trail shoes with good grip should do just fine.
Find your line
Keep your eyes about 2-4m (5-10ft) ahead and look for the best path. Try to plan your next few steps ahead of time.
Stay alert
Terrain and the obstacles you need to deal with will be constantly changing. You need to be constantly aware of those changes and plan accordingly. This will take conscious effort to begin with but will become second nature as you become more experienced.
Aim to finish
Don’t take unnecessary risks. Technical trail running takes time. In a race situation, focus on finishing, not your position. In training, challenge your limits gradually to improve your skills. Run the same familiar trails at progressively faster paces. Each time, you’ll make improvements in foot placement and you’ll become progressively more confident.
I hope you found this useful. Do you have any tips or advice for technical trail running? Please leave a comment below to let me know.
