May 19, 2007
Think that trail running is just for those few crazies who run ultra long distances? Does the thought of running up on a snake scare you? What about all the hills? What if I get lost? What do I do if I have to go to the bathroom? If these thoughts intrigue you to even think about trail running, then “YOU” need to get out and experience all the fun that other runners across the globe have started to appreciate.
Recent studies have shown that people are running more and more on trails instead of on the road. According to a recent survey, there are more than 6.7 million trail runners in the US alone and 40 million worldwide. (1). Trail running has taken a recent upswing in popularity as evidenced by the amount of time it has taken certain trail races to fill up. The Miwok 100K ultra run recently filled up in 15 minutes when it opened its online registration. It also has a waiting list. When is the last time you have heard a response like that to an entry limited road race, let alone a race that is 62 miles long?
The popularity of the sport has also evidenced itself lately by a lot of shoe companies and clothing manufacturers creating equipment designed specifically for the trail runner. A lot of the road shoe manufacturers have came on board to appeal to the off road enthusiast. In the past you have had your mainstay companies such as The North Face and Montrail, which did not just specialize in trail running, but appealed to the outdoor enthusiast, but not really to those outside of this community. Now trail running seems hip and mainstream and can even be seen in ads and television commercials. This has definitely put this increasing focus upon running on trails into the forefront, which has caused some old school runners to take issue.
The recent upswing in trail running and its popularity has in some opinions caused trail running to lose some of its mystique and reasons for doing it in the first place. Trail running or more specifically, ultra running, has had an aura of being nonconformist and definitely not part of the mainstream. Those who have been with the scene for a number of years are worried that the addition of corporate sponsors and the new found popularity to the ever increasing trail running community, will cause it to become illegitimatized by the corporate sponsors and it will lose its true meaning. The true meaning being one of running on the trails to be away from the urban jungle and just enjoy the scenery, nature, and being isolated away from the demands of every day life. Whether this happens is yet to be scene, but make no mistake, trail running is here to stay.
No matters what happens in the future, trail running will always be part of my training and a part of my lifestyle. As I get older, the constant pounding of the pavement and the all out sprint races lose some of their luster, but running alone in my thoughts in the woods with nothing but a water bottle and some gels seems a lot more appealing. Once you try trail running, you will get to experience running in a whole new light and you will not look back again. So I challenge you, lace up your shoes, grab a water bottle, and head out on your local trail for your next run. Your focus and energy for running will be renewed and you will open up yourself to a whole new world of fun.
See ya on the trail!
Tatur Tom Dorothy
Watch for Tom's next article "Youth Alive"