Integrate trail running in base for injury prevention

The shoes we run in today are great for reducing impact. There are a myriad of devices, gels, air channels, etc., designed to lesson the compressive loads on the joints and body. One drawback, however, is that if you do most of your running on even, paved surfaces the lower leg muscles and joints do not have to work as hard to stabilize. Joint stability and integrity is crucial for injury prevention. This is where trail running comes in.



Running over uneven and varied surfaces makes the muscles of the lower leg work especially hard - think specific strength training for the lower leg muscles. I recently observed how sore my lower legs were after competing in an off road multi-sport event. The tendons, ligaments, and muscles all get stronger in response to this type of stress.

There are a few considerations when integrating trail running into your training plan. Unless you run in off road events, the best time to incorporate trail running into your plan is in base. As with any new type of training stress, it is important to implement it gradually. You may want to start off with one work out per week of limited mileage and steadily increase the duration. Off road surfaces vary from crushed gravel, sand, grass, single track hiking trails, to rough back country trails. The more varied the terrain the more your lower legs and body will be stressed. On extremely rough and elevated terrain, hiking may be just as effective as running (and safer). You will likely enter your aerobic base zones in this type of terrain as well, and may not need to run.

Trail shoes offer more support and traction but much less cushioning. Trail shoes vary from running shoes with a more aggressive tread, all the way up to hiking shoes which may not applicable for running. Make sure you consult an expert to get the right shoe for your type of training. I do not recommend doing any road running in a trail shoe, but you can take your running shoes off road if the surface is relatively stable, such as crushed gravel.

Trail running does not just work the lower legs, but all the muscles associated with running, including lateral knee stability. It also will help develop coordination. You can continue to incorporate trail running throughout the season for strength maintenance. An added bonus is that it adds variety to your training, and the scenery is better.

About the author of this blog post
Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt has coached athletes for CTS (Carmichael Training Systems), and has been certified by Ultrafit as an associate coach. Visit Thesportfactory.com for more information or email him at info@thesportfactory.com .

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