Trail running:
And you thought traffic
was a pain
BY ERIC MARTINAT
The thought process of a trail runner:
“Ok. I’m getting a little tired here. I’ll just relax
my stride a bit. Oh look at the cute raccoon up
in the (trip) uummph! [%$#@$&%]”!!!
“Oh crap, that hurt. Down on my face outings. (Check out Rudy Hollywood’s
Dry clOthes
again in the middle of the trail! I hope no www.trirudy.com site or ask at some
one saw this one. Only a skinned knee and of our local fine running stores about Unless you’re fortunate (like me) and live
bruised ego. Ok. Let’s get up and try to these groups.) near the trails, you’ll have to drive to them.
concentrate this time! Pick up your feet– Unlike a jog up and down the canal to Bring some dry clothes to slip into after your
that’s it–good.” see the latest rollerblader fashions or how run so you won’t stink up your car seats on
There is so much to think about when small the bathing suits are in front of the the drive home.
running on a trail. Trail running is enjoying University of Ottawa, trail running requires
a surge in popularity these days. While that you dedicate a small amount of thought
OptiOnal eQuipment
mountain biking in the Gatineau hills, you’re to preparation. An ounce of prevention The chances are fairly slim, but you
as likely to be passed on a sharp uphill by a (blah blah blah)… The following are some may encounter some wildlife on the trail.
runner as you are by another biker. These points to consider. Animals have keen hearing but sometimes
days, it seems more and more people are we surprise them. I sometimes wear a
including trail runs in their weekly running
rOute planning
bear-bell. It’s irritating as hell, but the
program. What’s up with that? Knowing where you’re going is très animals know I’m coming and if they want
Trail running adds a new dimension to our important! Get a map, give it a look before to hang around and laugh at me as I run by
sport. It can be an important training tool to you head out and keep it with you. You it’s entirely up to them. If it’s bug season, a
cover the endurance aspect of your overall would probably be able to find your way small bug-repellent spray may be in order.
program. Going uphill and downhill, making back without it if you lost your way, but it
quick turns, hopping obstacles, and moving may take a long time. Try not to sweat all
leaVe a nOte
side-to-side to traverse rocky sections all over the map. They tend to come apart and If you’re heading out on your own, let
give a great workout to muscle groups that are generally hard to read when soaked. A someone know where you’re going and
wouldn’t normally be used on the roads. little water-proofing might be a good idea. when you should be back. Injuries can
But there’s more to running on a trail than happen to anyone. On the roads, there’s
just a workout tool to help you achieve your
eQuipment
usually a passing motorist with a cell
goals. There’s something about running Trail running shoes are great to have but phone willing to help. In the woods, there’s
through the woods–just you and nature– they aren’t an absolute necessity. However, less traffic, so getting injured can become
that appeals to the deeper being. The smell shoes with a good tread are a necessity. an ordeal. Letting someone know just
of the forest, the sound of the wind in the After you’ve wiped out and skinned some makes sense.
trees and the sight of wildlife along the part of your body because you lost your It’s time to get out there and see what
trail all make you feel like you are a part of footing, you’ll know what I mean. Most the fuss is about. When you decide you’ve
nature, not just on the outside looking in. major brands and virtually all the running sucked up enough car exhaust, dodged
Running is natural so it makes sense to run stores in Ottawa have a great selection of enough people on the sidewalk and are
in nature–it’s food for the soul. trail running shoes. Wear non-cotton socks. tired of the same-old-same-old, then it’s
We’re very fortunate in Ottawa to have so You might well end up stepping in a puddle time to try trail running. Find a trail and just
many incredible trails at such close proximity or slipping off a log into some mud, so you get out there. Remember to pick up your
to the city. Kanata Lakes and the Gatineau want a sock that is going to wick water feet and run the way God intended–just
Park offer trail runners a great variety for away from your foot. You’ll avoid painful you and the natural world. You’ll fill up your
every ability level. You can choose a loop or an blisters that way. senses and become hooked like me.
out-and-back route that can be an easy “jog See you on the trails.
in the park” or one that will test your limits of
fluiD intake
Eric Martinat is a regular in the trail running,
strength and endurance. Detailed trail maps There aren’t many water fountains along adventure racing and endurance running scene.
are readily available and most areas have lots of the trail, so take some fluids along for the run. He now lives out west where he still finds the
free parking. Trail running groups offer regular A nutritional bar of wouldn’t hurt either. time to hit the local races. «OO
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca OTTAWA >> SUMMER/FALL 2008 59
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