Why I Love Trail Running [And Why You Will, Too!]

I’ll be completely honest here.

I used to hate running. I know, that’s not unique. But I mean, I REALLY hated it.

When I was in my first year of high school, I went out for the track team. I had dreams of being a 100-meter dash star. At the first practice, the coach looked me up and down, then proudly said, “He’d make a wonderful distance runner.” Minutes later, we went on our normal training run, except I ran home. Never to run track again.

So if someone like me can completely reverse gears and start running, then I know others can, too. And I know I wouldn’t still be running had I not become a trail runner. Road running wouldn’t cut it for me.

I absolutely fell in love with trail running. And I still am.

So I’m here to share that love with you. If I’m successful, you’ll at least understand it a bit. If I’m very successful, I may see you on the trails one day.

Why I love trail running

1. I get to feel like a kid again

Don’t act like I’m weird for this one.

We all want those days back and would trade quite a few things to get them.

Days spent playing with friends outside, often in the woods or near creeks. Not coming home until dark, stumbling through the door a filthy and stinky mess. We’d devour a delicious dinner, shower off, then collapse in our beds after a well-spent day.

Well, that’s trail running in a nutshell!

When I’m trail running, I’m a kid again. I play, swing from trees, jump in puddles, and just act like a goofball.

It’s refreshing after spending days working and acting “serious.” And it’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.

It’s my favorite activity.

Are you a road runner or trail runner? ?‍♂️: Trail Running vs. Road Running [How To Pick the Best One]

2. It’s fantastic exercise

I’ve never felt more fit in my life.

The soft dirt is better for my knees. But it also makes my lower legs get stronger. The hills absolutely shred my calves, quads, and glutes (in a good way). And while running is a great aerobic exercise in itself, trail running and the terrain change adds a whole new element.

And it’s not like it’s only a lower body exercise.

My core, arms, and upper body get a great workout as well! So, all around, it’s just a great way to exercise.

3. I get to spend time in nature

I love nature.

Forest, desert, mountains, swamps — you name the setting, and I’m willing to run there. Running and sightseeing has become my favorite activity.

And it’s not like I can ignore the mental benefits. Being in nature naturally improves mood, reduces anxiety, boosts self-esteem, plus a host of other things. So combine the runner’s high with a boost from nature and I’ve got a cocktail of euphoric chemicals coursing through my body.

Of course, there’s always a danger in running in wild places. But, as long as you follow basic trail running safety, you’ll be just fine.

4. It clears my mind

Whenever I’m struggling with something, I go for a run.

Difficulty writing a blog post or working through a section? Go for a trail run. Argument with a family member or my fiancee? Go for a trail run. Just feeling bored or anxious? Well, I think you get it.

I don’t know if it’s just the peace and ability to let my mind wander when I run, but it helps me work through so many problems. And it’s great for my creativity as well.

I’ve come up with ideas for blog posts, Instagram reels, YouTube videos, or even business ideas while trail running.

Whatever it is, I don’t want it to stop.

5. There’s no focus on pace

Every slow runner can rejoice.

Trail runners don’t give a sh*t about pace. Run 6-minute miles or 20-minute miles, and no trail runner will bat an eye.

As someone who gets tired of the repetitiveness of road running, this was a relief. I loved jogging the flats before hitting a hill where I could hike, then promptly bombing the next downhill at top speed.

It was the ‘play’ aspect I talked about in the first section. I just feel like it brings the fun back to running.

So, if you’re someone who enjoys going on adventures and throwing pace to the wind — trail running will be a lot more fun.

Trail running takes over your life

Most trail runners you speak to gush about trail running.

If you couldn’t tell from this post, I’m one of those. The positive impacts it’s had on my life have been incredible. And, as you can see, it’s not just on the trail itself.

But I want to hear from you! If you’re a trail runner already, drop your most unique trail running tips and experiences in the comments! And if you’re thinking about running, let me know what’s holding you back from trying it out. I’d love to hear from you all.

And if you’d like to hear more from me, be sure to join my newsletter to get all of my tips, tricks, and recommendations straight to your inbox!