What is trail running?
Trail running, also known as off-road running, is an experience that lets you run right in the middle of nature. This versatile sport takes place away from the track and trains not just your legs but your upper body too. It also demands both concentration and attention. You don't need to be high up in the mountains to enjoy trail running – being out in nature is enough.
Trail running includes both uphill and downhill sections. Although it doesn't only take place in the mountains, hilly terrain and climbing are a natural part of the sport. It isn't just about running; on the uphills you often alternate between walking and running, sometimes using poles or pushing off with your arms on the steepest sections. On the downhills you need to watch where you place your feet, land on your forefoot to absorb the impact and use your arms for balance. Embrace the slopes, take it carefully and enjoy the terrain!
Choosing the right shoes
This is really important – trail shoes differ significantly from ordinary running shoes. Although some sturdy road shoes can work on easier paths, it isn't recommended because of the increased risk of injury.
How do trail running shoes differ from road shoes?
The fundamental differences are that trail shoes give more grip, stability and protection for your feet and ankles by being stiffer and having a deeper tread. Because of these features, they tend to be slightly heavier than road shoes.
Which shoes are right for me?
It depends on many factors, and it's always best to get advice from a shop or specialist, as everyone has different needs! The most important things to consider are: the type of terrain you usually run on, whether you need waterproof shoes, how far you'll be running, and the shape of your feet, your weight and your running style.
UCPA - Freely translated to English as "National Federation for Sports and Outdoor Centers" - has a history of over 50 years. It is, in short, a non-profit, all-French organization supported by, among others, the French state. The purpose is to give ordinary people the opportunity to learn and develop in one or more sports together, in pleasant and unpretentious forms. The organization has about 80 centers in France and the West Indies, 28 of them are located at well-known winter sports resorts in the French Alps.
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