I have always been an avid trail runner but have also run events on the road from time to time. When preparing for those road events I used to do my event-specific training all on the road. More than once I’ve pondered whether it would be helpful to do all of those workouts for my road events out on the trails.
Trail running does help road running performance. The three pillars of athletic progression are training, recovery, and nutrition. Running trails is less impact, making for faster recovery. Faster recovery means that you can do your next workout sooner, leading to more training volume over time.
Let’s look at the factors in detail that show how trail running helps your road running.
Does Trail Running Help Road Running?
If you are going to compare trail running with road running, there are many factors to consider. These factors include where it takes place, how difficult it is to do, which essential gear and equipment to use, what training to undergo, and more.
Since trail running is more challenging than road running, it then requires runners to exert more effort, learn more skills, and use more techniques. Therefore, trail running does help road running in such a way that runners who trail run can run better and for longer during their road runs.
What Is Trail Running?
Trail running is a form of sport or activity that combines the excitement of hiking with the challenge of running. Trail running race events are usually being held in mountainous trails, dirt roads, and other unpaved paths.
What makes trail running fun and unique is that it allows runners to immerse themselves in the beauty of different natural environments throughout the course. It brings runners closer to nature and hence, promotes environmental awareness and conservation.
Trail runners always use the proper gear and equipment whenever they go trail running. They make sure to wear the proper clothing and running shoes and they bring light backpacks containing essential equipment such as hydration packs, nutrition, compass, blanket, and more.
What Is Road Running?
Road running is the usual form of running being done anywhere where there is pavement. It can be done around your subdivision or village, at the park, or anywhere there are roads allowed to be run on.
This is the most common form of running because anyone can do it anytime. It is easy, accessible, and is known and done by many. Even though road running is very common, many road running marathons are still being conducted on a regular basis all over the world.
How Does Trail Running Help Road Running?
1) Improve running techniques
When trail runners run, they employ different techniques especially when they encounter hilly unpaved paths. Uphill running requires the runner to slightly lean forward, raise their knees and legs more, use their elbows, and run at a slower or smaller pace so that they could run more efficiently. This training could improve road running significantly because the runner has been able to improve his/her running techniques.
2) Enhance endurance
Trail running is physically and mentally demanding. It does increase one’s endurance and hence, it helps the runner have more fortitude when he/she is road-running.
3) Boost stability
Unpaved paths and trails train runners to improve their stability when they are running. They are trained to be more careful and efficient during their trail runs. This also benefits road running, particularly on stability, even though pavements are usually flat.
4) Increase power
Since trail running is really challenging, it allows runners to have more power and strength during training and race events. Imagine having that power when road running.
The Importance Of Running Properly
Even though running can be done by anyone, it is not something that is riskless. Whether you’re trail running or road running, you have to remember to run properly so you will not get injured or encounter any accidents.