OT - Trail Running

[JamR]

I'm sure there are probably some old posts on this subject...but how many here cross-train by trail running?

I stopped running 18 years ago due to a chronic injury, but after three years of single-speeding and several back surgeries; it feels like my old injury may be gone.

So I'm thinking of getting back on the dirt with some trail running cross-training. I'll probably just hit Aliso-Woods for starters.

How many of you run and where do you typically train?

[S54MCoupe]

Originally Posted by JamR

I'm sure there are probably some old posts on this subject...but how many here cross-train by trail running?

I stopped running 18 years ago due to a chronic injury, but after three years of single-speeding and several back surgeries; it feels like my old injury may be gone.

So I'm thinking of getting back on the dirt with some trail running cross-training. I'll probably just hit Aliso-Woods for starters.

How many of you run and where do you typically train?

My coach actually has me hiking/running on the trails a few times next week.

His advice was: Walk at a very fast pace on the flatter parts, run up the steeper parts, and walk very slowly and cautiously on the downhill parts. He also said to be very sure to keep my shoulders back and raised, as well as focusing on keeping my lower back and core straight and stiff. More or less, don't make it a casual walk or run; keep your muscles (esp. your core) engaged to maximize the benefits you can receive for cycling. It's funny how much more tiring a walk or run can be when you really focus on doing that.

So yeah, I stay around the Pasadena area, there are a ton of good, steep hikes around here.

[Pain Freak]

I did it for a couple years. I love trail running, but the downhills killed my knees. I didn't notice much in the way of improved speed, but my cardio was a little better.

They have groups training over in the San Gabes that do 50 mile trail runs, and they are fast. It's really something to watch them. There was a race earlier this year that went over 100 miles and of course went over 24 hours.

Bottom line is, it's fun, but it would never replace mtb'ing for me.

[lukewiens]

i am a socal trail runner, trail rider, and trail swimmer....wait, wha??

santa rosa plateau has some awesome trails to run on the south side which is closed to bikes and horses. i absolutely love running out there cuz it is so peaceful and epic. every time i am out i come across all of the wildlife that is afraid to dwell on the horsey side which is pretty cool.

there is a loop i run out there that rivals some of the stuff i used to run in boulder....no joke.

get fitted for shoes....and cross train your arse off.

[CalEpic]

I've recently started trail running to mix it up a little. Let me say this. I thought I was in decent shape but I get my ass handed to me running. The reality is I'm walking more than running at this point but it's fun. I notice a lot more of nature at the slower pace too. I usually run at the Dilley Preserve. It's right across the street from me.

C

[JamR]

Just got back from my first trail run in almost 2 decades. Not as fluid as I used to be but still pretty comfortable, and I surprised myself at the pace.

I think all the SS hike-a-bike fo the past three years may have paid off

[Sewellymon]

[FONT=Arial]I am sort of like JamR. Am 20 years removed from my great days as a trail runner.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]Growing up- I hiked and backpacked the San Gabriel’s. Around ’81 I started trail running 3-4 times a week- mostly on Mt. Wilson. By ’86- ’87, I was doing lots of adventure runs (20, 30 miles, 6, 8- 10 hours in the Sierras, San Gabs, San Gorgonio, San Jacinto, etc.). My running buddies were those guys doing ultra-runs like the AC 100.

I bought a POS mountain bike in ’85, so I rode some single-track, but sucky bike = I lost interest. Was not until ’89 I bought a decent mountain bike. At that juncture, I virtually did not run another step. Became a 100% mountain biker until I moved to GA in '96. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]In retrospect, I regret losing my ability to run. But I also blew an ankle out badly doing a trail run in ’98, so….no doubt cycling IS easier on the body.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]So now it is late ’07. I’ve been back in CA for a year (after 10 years of hating life in GA). I was doing some trail running when I got back from GA, but raging plantar fasciitis sideline my running. I’ve been a 100% rider (mtn., road) for the last 6 months. But my knee is starting to get a tad tweaky, so time to mix it up. I walked/ ran Lower Merrill the other day, and will likely do a trail run once a week just to add variation to the routine. That- plus gym sessions and rockclimbing.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]But nothing compares to single-track (except rockclimbing, backcountry skiing and sex).[/FONT]

[Pilas]

I do some running during fall early winter. it is a great workout, and less time consuming than riding (not as fun, I agree).
I really enjoy trail running. You get a different look at the trails that you have been riding for so long.
I have been running at El Morro once a week, for the last month or so. It is a great workout and a lot of fun.
In fact, I'm doing an XTerra trail running race there, Dec. 16.
By the way Adam, I rode at Bommer Cyn. yesterday, during the open access day and it was great. The two new singletracks were a lot of fun.
Thanks for all the work you do. If there are any trail work days coming up, please let me know. I would like to contribute, since Bommer is right in my neighborhood.

[JamR]

Originally Posted by Pilas

I do some running during fall early winter. it is a great workout, and less time consuming than riding (not as fun, I agree).
I really enjoy trail running. You get a different look at the trails that you have been riding for so long.
I have been running at El Morro once a week, for the last month or so. It is a great workout and a lot of fun.
In fact, I'm doing an XTerra trail running race there, Dec. 16.
By the way Adam, I rode at Bommer Cyn. yesterday, during the open access day and it was great. The two new singletracks were a lot of fun.
Thanks for all the work you do. If there are any trail work days coming up, please let me know. I would like to contribute, since Bommer is right in my neighborhood.

I saw the ad for the Xterra race coming up in El Moro. That's what kind of inspired me to take it up again for cross-training purposes. I'll probably sign up for the 15k.

I had a surprisingly good run today in Laguna Coast. Did the Nix center loop out Stagecoach South, Up Camarillo, across Serrano Ridge, and down Little Sycamore back to the Nix Center. Just a little over 38 minutes for the loop.

I'll definitely let you know when the trail work and bridge construction projects come up in Bommer. The Recreation and Resource Management Plan for the area is completed, and we can now begin scheduling in the implementation of the projects. I'm sitting down tomorrow first thing to begin planning the projects and the dates.

BTW.. if you are interested, there's a pretty nice trail run taking place in Fremont Canyon on the 17th of November. It's the same 15 mile loop that they use for the mountain bike tours if you are familiar with that route. I may do that one if I can get some long slow distance under my belt between now and then.

See ya on the trails

[Johnny Dirt]

Originally Posted by JamR

I think all the SS hike-a-bike fo the past three years may have paid off

What hike-a-bike? I ALWAYS see you rollin'!

[Permagrin]

I have pretty much the same routine that S54MCoupe uses. Been trail running for about 5 years, get bored, do more hiking, started riding, miss it and always come back to it. I usually do a few races a year just to prove to myself that I still can and this year I've knocked drastic time off my finish times and I think it's due to the strength I've gained from riding.

I'm signed up for the 15k at El Moro and this'll be my first long run since I usually stick to no more than 6 miles so I'm excited to see what I can do with it. Usually hit the local parks like aliso, peters, el moro, laguna after work (when not riding before it gets too dark) once or twice a week. There's definitely not a shortage of trail running terrain around here to keep you in shape.

Good luck with your comeback