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Alberta TrailsEdmonton parks are interlaced with paved pathways, dozens of pedestrian bridges, and a limitless number of dirt and gravel hiking trails. These Alberta trails are perfect for running!
Running Alberta Trails - Pros and ConsTrail running has lots of advantages. Trail surfaces are softer than pavement or asphalt and trails are easier on the knees, feet and legs. Trails are more interesting: they require more concentration when we're running, and trails take us through picturesque routes along rivers, ravines, canyons, and creeks. 
Trails also have their downside. Most trails have roots, rocks, and other footing hazards. Trails can are slippery when wet, and they often stay wet long after the paved paths have dried out.In the urban wilderness, trail running equipment isn't much different from what you need for any running: outdoor running gear and clothing for the season, water, and good shoes.
Trail Running ShoesThere are good options when it comes to trail shoes. Running stores like the Running Room and the Tech Shop carry a good variety of trail shoes. Mountain Equipment Co-op, a Canadian retailer, is a great place to shop for trail gear. Some runners really like the support and grip trail running shoes provide, and the softer surfaces on trails means that trail shoes don't have to be as cushioned as regular running shoes. This provides a feeling of stability and "sure footed" confidence on trails. Multi Purpose Outdoor Running GearThat's not to say that regular running shoes can't be used on trails if your feet and ankles are already strong. I like to run trails in my Spira shoes. Orthotics help with stability, and as you run more and more miles of trails as your ankles and legs develop the strength necessary to cope with the lateral forces of trail running.Start out with well groomed and graded trails. In Alberta trails are often used by horseback riders. Horses can really chew up a trail if it's muddy or wet so these trail conditions are challenging.
Soft trails are often covered with a layer of bark or wood chips. This springy surface provides lots of 'give' on impact so your lateral muscles get a workout! It takes more energy to run trails, so you need to switch to firmer surfaces early each running season (unless you take advantage of winter running and run all winter long!). As you get stronger and more confident you will want to run narrower, steeper and more challenging trails. Watch out for roots! These narrow trails also make great single-track trails for mountain bikers so keep your head up and your ears on! Trail Running GearTrail running gear basics are good shoes, a convenient hydration system like a running belt or hydration backpack, and in the summer insect repellent and sunscreen. If you need both insect repellent and sunscreen make sure they don't cancel each other out! Coppertone makes a Bug Repellent & Sun Sunscreen (SPF 30). If you use two products apply the sunscreen first followed by the insect repellent. Don't forget trail running socks! If you're wearing the right socks it won't matter if your feet get wet. I like light wool hikers in the summer and heavier wool socks in the winter. I've had good luck with Totem socks from Mountain Equipment Co-op. A good running cap is never out of season. It keeps the sun out of your eyes and most importantly a good running cap helps prevent sweat from getting into your eyes. When the days are shorter and the trails are darker there are lightweight personal lighting systems. I use a LED powered running light I picked up at the Running Room. It's a simple LED light that takes 3 triple A batteries. It lasts somewhere between 100 to 150 hours, and it has a strap system to wrap around my head. You don't necessarily want a spotlight type a beam for running. A wider beam is better. When the trails are dark you will see what's illuminated but the surrounding bush will be dark! You need a little warning when it comes to seeing things beside the trail. (Like porcupines or skunks, for instance. Nothing worse than a surprised skunk!)
Give it a try!If you've never run Alberta trails start with some nice open, flat trails and give it a try! You'll be re-energized and trail running makes for a great run! Don't despair if your not in Alberta! Head outside and find great trails in your own area. Send me some nice trail pictures with a story via my
contact
page and I'll put them up!
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