The weather outside is frightful, but a run would be so delightful!  Do I have the right gear to go?  Let me know, let me know, let me go!

You can run in the cold, just gear up for it!  What I always wear when heading outdoors after October is my first layer of Under Armor!  It is my running second skin during the cold winter months and it really keeps my warmth next to my body!  Under armot also makes great hats to keep your ears from freezing!

There are also thermal hoodies and tights (Nike) that can help keep your core heat. 

Shoes are important, too, so you are not slipping and sliding your way down the street!  There are shoes made especially for cold weather running (Scott eRide, Under Armor, and Nike all carry specified shoes).  If that is not something you can easily purchase be sure to a least wear trail running shoes.  These have more grip on the bottom then your basic street running shoes. 

Also, layer up!  As you run you may get warm and you can take a leyer off and keep going!  Be sure to not let your temperature change too dramatically - get inside after your cooldown as the sweat on your skin will chill you much faster then you would expect!

I know it's cold outside, but that's no excuse!  Go get your run on!

Trail Running has become 'all the craze' in the running world!  Anywhere from 'mud runs' to ultraruns, trail running is everywhere!  And we live in a great place to jump in to this adventurous, exciting form of running!  Here in Washington we have organized trail races such as the Cougar Mountian Trail Running Series  and Soaring Eagle Run.  The Cougar Mountain series is for those more seasoned trail runners looking for the next big challenge and the Soaring Eagle run is for all types of trail runners, giving beginners the 5 or 10 mile options and the seasoned runners the marathon and 50k options. 

So why trail run?   For one, look around you!  Trail running is taking the primal instincts of running and placing it in the place it all begin - nature.  Trail running puts a new challenge in your running by giving you rougher terrain, constant ups and downs, curves, not to mention the natural music of nature.  It is not uncommon for trail runs to ascend and descend thousands of feet.  Some of the trails may require climbing or scrambling, so it is not always a constant run, depending on the trail.  You may also find yourself skipping through a creek or muddy riverbeds. 

There are different benefits to trail running versus road running.  One is definitely the scenery.  It's combining a hike and a run, constantly giving you something new to see without the noise of traffic and distraction of stoplights.  Also, trail running strengthens your legs in a different way then road running.  Due to the rough terrain creating different angles, steep slopes, as well as that it's harder to run on a trail or bark surface because it's less responsive and absorbs more shock.  Trail running is also more forgiving on your joints due to the fact that it does, in fact, absorb more shock.  One last benefit of trail running is better air quality.  Running where trees are plenty, far from cars and factories, will obviously give you the best place to run for your lungs, giving you the opportunity for a great run!

There is a great variety of equipment out there for trail running, from shoes to backpacks to water bottles.  Some of these items are highly recommended for your trail running adventures while others are only for the extreme.  It's wise to research your choices before making any purchasing decisions because once your on that trail there's no going back!  Refer to the Reviews sections for Trail Running Equipment reviews to help with your decisions.  Be sure to add in your equipment a map if you are going to an area you are not familiar with.  The great Northwest has a vast wilderness and it is easy to get lost, so be prepared!


Trail running isn't an easy workout, so it is recommended that you run regularly and are familiar with hiking terrain so you know what you're getting into. 

Trail running is definitely a fun, adventurous way to get a workout!  Taking on a trail running race is a great challenge and will give you a run you won't ever forget!  So, get ready, and hit the trails! 

“If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”