Eat Pray Run DC

Running hard, eating well and living a grace-filled life in Washington D.C.

Searching for something?

  • Start Here!
    • Featured In…
    • 30 before 30 List!
    • My Favorite Things
    • Wedding
  • Eat!
  • Run
  • Blogging 101
    • How to Start a Blog
  • Contact Me!
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy

Three Reasons You Should Hit the Trails

May 25, 2015 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC41 Comments

Lately I’ve been super lucky and had the opportunity to run some trails in the DC area. Actually, there are quite a number of trails around here – I just usually stick to road running. However, after a few awesome trail runs, that might be changing. No, I’m not going to abandon my awesome road runs throughout DC. But – I am going to be making an effort to get out on a trail at least a few times a month. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider hitting the trails as well:

A Few Reasons You Should Hit the Trails

  • A change of terrain. Running on a trail provides a softer surface with less pounding that road running. It is a change switch up and my body really appreciates it. Of course, trails also bring sticks, rocks, uneven terrain and more. You have to use your muscles differently while navigating a trail and really pay attention to your footing. I love the challenge that trail running and a new terrain brings.
  • A change of view. Sometimes you have to get off road to see some incredible sights. When I was trail running a few weeks ago, the trail was located parallel to a road that I’ve run on a million times before. While it was always beautiful, I don’t think I appreciated just how gorgeous the surrounding area was until I was on that trail, surrounded by trees and dirt and sky. It was breathtakingly stunning.
  • No pressure! When you take on a trail run, you know from the start that you will run slower than you do on the road. Navigating the trail simply slows you down. This knowledge equals freedom from pressure. On trail runs, I still track my mileage because I like knowing how far I’ve gone but I don’t pay attention to my pace. I have a hard time doing this when I’m running on roads, but the trail gives me freedom and I love that.

I’m planning on running some trails this week and continue to do so throughout the summer. I’m so excited that I have all this trail running on my calendar. I’m learning to love it so much so that I’m thinking about getting some trail shoes! Bonus: trails most often mean shade – which is excellent in the summer heat! 

Do you enjoy trail running?

a version of this post appeared originally on Women’s Running. 

 


Comments

  1. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    May 25, 2015 at 11:44 am

    Love!! What trail runs are you doing?? This is totally my speed 🙂
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Sunday Funday at Athleta & Workout RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 25, 2015 at 1:37 pm

      Just heading out to run, nothing organized. You just let me know when you want to go!

      Reply
  2. Jen@jpabstfitness says

    May 25, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    Love!!
    Jen@jpabstfitness recently posted…2 Dates, 1 DayMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Ange @ Cowgirl Run says

    May 25, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    I just started trail running last year and I love it! I try to get out as much as possible with a few club races during the summer. It’s a great change of scenery and terrain.
    Ange @ Cowgirl Run recently posted…Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women – RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 25, 2015 at 1:37 pm

      Yes! I love it!

      Reply
  4. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    May 25, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    I love trail running – no cars to worry about!
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…My Memorial Day WeekendMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 25, 2015 at 2:56 pm

      there’s that too!

      Reply
  5. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says

    May 25, 2015 at 1:38 pm

    I totally agree with you! I started trail running since we have a few very conveniently located to our apartment and it is just such a great way to run.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 25, 2015 at 2:56 pm

      it’s so peaceful!

      Reply
  6. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    May 25, 2015 at 3:20 pm

    I love trail running, and did one last week. Of course, the odd character I saw on the path reminded me of why I shouldn’t do trails alone…Which is why I don’t do them very often.
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Me vs Mother NatureMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 25, 2015 at 3:27 pm

      ah, yes. safety first of course!!

      Reply
  7. Elle says

    May 25, 2015 at 3:45 pm

    I do like trail running but don’t do it very often. I have to make sure to really watch where my feet are landing as I have twisted my ankle a couple of times!
    Elle recently posted…CLIF Organic Trail Mix Bars Now in CanadaMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 25, 2015 at 4:01 pm

      yes, you definitely have to be careful out there.

      Reply
  8. HoHo Runs says

    May 25, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    There aren’t many good trails close by. I wish there were as it would be a nice change of pace.
    HoHo Runs recently posted…Weekend UpdateMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Carmy says

    May 25, 2015 at 6:15 pm

    There’s def less pressure in trails! I always allow myself to walk in trails but when outside of trails, I always feel bad having to stop and walk.
    Carmy recently posted…Monday on the Run #24My Profile

    Reply
  10. Jess@ flYing feet says

    May 25, 2015 at 6:33 pm

    Oh gosh I LOVE trail running!! Here in Pisgah Forest we are blessed to live right next door to over 100 waterfalls and countless trails. The only down fall is that I have weak ankles that twist easily. Running trail makes them stronger over time but I still have to step carefully. Running trail will strengthen all kinds of muscles that will improve your road running too. 🙂
    Jess@ flYing feet recently posted…Don’t Be Afraid to Give and Get Your Hands a Little Dirty.My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 25, 2015 at 11:10 pm

      yes, to all the strengthening. waterfalls are so beautiful!!

      Reply
  11. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    May 25, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    the last 2 times I ran out at Burke lake I fell over a tree branch and twisted my ankle. I am seriously uncoordinated!
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Chipotle Slaw with Siracha BroccoliMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 25, 2015 at 11:09 pm

      oh no! that’s terrible!!

      Reply
  12. Bri says

    May 25, 2015 at 7:57 pm

    Yes to all of these things. Plus being more engaged as you navigate the terrain, and the peace and quiet of nature. I’m definitely more of a trail runner than a road runner 🙂
    Bri recently posted…The importance of a morning routine and why I get up at 3:45 a.m. most days of the weekMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 25, 2015 at 11:09 pm

      it is peaceful out there 🙂

      Reply
  13. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    May 25, 2015 at 9:22 pm

    I love how many trail and route options that are to run on in our area. No runner will get bored, unless they make the choice to not switch things up!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon Training Log – Week 3My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 25, 2015 at 10:01 pm

      exactly. we’re really fortunate to live in this area.

      Reply
  14. Coco says

    May 25, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    Which trails?
    Coco recently posted…Visiting Monuments On Memorial DayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 25, 2015 at 10:00 pm

      rock creek mostly but i am probably going to the PR trail run on june 6th

      Reply
  15. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    May 26, 2015 at 10:03 am

    Courtney, I love trail running; I was going to go out with my Hot Legs gals yesterday morning, but decided I’d get out with Jonathan, instead. Rarely do we exercise together (I like mornings; he doesn’t), so I thought I should take advantage of it. I’m so glad you have some great trails to run on; it’s a great change up from the pavement, right?
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Training RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 26, 2015 at 10:09 am

      it is – i really like the change up! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Coach Henness says

    May 26, 2015 at 10:14 am

    LOVE trail running!
    Coach Henness recently posted…Book Talk: Daughters Of DistanceMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    May 26, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    I would love to join you for a trail run sometime!!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 26, 2015 at 4:51 pm

      that would be wonderful!

      Reply
  18. Emily says

    May 26, 2015 at 6:05 pm

    I love the peacefulness of trails. And the exciting things around every corner. It’s not like road running where you can see way down the road. It has lots of twists and turns. It’s also reminded me to pick up my feet more when I run. So I avoid faceplants.
    Emily recently posted…Chocolate Pecan Pie Energy BitesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 26, 2015 at 8:42 pm

      lol, yes that’s always a good thing!

      Reply
  19. Jennifer says

    May 26, 2015 at 9:30 pm

    I still need to get out on the trail. Which section of RC did you, Prianka, Elena and Karen run a few months ago?
    Jennifer recently posted…Weekly Workout/Training in Review 5/18-5/24My Profile

    Reply
  20. Sandra Laflamme says

    May 30, 2015 at 12:06 am

    I absolutely love trail running!!! I get out on the trails whenever I can! So happy to hear you will be doing more of it too!
    Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Fresh Friday Five. Hopes and dreams.My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 30, 2015 at 11:39 am

      Yes! I really enjoy it 🙂

      Reply
  21. Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says

    May 30, 2015 at 8:03 am

    Trail running is fun and such a better workout than running on the streets. I am a way slower but I enjoy the views and have a great time which is really all that matters.
    Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Things I Am Loving LatelyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 30, 2015 at 11:38 am

      Yeah I don’t run trails for time at all 🙂

      Reply
  22. Vicoria @ Ice packs and races says

    May 31, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    The change of view really works for me! Plus, traveling to a trail for a run makes it feel more like an adventure and less like a regular workout.
    Vicoria @ Ice packs and races recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Things I’ve Learned as a New RunnerMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 31, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      totally true!!

      Reply
  23. Debbie @ Deb runs says

    June 9, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    You know Bill and I LOVE trail running! In fact, I just ordered us each a pair of gaiters to keep the little rocks and sticks from getting in our shoes while on the trails. On June 19 and 20th I’ll be running the trails in West Virginia with my MRTT team at Ragnar Trail Appalachians, and can’t wait!
    Debbie @ Deb runs recently posted…The Importance Of Conversation Pace RunsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      June 9, 2015 at 5:21 pm

      Oh you are going to have SUCH a good time. I can’t wait to read about it!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, there! I’m Courtney

Welcome to Eat Pray Run DC - I'm passionate about food, running, Jesus, my dog and bacon. Not necessarily in that order. Read More…

Join the Eat Pray Run DC Community & Get Your FREE Copy of Blogging 101!

Follow

Tags

berlin marathon blogger tips blogger tip tuesday blogging blog stats chicago marathon christmas Church cooking dc dinner eat exercise faith fitness food friday five friends gift guide giveaway goals half marathon healthy healthy-living holiday holidays marathon marathon training oiselle pure barre race races recipe recipes relationships richmond marathon run running sweat pink training travel wedding wedding planning wedding wednesday workouts

Categories

Copyright © 2021 · Modern Blogger Pro Theme By, Pretty Darn Cute Design