Summary

The author expresses a deep appreciation for trail running, citing the ever-changing scenery, the unique soundtrack provided by nature, and the opportunity to observe wildlife as key reasons for their love of the activity.

Abstract

Despite initial hesitation due to warm weather, the author chose to embark on a trail run rather than use a treadmill, finding joy in the dynamic nature of the trails, the serene soundscape of the forest, and the chance encounters with various forest creatures. The changing seasons bring new experiences to each run, with the terrain transforming from dirt paths to leaf-covered trails, and the sight of fallen trees serving as reminders of the power of nature. The auditory experience of trail running is described as a rich tapestry of sounds, from the constant hum of insects to the joyful chirping of birds, contrasting sharply with the noise of civilization upon returning from the run. The author also cherishes the interactions with wildlife, noting the presence of squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and even a bald eagle, which enhance the trail running experience. The article concludes with the author reflecting on their personal reasons for running, including weight loss, marathon training, and the sheer enjoyment of being in nature, suggesting that trail running is an activity they will continue to enjoy regardless of changes in their racing schedule.

Opinions

The author prefers trail running over using a treadmill or running on roads, valuing the natural environment and its variability.
Trail running provides a sensory experience that is both calming and invigorating, with the sights and sounds of nature being particularly enjoyable.
The author finds the ever-changing landscape of the trails to be a significant draw, as it ensures that no two runs are the same.
The sounds of nature create a unique and preferable soundtrack to running, as opposed to listening to music or audiobooks.
Observing wildlife during a run adds an element of wonder and connection to the natural world.
The author runs for multiple reasons, including physical health, mental clarity, and the intrinsic pleasure of the activity, especially on trails.
Trail running is seen as a lifelong activity for the author, independent of their competitive running pursuits.

Three Reasons I Love Trail Running: Reflections From My Morning Miles

When I woke up this morning, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go outside for my run.

It was a little warm and humid for October. I’m tired of summer weather, and I actually turned on the air conditioning last night so that I could sleep.

Instead of going out, I thought about hopping on the treadmill in my basement. I could fire up a TV show on Netflix and just stay inside.

And just as quickly as the thought entered my mind, I pushed it aside. I was going to stick with the plan — eight miles on my local trails.

Boy, am I glad I did.

There’s just nothing quite like trail running.

As I trod down the wooded trail, I thought a lot about what makes trail running special and why I enjoy it so much. Here are a few reflections from my morning run.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/trees-in-forest-327178/

The Scenery Is Always Changing

One of the wonderful things about trail running is that you can run the same trail hundreds of times — and it will never stop changing.

As I ran down the road towards the entrance to my usual trail, the wall of foliage that separated the road from the forest was starting to thin. I could catch a glimpse of the inside that wasn’t visible just a few weeks ago.

On the trails, the leaves were starting to fall. Before long, the trail will be covered with them. Instead of the dirt I’ve been running on all summer, I’ll feel the crunch of leaves beneath my feet.

We had a storm last week, and after a mile, I found some evidence of it. A tree fell and blocked the trail. It was small, and it was propped up about 2 feet off the ground, so I hurdled over it. Further on, there was a large branch and a larger tree trunk lying across part of the path.

Soon, volunteers will clear the path. But the remnants of those fallen trees will lay on the side of the trail for decades — new permanent features and landmarks.

After I turned around to come back, I could see through the tree canopy that the sun was up. It was still dim on the trail as if time was frozen in the early morning hour. But the occasional slice of sunlight broke through, a stark reminder that the day had started.

Soon, the trees will be bare and the sun will shine brightly on the trail. The bed of ferns off to the side will wither and die. The seasons will pass, from dry to wet, hot to cold, green to brown, and back again.

And every morning, no matter how many times I run along the same stretch of trails, there will be something a little bit different from the day before.

Photo by Manuela Adler: https://www.pexels.com/photo/body-of-water-across-forest-949194/

Nature Offers a Beautiful and Unique Soundtrack

When I first started running, I used to listen to music or audiobooks. It helped pass the time. But not anymore.

The minute I left the street and entered the woods, I noticed that the sounds around me had changed. It was as if I had left civilization behind and been transported to another time and place.

At the base, there was the constant buzzing of insects. If you didn’t pay attention, you hardly noticed it. But it was always there, like the soft strumming of a bass.

Layered on top of that were tracks of birds. Some screeching and screaming like something out of Jurassic Park. Others chirping joyfully or whistling a melody. The staccato rat-tat-tat of the woodpecker was absent this morning. Maybe he decided to sleep in.

Other sounds came and went. There was the occasional plop of an acorn hitting the ground nearby. The rustle of a squirrel scampering through the leaves. A stream trickled down the mountain towards the river.

And then there were the other people intruding on nature with me. The woods would seemingly go silent as I passed another runner, and I could clearly hear his labored breathing and footfalls as he fell away behind me.

Eventually, it ends.

I near the end of the trail, and I’m back to civilization. I can hear the cars on the street. The hum of their engines drowns out the hum of the insects. The deafening roar of a landscaper’s leaf blower starts, and everything else is gone.

I made the final turn towards home, and I heard the punchy blaring of a car horn. Some driver must have gotten angry with another.

It is New Jersey, after all. So much for peace and quiet. Back to reality.

Photo by Brett Sayles: https://www.pexels.com/photo/eagle-on-tree-1708603/

A Chance to Catch Wildlife In Their Natural Habitat

There’s something splendorous about watching wildlife in their natural habitat.

Today, I spotted some squirrels — bounding through the leaves, skittering along a fallen tree trunk, or climbing a tree in search of food.

I often spot chipmunks on the trail in front of me. Their tiny little bodies scatter as I get close, running off into the woods. And then sometimes they come back, crisscrossing in front of me. I often wonder what goes through their heads as this giant creature stampedes towards them.

I didn’t see any deer today, but they are a common sight on my trails. It usually starts with me spotting one in the distance. He looks lonely. But then the rest come into focus, and there are five or six behind him.

When I get too close, they turn and run — their bushy little tails quivering in the wind behind them.

I’ve even had the privilege of spotting a bald eagle in flight overhead. But not today. He must be off-hunting somewhere.

Maybe I wouldn’t be too excited about the wildlife if I lived in Bear Country. But thankfully, there are no bears on my trails. Just (mostly) harmless, furry little critters.

Why Do I Run?

I enjoy running, and I do so for a lot of reasons.

I started running to lose weight. I keep running because I like to race marathons. To do that, I need to put in a lot of miles.

Some of those miles are on the road. Especially when I have a particular workout to accomplish and I have target paces to hit, I choose a flat, paved loop. On these days, I enjoy running because it makes me feel alive and it gets my adrenaline pumping.

Some of those miles are on the treadmill. They’re usually easy miles, keeping me loose and active the day after a workout. On these days, I enjoy running because it gets me moving, and I usually watch a TV show to pass the time.

And then there are all the miles on the trails.

These miles serve other purposes — keeping me in shape for races and helping with my active recovery.

But that’s not all. They are an enjoyable endeavor in their own right. If I wasn’t running on trails, I’d probably be hiking on them.

Spending time in nature helps me clear my head and it makes me feel good. A day that starts on the trails is a good day — and if I catch sight of a deer or some other wildlife, it’s just a little bit better.

Some day, I’ll probably stop racing marathons. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to or interested in running 70, 80, or 90 miles a week. I’ll cut back, and I’ll spend less time on intense workouts and long runs on the road.

But I don’t think I’ll ever stop running on the trails.

What’s your favorite part about trail running?

And if you’ve never tried trail running … why not?

I’m an avid runner, and in a typical week, I spend four to five days running on the trails near my house. Follow me here on Medium for more stories about health, running, and fitness. You can read more about my running story on my blog, Running with Rock, and you can also follow me on Strava.