7 Reasons to Run the Trails
Before Breakfast

Photo Credit: asoggetti

I have been an avid trail runner for the last 7 years and without a doubt it remains my all-time favorite athletic activity.

I wasn’t born a runner, but the trails have a way of transforming even the most unlikely athletes.

Surprisingly to me, last month the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) declared trail running an official sport. Validating an outdoor activity like trail running isn’t life changing to most people, but it does mean something.

There is a growing crowd of fanatics who love nothing more than to spend as much quality time as they can in nature, pouring their heart and souls into the dirt. From my experience, walking, hiking, running, or even just standing on a trail can become a powerful habit, one that is sure to help you dominate your day.

7 Reasons to Begin Your Day Running the Trails

You have many choices when it comes to dominating your day before breakfast, but I honestly believe trail running may top the list. Here’s why.

1. Fresh Air

As much as I love the gym, or watching pilates videos in my living room, there is nothing better than being outside. The simple act of breathing fresh air can be a phenomenal wake-up call, especially if you are panting and gasping for oxygen over the next hill.

2. Energy

I end every trail run smiling and bouncing to my car like a little kid. No joke. I come home and immediately annoy my wife Tessa because she can’t stand how perky I am. If you want to feel better in a short time span, just start running.

3. Movement & Agility

Let’s get real, trail running is MUCH HARDER than road running. In fact, I would argue that 5 trail miles is equivalent to 7-10 road miles, depending on weather, altitude, and technical difficulty of the trail. While you’re tearing up and down the hills, you are moving your body in bizarre and aggressive ways, which makes for a killer workout.

If you want to learn more about trail running, my good friend Doug Hay has a phenomenal blog called Rock Creek Runner that is devoted to his ultramarathon and trail running adventures.

4. Time Alone

It’s a rare day when a trail is crowded here in Nashville. Most days I can find miles of trails all to myself, which is undeniably peaceful and serene. Being outdoors is great, but being outdoors alone is somehow even better.

5. Quickness

It doesn’t take too long to get a great workout on the trails. Most of my trail runs take only 20-30 minutes, and it’s rare if I run more than 90. If you want a high-intensity workout, trail running can easily become a staple in your weekly burst-training routine.

6. Preparation

It’s hard to run a trail on impulse. It takes some time to prepare your clothing, supplies, and food, even if you’ve been running the trails for years. The good news here is that since you have to be intentional with your preparation around running, this only helps you plan the rest of your day even more effectively.

7. All-Encompassing

Many trail runners don’t exercise any other way. It certainly helps to mix things up, but you really don’t have to do much else. Personally, I’m a big fan of variety and I get bored pretty easily. But, trail running is such a unique sport that you really can make it the core of your exercise routine and then sprinkle in a few cross-training days less often than you might think.

I wasn’t born a runner, but the trails have a way
of transforming even the most unlikely athletes.

– JEFF SANDERS

Schedule Your Next Trail Run

Get out your calendar right now and schedule your next trail run. Yeah, really, right now.

In order to get the most out of the trails you have to take it seriously enough to put it on your calendar. Then, you will be on your way to experiencing all of the wonderful benefits I just mentioned.

See you on the trails!

Next Week

On the blog next week I will be sharing 7 reasons to make a big green smoothie for breakfast.