Trail running is a good way to get to know the woods on your doorstep!
The mild winter in southern Finland made it easy to keep trail running all season long. Spring brings warmer running weather, though. Nature is waking up, fresh green shoots and flowers are popping up everywhere, and the forest is at its most beautiful.
Here in the Nordics we're lucky to have trails and forests suited to trail running almost everywhere. For most of us, the nearest woods start practically at the front door or a short jog away. If you want to venture further and explore new trails, you can also set off by bike.
We got a taste of trail running with Salomon ambassadors Tanja and Jarkko in the woods around Raisio.
Trail running is quite different from other kinds of running. Uneven terrain and changes in elevation make it harder work than running on a woodchip trail or a road, but they also give you a more varied workout.
Trail running is easy to get into. You don't need to make a big investment to start – the right shoes are often enough. Make getting a pair of well-fitting trail running shoes in the right size your first step. As a beginner, you may be better off with shoes that have proper cushioning. Once you've got more miles in your legs, you can think about switching to a different type of shoe.
Try our trail running shoe finder. It helps you pick out the right trail running shoes for you from our range.
A good trail running vest or pack stays put on your back even when the pace picks up, and it's a handy companion on longer runs. A running vest has room for water, an energy bar, your phone, a map and a small first aid kit.
Trail running doesn't have to mean gritted teeth and pushing yourself to the limit every time. It's often at its best when you treat it as a way to get out into nature and get to know your local woods at an easy pace. If your heart rate climbs too high, or the ground looks too slippery or rocky, just slow down to a walk.
One particularly interesting new product from Salomon is the XA Filter. This filter lets you make water from streams and lakes safer to drink. It removes 99.99% of protozoa and bacteria. The cap fits Salomon Soft Flask bottles and is also available with a bottle.
It works just as well on day hikes and multi-day treks.
Take a look at our heart rate monitors and sports watches too.
See also:
Trail running video – and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
You can follow Tanja and Jarkko's adventures on their blog, on Instagram and on their YouTube channel.
Instagram accounts:
https://www.instagram.com/helea_training/