Hot On The Trail

Embrace the trails this winter and you’ll not only improve your fitness, you’ll feel happier and more mentally strong.

Researchers from the University of Essex have long been analysing the impact of green exercise (including walking, cycling or running in nature) on physical and mental health, and there’s strong evidence that heading into the great outdoors not only boosts fitness, it quickly improves mood and self-esteem. So, follow our guidelines, lace up your shoes and head for the hills.

1 BODY

Trail running can help you build motivation when you are in a running dip; it provides opportunities to improve core strength and technique; and it can help you simply re-charge your batteries, particularly if you are a regular road runner. “There are far greater aspects to running than merely worrying about losing weight and being a slave to your watch,” says running and triathlon coach Neil Scholes (performance-edge. me). Make the transition from road to trail.

2 GET EQUIPPED – AND FEET FIRST

Choosing the right shoes is essential and there are plenty of trail shoe options. Find a reliable running shop which offers gait analysis and take time to try several pairs in-store before settling on a pair that suits your needs. “Does your shoe match the surface you are running on?” All trail runners should ask this question before stepping out on trail, says musculoskeletal specialist podiatrist David Eardley (podfo. com, peacocks.net). Eardley says trail shoes differ from road shoes as they focus more on traction, agility and protection, rather than responsiveness and stride.