Myself and a few Charlottesville Area Trail Runners members at the top of Turks Mountain
It is upon us. No man, woman, child, or beast can escape its clutches. To try to resist is futile. Just accept your fate. That’s right, its winter.
As a cyclist, this time of the year is what I am supposed to look forward to the least. Who cares that this dreadful season includes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, if I can’t ride my bike what is the point.
Lucky for me, this is hardly my take on winter, as I revert back to my high school roots and get my run on. That’s right, the bikes are put up in storage and I lace up my kicks and hit the trail. Trail running to me is like a day on the bike, one big adventure. My backyard has miles and miles of trail that are closed to bikes, so long distance trail running allows me to explore these sweet stretches of singletrack.
I know what you’re thinking, running is boring, I don’t have anyone to run with, and there is no way that running a downhill can be as fun as biking one. You’re wrong about running being boring. Hit up some technical trails, and you will be picking lines just like on a bike. You’re wrong when you say you have no one to run with. I looked up local running groups in Charlottesville, where I live, and now have an amazing network of people to run with. Lastly, I agree that running a downhill is not as fun as hitting it on two wheels but hey you can’t win it all.
The beauty of running is how simple it is. You need some active clothing, a pair of shoes, and you’re good to go. Also, during the winter you can keep warmer and don’t have to struggle taking 15 different layers like on bike rides. The best thing about trail running is if you feel tired, then just hike. After all you’re in the woods and you’re allowed to slow down and enjoy it.
While I do enjoy longer mileage, any distance can be fun. It will help you keep off the winter weight, make these cold days pass quicker, and get you out in nature.
Lace those shoes up, and hope to see you on the trail!
