[Jill]

I always lurk around here, and I've posted a few times. I'm not up to the ultra status by any means but I have always LOVED hiking and spending time in the woods. There was a time when I use to do what I called 'power hiking', which is probably what trail running is all about. My very first trail race is this Sunday and I am so excited. Chilly Cheeks.

 

[intensebeet]

You sound like me! I haven't done any trail races yet, but I've got a couple trail 10k's on my to do list for this summer. I'd much rather be hiking (or running) through the woods than out on the shoulder of a road.

 

[mudrunner]

Sounds exactly like how I got started in trail running...I call it "Speed Hiking"...it's all about time in the woods & the mountains.<br>
What better way to spend a day?<br>
Best of luck & enjoy!

 

[altoids]

You will have a good time! Pretzel city sports events are fun <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[crunningman]

Good luck Jill! You won't regret the experience. As much as I love running on the road, I love running in the woods even more. Somehow you just seem to lose yourself out there. Just don't get lost. Which I know you won't.<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Hemerocallus]

So, Jill, how'd it go???<br>
Are ya hooked?<br><br>
I can hardly wait for the season to start up here, but we gotta wait until April the snow's off the ground. We have a series of 5 and 10K trail races around Ontario ...... I've only done 5ks up until now but am debating signing up for longer races this season. Just like a flashback to highschool CC! Love it!!!!!!

 

[kestrou]

If anybody's in Illinois or Indiana, then I heartily recommend The Kennekuk Road Runner (<a href="http://kennekuk.com" target="_blank">http://kennekuk.com</a>) trail races in Danville, Illinois.<br><br>
The name of the club might be "Kenneuk ROAD Runners" - but almost all of our races and fun runs are one trails.<br><br>
Oh yeah - and we have the largest "timed" ultra in the U.S. - the 8 Hour "Howl At The Moon" every August.<br><br>
And you're all invited! <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
kestrou

 

[Jill]

It was hard and a ton of fun. I'm definitely going to run some more of Ron's races, as well as trails in general. I think Ron Horn is a masochist!<br><a href="http://jillfo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Race Report</a><br><a href="http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u161/jillfo/running%20stuff/Chilly%20Cheeks%202008/?albumview=slideshow" target="_blank">Photos</a>

 

[mykemp1971]

<b>Jill</b> congratulations! I like trail races too. To me, they are as much about quality time in the woods as much as they are about running/racing. One of my favorites (the Jay Mountain Marathon), is like a long hike with periods of running thrown in.<br><br>
Glad you enjoyed Chilly Cheeks - I saw where Rockenmamma posted the course profile, looks like a very challenging course!

 

[RichardC]

COngrats!!

 

[pithydoug]

The next time you do a race in snow/ice or even mud, put some screws in your shoes. See <a href="http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm" target="_blank">http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm</a> Just keep an older pair with a little life left and add the screews. You will be amazed at the traction. Yax trac etc also work but have been know to fall apart when abused by rocks and overall wear.

 

[Jill]

Oh, what a good idea with the screws! Thanks. And I just happen to have a pair of shoes perfect for some trail abuse with screws.

 

[altoids]

Jill,<br><br>
I'm so glad you had fun with this race. I enjoyed your picture slideshow. Good to see the smile on your face, and that you enjoyed the alternative refreshment stop. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[pithydoug]

In general I tend to keep a separte pair shoes about 3/4 through their cycle always at my side or better yet in my gym bag. I have done entrie 50k's and 50 mile races in screw shoes. Many of my races are out-of-town and you never know if the trail is dry, under water or worse yet, in deep mud. If the mud is real deep, not much will help. In most cases they will really help with traction and keep you from getting injured by avoiding slipage.

 

[Apple]

Jill of u plan on doing more trail runs, I would suggest trail shoes. They save your toes, ankles, toe nails, bottom of your feet and much much better than screws. You will appreciate it

 

[pithydoug]

It's an old discussion which has no universal agreement whether one should wear road or trail shoes on a trail. I will agree that screws do not fair well on a very rocky trail. The screws will push back just as if you are the roads. As for trail shoes on trails, it's an individual thing.<br><br>
My knee jerk response is to first try your road shoes and see how you do. If they feel good then you only have one shoe to contend with for most surfaces. They will not harm your toes, ankles, toe nails, or bottom of your feet. Some trail shoes are so bloody stiff they the will do more harm then good.<br><br>
I've run almost 60 ultra races and never needed a trail shoe. The few that I tried were like bricks and did not offer me a better or safer ride. I simply added screws when the course was wet. I have many running cohorts that love trail shoes and why this is a fun discussion. I also live a run most races on the east coast which mat be different from where you live.<br><br>
As we all know it's a pain in the posterior trying to keep up shoe model changes in general. If one tries to appease both the road a trail gods it's twice the PIA.<br><br>
I still suggest to try one's roads shoes first and if they work why complicate it.

 

[Apple]

Doug -<br><br>
Great response and I appreciate your thoughts. I agree with your comments and probably should note a disclaimer that my opions are based on my experiences and profile. I am not an expert <img alt="roll_eyes.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/roll_eyes.gif"><br><br>
I am not an ultra runner and my goal of a great trail run usually doesn't include flat surfaces. Love technical trails that include lots of rocks and debris, so my needs may be a little different. In addition trail shoes have come a long way and I was surprised at how light and flexable they are now. ( Honest I am not a running shoe salesman)<br><br>
Like you said, everyone has a different profile and what works for them. I do see a lot of fellow runners in races with regular sneaks. Believe it or not last year I saw a guy running a trail race (It was on the scale of about 8 for technical) in Converse high tops. My fee hurt just looking at him.<br><br>
FYI... I am on the East Coast also,,, Pa

 

[intensebeet]

I've done a fair bit of hiking in converse high tops. They are really light and flexible which helps me feel like I can get a better footing because I feel what's under my feet, unless it's wet out, then you might as well be wearing skis.<br><br>
That being said I'd take my hiking boots over my chucks any day if I'm heading for the AT.<br><br>
/off topic?

 

[Apple]

I thought converse were for wearing in the creek swimming so you didn't bang your toes on a rock.

 

[pithydoug]

Hopefully I did not come across to strong. I simply meant to say that we all find our own shoe answers.<br><br>
Pa! That tells me you going to do all or some of Laurel Highlands in Ohiopyle this year, right? <img alt="roll_eyes.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/roll_eyes.gif">