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Did my first trail run today. 2.77 miles in 29 minutes on the USI Cross Country trails. I'm considering a 23K trail race in the spring, so I figured I would see what it's like to run on them.

My initial reaction is that trail running is to road running as road running is to the treadmill. Let me explain. I hate the treadmill. It has to be one of the most boring things you could possibly do for exercise. Sometimes I listen to podcasts, but even that just isn't enough distraction. Time seems to go so slowly.

When you run on roads, there is more to occupy your mind. You have to be aware of traffic, intersections, weather, and not getting lost. The conditions can vary from run to run, and you are a part of your surroundings.

Now, take all of those differences between the treadmill and road running, and multiply them about 3 times, and you've got trail running. It involves your mind even more because you have to be constantly watching the trail and thinking about where to put your feet down. You have to adjust to constantly changing trail conditions (dry one place but muddy somewhere else). And the physical demands of trails can be more intense than roads with lots of ups and down. You are still a part of your surroundings, but those surroundings are much more beautiful and serene than what you will find in your typical neighborhood.

So I had a good run. I only wish that I had trails I could run closer to my house. With the drive I have to make to run them right now, it will probably be something I can only do every couple of weeks.

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