![]() ![]() ![]() The beauty of a road race is you know the course is going to be clearly marked and that you’ll be surrounded by other runners and volunteers. Here's how the pros recommend first-time trail runners set themselves up for success. But to tap into those, you have to understand what you're getting into and prepare your mind and body for the reality of running off the beaten path. But that shouldn't stop you from signing up for a trail race! Trail running is one of the world’s fastest growing sports, according to the World Athletics, and getting off the road can have all kinds of mental and physical benefits. PSA to all the other road racers out there: Road fitness does not translate to trail fitness. → Join Runner’s World+ today for exclusive access to racing and training advice from the experts! While my 10K PR stands at 47:01, I clocked this race at 1:42:39. ![]() ![]() Instead, I ended up " hiking" a majority of the race. I would have given up a quarter-mile in if there had been an easy way to turn back down the mountain. What I didn't account for: the starting elevation of 8,000 feet (I lived at sea level at the time), the 2,000-foot climb straight up a grassy ski hill, and the nonstop exposure to the relentless Colorado sun. I'd run several road marathons at that point, and could easily run a 10K under an hour. On a weekend trip to Vail a couple years ago, I decided to sign up for the GoPro Mountain Games 10K trail race. ![]()
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