Yes. I am a Trail Runner

Every since I was a baby, my parents would drag our family from our home in the Bay Area up to the Sierra Nevada's to spend time in a mountain cabin. I spent many weekends learning to ride a motorcycle, panning for gold, climbing rocks, and trying to avoid the poison oak. When we were not going to the mountains, we went dry camping at several lakes not far from home. Needless to say, I think dirt is in my blood.

As the years went by, our family stopped going to the cabin as frequently and eventually stopped all together. I gave up motorcycle riding, but soon afterward picked up mountain biking in the early 90's. I still mountain bike today, and will always have a love for two wheels and a trail. However, I have a new passion which arose from several reasons.

About two years ago I got into running for fitness, thanks mostly to my loving wife. I started simple and ran around the block, then more blocks, and then miles. If you've ever run the streets, you know that it is murder on your feet and monotonous on your mind. I live close to where I mountain bike and decided that I would like to try running the trails that I ride.

Running has always been a way for me to refocus and release that pent up energy from a long day at work. Riding was not always about getting exercise, but more about the adrenaline rush and adventure that goes along with it. So, when I combined these two, I get something that gives me all of it in one package. I get the exercise I want, the adventure I crave, and the mental recharge that I need.

Near the trail heads, you usually see a lot of people walking with their dogs or just taking a stroll. But when you get a couple miles in, it's tranquil, revitalizing, and free; just you and nature...and the other occasional trail runner doing the same thing you are...living. Trail running is more than just running on dirt. There is a spiritual aspect of the act that is different for everyone. When I run the roads, I long for companionship, mostly due to the boredom associated with the never-ending sidewalks. When I run the trails, I am never bored. I am surrounded by nature and all of it's wonders. Trail running with a partner is even more enjoyable, because we can share in this splendor together and rejoice after an amazing and life-refreshing experience.

Keeping Hydrated

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy nature. In California, Summer means dry dusty trails and temperatures that can reach the 90s (degrees) or hotter. Yesterday I went for run in the later afternoon. The temperature was about 85 when I left. I ran my usual route, but made a choice to take a farther run that took me about 3 miles farther for a total of about 8 miles.

There are several places along the way to get water, but I don't usually need it. It was hot so I got a small drink to wet my dry mouth at the Ranger Station. At the fountain, I met two ladies. One asked how I was able to not get heat exhaustion. I smiled and just told her to stay hydrated. I'd been drinking throughout the day and felt pretty good, so I took my drink and headed out.

After about another 30 minutes, I realized that it sure would have been nice to have a little more water with me. The next water wasn't for another 25 minutes farther. I took it easy and made it to the golf course where I enjoyed the much needed drink, albeit warm water. I took a short break and then left to make my way home. It was a great run, but I now realized how important hydration is before, during, and after strenuous workout on a hot and dry day.

When I ride my mountain bike, I always have my CamelBak Classic Hydration Pack with more than enough water. My wife has a CamelBak Montara Hydration Waistpack, but I hadn't though about borrowing it before the run. Now, I wish I had borrowed it.

I decided to check out REI.com and see what they had online. I was please to find that they had a great selection of hydration options, including a variety of hydration belts and waist packs.

• Nathan Trail Mix Waistpack
• CamelBak FlashFlo Hydration Waistpack - 45 oz.
• Amphipod RunLite Trail Runner Hydration Belt - 21 oz.
• REI Single Shot Waist Pack
• GoLite Hydrobolt Waistpack

There are a lot of choices for those that want to wear, or even carry, their water. I encourage you to look at all the options and see what works best for you. I will probably get a waist pack of either the bladder type or one that holds reusable bottles. Dehydration is no joking matter. Take it seriously and stay safe.

Running My First 10K

I've been looking forward to running my first 10k race for a few months now. Since last year, when my wife ran her first 10K, I've been looking forward to running the same run with her. Well, all the anticipation was all over in about an hour. This morning we ran the Run to the Lake walk/run to support our local hospital trauma center.

Before the race started, the announcer said there were about 1000 people there. It was very different starting will all the walker, runners, as well as the jogging strollers. I'm not used to so many people, but it was a lot of fun. I encourage anyone out there that is thinking about running, or even walking, a 5K/10K to get out there a do it. It is a great feeling passing all the supporters cheering for you and the crossing the finish line makes it worth it.

Because this was my first official race, I wasn't trying to kill myself to finish. Also, my daughter wanted to run the 5K as well. So, we ran with her to the 5K half-way point and then went on to finish the 10K, while she headed back to the finish line. She finished 4th in her age group. Not bad for her first run.

I have to admit, I've caught the race bug. I'm already looking for the next run to participate in. I live to run the trails, so I think I'd like to maybe try a trail run next. There is one coming up in September (a 10k or 20K) that we could probably do. The competition will probably be higher, because more people are able to run the roads than will run the dirt trails. Looks like I'll need to start actually training, instead of just running, the trails.

Do I need a Trail Shoe?

I've been running the street to trails for over a year now. I have two pair of shoes that I switch between (Asics 2140 and Gel Kayano), neither of which are trail running shoes. I don't run extremely technical trails and, as of yesterday, have not lost my footing or any other problem related to improper shoes. However, I've been wondering if I should be using a trail shoe instead of a regular running shoe.

I've compared the two shoes that I currently run with. The less expensive 2140 is more comfortable on the trails, because it seems to have a more rugged construction and doesn't distribute as much "feel" in the sole, which translates to less rocks poking my feet. It has sufficient impact padding, but not quite as good as the Kayano. I am also wondering if a more ridgid shoe would be less stressfull or more stressful on my feet.

So, I'm going to do some more research and hopefully get some information from those that have used both. Ultimately, I'd like to move away from paved roads entirely, but that doesn't seem likely. Maybe a good shoe that works both paved a trails is in order. Time to do some more searching.

The Single-Track Mind

If you ask any mountain biker "what is your favorite type of trail to ride," most will immediately tell you "single-track." As a mountain bike rider myself, I would have to agree. However, most single-track trails are usually limited or prohibited for bikes, especially in the SF Bay Area where I do most of my riding.

Now, I am also a trail runner and enjoy running all the trails, especially the single-track trails. I get to experience all the trails in one way or another. Often I wonder what it would be like to ride some of the trails that I can currently only run. Then, I think about what these single-track trails would be like if they were open to mountain bikers as well. And, quite honestly I would not be very happy. I like knowing that I can run on some very nice trails and that there won't be a rider barreling around a corner coming straight at me. My passion for mountain biking and trail running are equal and I am happy keeping them separate on the trails as well.

So, if someone asks me, I would have to say that they should be separate. In my opinion, we should be able to have enough trails for everyone. Shared trails for everyone, single-track for pedestrians only, and then some single-track for bikes only. It's the only way to make everyone happy...and safe.