Trail running is a great way to stay in shape, but it can be hard to keep track of your progress without the right apps. Here are some of the best apps for trail running so you can get in shape and stay motivated!
Map My Run – This is an app that helps you map out your runs. It will also track your distance, time, and speed. The app allows you to share your workouts with friends and family so they can follow along with your progress.
Strava – Strava is an amazing app that allows you to compete against other runners around the world. You can track your time and distance while competing against other runners who have similar interests as yourself. This app also has social media capabilities where you can share photos, videos, or text updates directly from the app itself!
Best Apps For Trail Running
Using an app is probably the last thing you think about when you go on a trail run but there are definitely benefits to using them. Whether you are looking to improve your technique, track your performance or follow a new route there’s an app for you. If you’ve decided to commit to running in the new year, they can also be a useful tool to help you reach your 2022 fitness goals.
Here are 5 of our favourite trail running apps.
STRAVA
Strava App
Probably the best-known running and cycling tracking app, it maps out your run, recording information about elevation gained, distance, speed, and calories burned. You can check this information as you go on your phone or analyse your performance afterwards.
The app is compatible with most GPS watches and heart monitors for full smart integration. It also connects you with friends and other runners in your area to meet up for runs or compete against each other on segments or distance challenges (insanely addictive!).
Why not join the Ellis Brigham Strava Club and share your runs, rides and routes while entering great competitions.
THE RUN EXPERIENCE
The Run Experience App
If you are new to trail running and are looking to run anywhere from 5km up to a marathon then this may be the app for you. A team of experienced runners and coaches provide you with a daily workout to help you progress toward your selected goal.
New videos are uploaded on a weekly basis which cover a range of topics including running technique, strength and conditioning, injury prevention and recovery and race preparation.
OS MAPS
OS Maps App
You’ll truly appreciate the convenience of this app if you’ve ever struggled to fit a paper map in your pack or vest before a trail run. Now, thanks to the OS Maps app, all the UK maps you could ever want are easily accessible from your smartphone. You can either use the codes from your paper maps to utilise the free version or subscribe to their monthly membership instead, which gives you instant access to every OS Landranger and Explorer map, covering the entirety of Great Britain.
NEVERALONE+
Neveralone App
One of the best parts of trail running is that it takes you to quiet, remote areas off the beaten track. However, this isolation can be a problem if you injure yourself. NeverAlone+ is programmed to contact a phone number of your choice if you remain in one place for a set time, sending a pre-programmed SMS message along with your GPS location.
FOODPRINT™
FoodPrint™ app
FoodPrint™ helps you to build a nutrition plan that is specific to you and how much running/exercise you do. The app analyses the information you enter and suggests meals that fit into your lifestyle and nutritional needs. It also enables you to track what you have eaten and progress toward muscle growth or weight loss.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
PETE FLETCHER – OUTDOOR EXPERT
Pete grew up hiking most of the trails in the Lake District before being introduced to skiing. A decade later and you’re most likely to find him snowboarding, skateboarding or making a mean coffee.
how to improve trail running
It happens to all seasoned trail runners, sooner or later: the plateau.
You’ll know it’s happened to you when it feels like no matter how often or how far you run, you don’t seem to be making any notable progress. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to shake up your trail running habits. Here’s what you need to do to get over that hump.
BRING ON THE HILLS
Very few trail runners will claim to have mastered the arts of running uphill and downhill—there is virtually always room for improvement. In addition to tackling hills on your regular trail runs, you should also incorporate hill-specific training to gain confidence and improve your technique.
As painful as they are, hill repeats are an effective way of boosting your uphill power. Throw in the occasional run that takes you up a long, steady climb, and don’t forget to focus on those downhill portions, too. These runs won’t be as much fun as your typical trail run, but they’ll help turn your weaknesses into strengths.
BOOST YOUR EFFORT
It’s hard to simply vow to run faster on trails—unlike roads, the varying terrain of trails requires you to inevitably slow your pace at certain sections, like when facing a long uphill section. Rather than focusing on the clock, focus on your effort. You can do this in the form of intervals: find a relatively short, but technical portion of a trail and practice running it with greater effort than you’re used to. Take a break, then do it again. Keep these workouts relatively short at first, as you’re like to become fatigued much faster when you’re pushing much harder. Over time, increase the number of intervals and the distance of the segment that you’re running.
CROSS TRAIN
For many trail runners, the greatest shortcut to improving your trail running skills is to put some work in at the gym. Strategic strength training focusing on your core, legs, and balance and coordination will give you a noticeable boost on the trails. Leg workouts can include squats, single leg squats, and various types of lunges, while core work can include bicycles and numerous plank variations. Add a stability or bosu ball to work on your balance.
PICK A NEW DISTANCE
Shake things up by challenging yourself to run a new distance. For instance, find a goal race that tackles more mileage than you’ve ever run before. As your long runs become even longer, you’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.
But it’s not always about running farther: if you’re used to running ultras, why not switch it up—sign up for a shorter distance than you’re used to, but challenge yourself by ramping up your effort. When you’re used to running long and steady, running shorter but faster can be a refreshing change of pace.
SWAP OUT YOUR SHOES
When was the last time you picked up new trail running shoes? Beyond that, when was the last time you were properly fitted for trail runners? If it’s been awhile, you might be surprised at how much of a difference a new pair of kicks can make. Picking shoes that are suitable to the terrain you tread (whether that’s wet, mucky dirt trails or slick rock) can help boost your confidence. It’s much easier to throw yourself into those downhills when you know your shoes will prevent you from slipping.
TAKE A BREATHER
Don’t forget to take your rest days! If you’re the type who likes to be on the go, rest days can be even more challenging than the hardest of workouts—but they’re a key component to any training regimen and are a must for preventing injuries. Remember, rest days don’t mean you need to stay on the couch all day long—you can still do things like go on a long walk or bike ride, or hit up a yoga class.
Conclusion
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