Laura Motes enjoys doing nontraditional training, including trail running. The activity, which is also called off-road running, comes with
different challenges, and requires different rules and etiquette as
well.
Yield to Slower Runners
When it comes to
trail running – or trail biking for that matter – the faster person
should always yield to the slower one. This means slowing down a bit,
and if the situation warrants it, even getting out of the way.
Stay on the Trail
Staying
on the trail is extremely important for a variety of reasons. One of
them is the obvious safety issue. If anything were to happen, people
would start to look on and very near the trail. The other aspect has
everything to do with habitat. If you leave the trail, you can easily
destroy habitat, and if more people follow the example, after a while a
new trail can emerge which can lead to additional confusion and safety
issues.
Don’t Leave Any Garbage
Littering is one of
the most damaging activities people can do. Garbage not only damages
the environment through a variety of negative processes, but it also
reduces the quality of trail running for others.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Knowing
and understanding what goes on around you is the best possible way of
enjoying trail running. That way, you can not only respect other runners
and their activity, but you will be as safe as possible.
Laura Motes is an avid trail runner who enjoys the activity for a variety of
reasons, including being able to explore new areas.
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