3 Spring Shape-Up Tips for Beginning Trail Runners and Hikers
If you’ve decided the singletrack life is for you, a great spring and summer season on the trails awaits. But before charging out to the hills on foot, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you’re just starting out. Let your motivation to go off-road lead to happy trails ahead with these three tips. Less Is More at First Building endurance takes time, so a gradual increase in distance week over week will help get you in shape without overtaxing your body. The season is long, so take it slow with shorter runs or hikes at first, even if it’s just 20-30 minutes two times a week. More frequent short sessions are better than one big effort in the beginning. Plus, springtime is a great season for taking in new sights and sounds as everything comes to life, too. Stability and Balance Exercises One way to strengthen your lower leg muscles and feet is to try zero drop shoes with wide toe box . As you slowly build endurance, you can ease into the comfort of cushio...