trail vs. road

Hey Y'all, there is a half marathon near me that is a trail run.  I've never really run on anything but the road since my army days (a long time ago..).  Is it particularly more challenging?   Am I ok in my normal running shoes?   Its this weekend, was thinking of just doing it just cause I can, but not sure about the "trail" part...

The trails will wear you out bro. You will engage muscles that you are not normally using running on the road. Your pace will be slower, but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE running on a trail. It's harder on the muscles, but it is more gentle on the joints compared to pounding around on pavement. Go for it dude, I bet you fall in love with it. As for trail shoes, unless the course is steep and really technical, your road shoes should be ok. Go get em...

thought it was June.. its actually this weekend... as far as "technical".. not sure what that means, but it looks freaking hard.. I think I'm just gonna use my wwdd stratgegy (what would Dan do) and run it (of course Dan would run the 50 mile race).  http://www2.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge/content/guid es/HalfMarathon_ParticipantGuides_NY.pdf

I have a trail trial in September, I look forward to it and was wondering the same thing. Thanks for asking! Mines only a 10K I believe (I'll have to double check) but mostly down hill. The ultra I want to do next year (at the earliest) is 50K across the Pacific Crest Trail. That should be fun!

Dan gave good info. The trails that I run on aren't too technical as far as terrain, but are dirt, have some rocks, roots, bumps, and is hilly.

I've run there in Asics 2140s and Saucony Omnis. I just ordered some Saucony trail shoes Pro Guide I think and they'll be here tomorrow.

If your trail has a lot of veg around it and is single track, then you might want some gaitors...

Saucony makes good trail shoes. I think you'll like them. i'm just partial to the Brooks because of the way my feet pronate.

I prefer trail running. It’s messier, dirtier, and to me, much more fun. You use different muscles, the scenery is better to look at, and it’s a harder workout. I have a pair of Brooks I use just for when I trail run and I love them. I prefer trail running so much, in fact, that I have 2 races this summer that are trail runs (a 5k and 5 mile) and other than my half marathon in October (street run) I’m going to try and stick to trail races from now on if I can help it.

I ran a trail run the end of last year and had a ball. I really enjoyed it. It was in December and the ground was frozen so I used my regular running shoes. I was like a kid running through the woods. Unfortunately I have been nursing my knees and shin splints this spring and haven't had a chance to run any trails this year, but it is on my list of things to do.

Not meaning to speak for Dan but what he means by technical is if there is loose dirt, roots, rocks, mud, loose gravel and such. Trail shoes have a more aggressive tread for traction. They even have different kinds of trail shoes for specific types of conditions. Sounds like a chance for a new experience.

pan head

The trails tend to be softer, Dirt can be nicer to run on that pavement.
However, I don't like the uneveness of the trails and rocks etc.  I never feel like I hit my stride on that type of course.  I feel like I spend all of my time trying to keep from twisting an ankle or tripping.
For me running is always work, so it's not like I get to enjoy the scenery while I'm trail running, I just haven't found that seperation of work and enjoyment when it comes to running.

Of course everyones mileage can and will vary.  Give it a try and have a great day.

Scott