If you’re feeling stressed from work or life in general, there’s nothing quite like putting on some headphones and hitting the running trail. Running not only boosts your cardiovascular health but also helps alleviate stress and ensure your well being. But just like you wouldn’t wear a suit to go running, the right gear is essential— running trail shoes, a backpack, and, most importantly, the right pair of headphones.
The challenge with traditional headphones or earbuds is that they’re not ideal for long runs. They can cause discomfort over extended periods, and sweat can easily ruin your experience by trapping heat and moisture. That’s where bone conduction headphones come in, offering a game-changing solution for your trail running gear. This is where bone conduction headphones come into play and complete your trail running gear. In this blog we will discuss the importance of running gear, what must be in your gear, and everything to keep in mind when going on this adventure.
What is Trail Running?
Most of us start our running journey on familiar routes – around the neighborhood, on city streets, or on a treadmill. Thus, running is often linked to exercise since it reduces stress, and promotes a sense of well-being. We all know how beneficial being active is to our physical health. However, if you want to improve your sense of independence, and well-being, along with all the benefits of running included, you should try trail running!
So, what sets trail running apart from regular running? Trail running encompasses a wide range of running terrain, from steep slopes to mountains. There are different preferences of land for trail running. For those who have never done trail running it is very different from average running. It means leaving the street and running on a rough route rather than smooth concrete. Each type of route has its specific gear as well.
Trail running is very common in areas with adventurous landscapes making 1.77million trail racers globally. Which is huge! Once you start you'll notice the difference between this and basic running. The beauty of nature sparks excitement and a hunger for adventure.
How to Get Started with Trail Running
Know the Difficulty
A trail never has smooth or even ground. It is always rough and uneven causing difficulties to run. It takes much more effort to run up a slope and work the entire body thus consuming all your energy.
Things that come your way include rocks, logs, and roots. Thus, working on your trail-running technique will help you navigate any trail efficiently.
What Type of Terrain
Many towns and localities have a network of gravel roads and dirt trails that are an excellent place to start trail running. Look for local or state parks nearby, or take a quiet dirt road. These low-commitment treks are a fantastic opportunity to get to know the landscape and check out your new gear. Once you are used to it and if your gear is suitable, you can go on a longer adventure.
How Much Distance
When planning your first expedition, keep in mind that trail running takes longer than road running for the same distance. The tougher terrain and undulating trails will slow your speed and activate muscles you aren't used to working, so start slowly and don't commit to a distance you're not ready for.
Essential Gear for Trail Running
Trail Shoes Running
Trail running shoes are not the same as running shoes because once you go on an actual trail running adventure you'll know why the right shoes are important. Rough and slippery ground requires good trail running shoes.
Trail running shoes are often heavier than road running shoes and prioritize grip, foot protection, and stability. Consider the difference between mountain bike and road bike tires. The trail-running category includes shoes suitable for everything from easy, groomed trails to severely challenging, changeable terrain.
Clothing
There are two things to keep in mind when investing in trail running clothing. It must dry slowly and be breathable. Both of these things combined make up good trail running clothing. When you trail running your body releases a lot of heat thus having a breathable outfit makes it much more bearable.
Backpack
Always carry a backpack because that will have all the necessary equipment needed to survive. From water to food and even extra gear.
Headphones
Headphones, especially bone conducting, are so important for outdoor activities like trail running because of their open-ear design allowing you to effortlessly listen to music or audio while ensuring the sound of nature.
Bone conduction provides you with a situational awareness feature so that you can be aware of your surroundings and avoid accidents.
Best Headphones for Trail Running
A good set of headphones or earbuds can enhance your overall experience depending on what type of runner you are. Some runners wear headphones to focus on themselves and to stay motivated. While some wear it to communicate with their team.
Top Features to Look for in Headphones for Trail Running
When you invest in a trail-running headphone make sure it is water resistant with an IP55 rating preventing sweat from interfering with your audio or microphone experience. Since runners tend to sweat a lot, using open-ear headphones allows more breathability and keeps your ears cool.
Bone conduction headphones fit perfectly around the head without the worry of falling off. Another thing is considering the battery life because trails can be time-consuming and a good battery can help you go a long way by ensuring an enjoyable running experience.
Last but not least, bone-conduction headphones are your go-to headphones because they ensure external sounds can be heard. This feature lets you be aware of your surroundings and alert at all times. Thus, reducing the risk of accidents.
Shokz Released New Headphones at the UTMB Finals.
Shokz, the official headphone brand partner of the UTMB World Series, introduced the NEW OpenRun PRO 2 headphones during the UTMB World Series Finals, the world's most renowned trail-running event that brings together elite competitors and dedicated runners.
Shokz, the pioneer of open-ear listening and sports headphones, is dedicated to helping runners be aware of their surroundings for personal safety by utilizing breakthrough open-ear technology. Shokz and UTMB are collaborating to promote the concept of "Be Open to Extraordinary". Our purpose is to urge runners to push themselves with music that lifts their spirits.
Safety Tips for Trail Running
Running with Awareness
When you go on trail running whether in a team or solo being aware of your surroundings is crucial. If you are fully engrossed in the music and not alert, chances are you can fall or get caught up in an emergency.
The situational awareness of bone-conduction headphones makes them the safest headphones out there. They do not cover your ears, completely exposing your ear canal to external sounds. These are the only types of headphones that can let you experience music along with the sound of nature.
Managing Wildlife, Weather, and Terrain
With the help of bone-conduction headphones, you can communicate effectively with your partners on the trail. You can alert them of the weather conditions ahead and animals if you hear any unusual sounds. If you are leading the group you can keep guiding them on the terrain ahead so that they do not experience difficulties.
Trail Running Techniques for Beginners
● Avoid leaning forward at the waist
● Stay upright so that you can maintain pace and balance.
● Use your hip muscles to push yourself up and extend your legs behind for support
● When you start coming downhill, focus on leaning backward as it slows you down.
● Use your heels as a brake to stop if you feel like you are slipping.
Pacing Yourself on Different Terrains
● Run how you feel for example when you feel like you're getting breathless and slow your face. Maybe even walk for a little.
● Monitor your heart rate with a heart rate monitor.
● Use a GPS watch that can track everything.
Staying Motivated for Trail Running
Setting Goals and Tracking Progress
Always have a purpose when you start trail running. Once you begin make sure to track and monitor your fitness progress on an app or simply in your mobile notes. This helps you stay motivated and on track.
Trail Running Communities and Races
There are always marathons and trail-running competitions. Or simple community events that people participate in to stay fit and to enjoy holidays. Taking part in these events will help you get better at trail running.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Trail Running
Overtraining and Ignoring Recovery
Overtraining is a rule that every fitness enthusiast follows. If you overtrain you are exerting yourself and not giving your body time to recover. This means that when you come to continue your training the next day your body hasn't fully recovered thus making you prone to injury.
Not Adapting to Trail Conditions
Having enough knowledge of the weather and terrain is crucial. So that you can select the right days to go on runs. If weather conditions are bad it can be risky for you. Also knowing which shoes will work best for different terrains also plays a big role in trial running. If your shoes are not made for terrains then climbing uphill can be challenging.
Final Thoughts
Trail running has various benefits and to complement that experience we need headphones. Bone-conduction headphones are the best headphones for trail running and are a crucial part of your running gear. They serve various purposes from safety to functionality. You will not only be able to have a more comfortable experience but it will ensure a successful trip overall. If you are a trail runner or anyone who does outdoor activities, Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is what you need to up your game.
