Living in Vancouver, we have access to a ton of amazing trails to run all year round. Trail running is a great way to enjoy a nature-based activity, while also getting in a great workout. Here are just a few reasons to love trail running!
Live In The Moment
The technical nature of trail running forces you to focus on the trail and your footwork, otherwise you could end up flat on your face. Being present during your run, tuning into your body and taking in the scenery gives you the opportunity to leave your worries behind.
Improves Fitness
If you are running on north shore trails, then you can’t help but run a lot of hilly and technical trails. Luckily, running lots of hills will turn you into a stronger runner and navigating those rooty and rocky trails will help build better agility and stability. It also involves more dynamic movement, engaging more than just forward motions, but also side to side.
Spending Time in Nature
There are also a host of mental and physical health benefits that come along with spending time in nature. People who spent more time in natural spaces were overall happier and experienced less symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The time you spend in nature can also improve your cognitive performance with improved attention span, short term memory and overall problem solving/ creativity.
It turns out that being surrounded by plants and trees, specifically in a forest, helps to boost our immune system by inhaling Phytoncides, which are airborne chemicals produced by plants. Furthermore, you are breathing in much cleaner air than you would if you were running along an urban street.
Escape
Trail running always feels like an adventure and offers a momentary escape from our urban lives. Whether it's exploring new trails, taking in a spectacular view or dipping your legs in the river after a long run, trail running can make each run feel like a unique experience.