The right equipment can make a significant difference to your trail running experience. A pair of trail running shoes with good grip and stable support on uneven terrain is essential. The shoes should be comfortable and offer enough space, especially for the toes, as they need extra room when running downhill to avoid bumps and prevent bruised toenails. Advice from a specialist shop can be helpful here.
Layered clothing allows you to adapt to changing weather conditions, and a rain jacket should always be carried to protect you from wind and rain.
A hydration pack or running waistcoat is useful for carrying water, a rescue blanket, rain jacket and a snack. For longer runs, bars and a small first aid kit are also recommended.
For trail runs that go beyond the tree line, it is advisable to always have a rain jacket, a first aid kit and a rescue blanket with you to be prepared for possible emergencies.
Selecting the trail
Tirol offers an abundance of trails, from easy to challenging. Beginners should start with less technical, flatter trails to familiarise themselves with the terrain. For example, plan a hut or a summit as a destination. This motivates you and offers a great opportunity to explore Tyrolean cuisine and recharge your batteries.
When choosing a trail, it is also important to consider the weather forecast and the direction of the trail. Is a thunderstorm expected in summer? Then you should start early to get back before the thunderstorm. Is it going to be a very hot day? Then you can switch to shady trails, for example.
Set an approximate time target and inform people around you
In contrast to road running, trail running involves different altitudes and more demanding terrain, which makes it difficult to estimate the time required. A slow start allows the body to adapt to the challenges of the trail. The focus should be on enjoying the journey and not just on arriving at your destination quickly.
When planning your time, it is helpful to use the kilometre and altitude information as well as the difficulty of the trail as a guide. It is advisable to allow sufficient buffer time. A trail run can take considerably longer than a run on the road due to the differences in altitude and the difficult terrain.
It is advisable to inform a trusted person (friends, family) of the approximate time you plan to return or to run in a group to ensure you get home safely.
Realising the connection with nature
Trail running in Tyrol offers the opportunity to connect with nature in a deeper way. It is an opportunity to be present and consciously absorb the sounds of the forest, the fresh Alpine air and the impressive mountain panoramas. This sport is not just a run, but an intense experience of nature. At beautiful viewpoints or on summits, it is worth pausing and creating an "inner" picture. These moments are often particularly memorable and provide strong motivation for future trail running sessions.
Respect the environment
When discovering Tyrol's most beautiful trails, always make sure you stay on marked paths to minimise your impact on nature. In addition, all rubbish should be taken back with you to preserve the natural beauty for everyone.
Respect other nature lovers and residents
Trail running is an excellent way to explore the Tyrolean mountains. However, you should always show consideration for others. Hikers should be overtaken with caution and prior notice to avoid surprises and fright, especially downhill.
The flora and fauna also deserve respect. Loud calls should be avoided and attention should be paid to plants that are close to the trail.
Join a group or start with like-minded people
Joining a local running group offers the opportunity to meet like-minded people and learn from more experienced runners. It's also a safe way to explore new trails. After the run, there is often an opportunity to reflect on the day together in a hut or in the valley and have a laugh in a convivial atmosphere. Different goals can be combined with friends or family by meeting up at a hut to round off the day together.
Setting personal goals enriches the trail running experience. Whether it's about completing a certain distance, reaching a summit or enjoying a run without a break - goals can be motivating. The focus does not always have to be on time or altitude. Walking is also part of trail running, especially on steep climbs, and aids such as poles are often helpful. Even experienced runners rely on them. Trail running is an individual adventure where everyone can find their own way to organise and enjoy their time on the trail. Because the most important thing is one thing above all: fun and adventure!
Is trail running more strenuous than normal running? Trail running takes a lot of time? We get to the bottom of 5 myths!
