Hi, my name is Memphis and I am a trail-aholic. I have been addicted for over 2 years. I’ve lost several girlfriends, shoes, and toenails becuase of this addiction. I remember my first fix just like it was yesterday. I had just moved to Salt Lake City, and felt like I was in the movie, Children of the Corn. I soon realized, I just needed to escape my environment and decided to explore the trails right behind the University of Utah. My 30 minute easy trail run turned into a 2 hour run/hike. I could not get enough. At every turn and curve there was a different breathtaking view overlooking Salt Lake City. The terrain was never the same. I was not even consciously aware that I was running the way I was when I ran on the roads. And that was the first time I got the twitch. I call it the “trail twitch,” some may call it the “runner’s high,” call it what you will.

I used to live on campus at the University of Utah, so I ran on the Bonnville Shoreline trail every single day. At first no one noticed I was changing. Yes, they saw the dirt on my socks and my trail attire. But they didn’t see the bloody socks and gel packets I hid under my mattress. Then one day after missing a lunch date with a girl who we will call “Sally,” she sat me down and said, “you have a problem, you like trail running more than me.” She made me choose. Sally, you bet your white flowery bloomers I like trail running running more than you. Yes, I chose running with the rattlesnakes and squatting down in the brush to do my business over sensitive Sally.

Ever since that day I try to run on the trails as much as possible. Running in neigborhoods and in the city offer no excitement like running on a narrow pathway right on the edge of a cliff. Trail running offers incredible views, adventure, fast footwork, unpredicatble terrain, and most of all, mother nature.

Why should you run on the trails?

Trail running offers you a way to change up your training and avoid common overuse injuries associated with road running. Also, trail running can offer you a new perspective and a new appreciation for running.

Why do I run on trail runs?

It is a place where I can yell at the top of my lungs much like Lieutenant Dan does in Forest Gump when he is on Bubba’s Shrimp boat. Trail running is much more challenging than running on the road. I also run trails because of all the bizarre and interesting things I have seen. I’ll share a few.

1.) I was flashed by a woman on the Bonneville Shoreline trail. When I ran into her later on the trail she thought I was her friend. So she claims. My 7:30 pace quickly turned into a 6:30 pace.

2.) There is a fox I always run into on the trails. (Not a cute girl I call a fox, but the animal.) I have had several moments with this fox (seen at right) where we just stop and stare at each other. Yes, this is my Dances with Wolves moment.

3.) People dancing and waving their arms on top of the mountains. Perhaps they were on magical mushrooms. Just smile and do a little dance for them while you run. It’s cute and they like it.

4.) I had a doberman mix latch onto my elbow. He would not let go. It was kind of fun and frightening at the same time. Don’t let this scare you from trail running. I’ve been attacked by more poodles at Liberty Park than I have on the trails. The doberman is still alive. No animals were harmed in the research for this article.

5.) Rattlesnakes. Bathroom in split shorts. The end.

What trails should you do?

If you are new to trails, I recommend the Bonneville Shoreline Trail by Red Butte Gardens. You can go for a short run or a very long run. There are different routes you can go and explore.

Pipeline Trail in Mill Creek Canyon is another good trail to start with. Although, I think it’s overrated and gets old very quickly. Watch out for dog poop or human poop. It’s pretty massive, but delightful.

City Creek is another good trail that is connected to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. City Creek is much like a pretty girl who can trick you with her beauty and take you for a roller coaster ride, but it is well worth it. At least for a few times until you have to get a restraining order.

These three trails are great for new or current trail junkies. The terrain is not too technical and most of the trails are pretty well travelled with other runners.

We would love to hear your thoughts on trail running and where you go (post a comment below).  If you see a skinny guy running with nothing on but a loin cloth, foaming at the mouth, with a fox trotting by his side, say “hi” because that’s me. Please do not spray me with that violent canister of pepper spray or take away my beautifully decorated loin cloth. I’m a harmless trail addict with a serious problem. Please do not stage an intervention. Others have already tried. I work at the Salt Lake Running Company for peak’s sake. It is like a drug factory for me. Save yourself or join me on the twist and curves of the trails! See you soon “Trail Twitchers.”

Every now and then a shoe will come out that completely breaks the mold of a typical running shoe.  Recently Hoka has done exactly that. The  Mafate Trail Shoe is unlike any other trail shoe I have ever seen or used.

When Nicolas Mermoud first brought these shoes into our store, I really thought the shoes were a joke.  He had me try them on and take them for a short jog… I was stunned.  They felt great.  I immediately wanted to take them on the trails to give them a go.  I was also surprised how light they were because they look so bulky and heavy.

The first time I ran on the trails with these shoes, I was a bit unsure of myself.  The shoe made the trails feel completely different compared to what I am used to.  I learned how tentative I really am on the trails with regular trail shoes.  These shoes just made the rocks disappear from under me and it was a bit weird getting used to how soft they are.   I found myself running straighter lines down through the rougher areas.  I was able to just run through and over the rocks instead of having to go around them or walk over them.

Running down hill was actually a bit scary because I was going much faster than I would normally be comfortable doing.  It was hard to keep up with the shoes!  I could see in my mind, myself smashing my ankle if I hit the wrong spot.  However, this really isn’t a problem because the shoes absorb the terrain much better and the wide base really gives the shoe superior stability.

The traction is almost too good with these shoes.  Going around tight corners can be a bit of a challenge because the shoes stick to the trail so well.  You just have to adjust how you take the corners by slowing down just a bit.

With all these changes the shoes makes for you, there seems to be an adjustment period.  When I finished my  first run in them, I felt quite worked (from not being used to them), but I didn’t feel as pounded from the downhills like I normally would be either.

I would liken the adjustment similar to using minimalist shoes. They make you use your muscles in different ways so you will need to strengthen your legs a bit before you go out and run a long 20 mile run in them (if you want to do that.) But once you get used to the changes, they are really fun to run in.

After having the shoe for a couple months, I can honestly say I can’t use another trail shoe, even if I wanted to, nothing feels as good or performs as these do.

The only gripes I have about the shoes are that the upper is rather beefy and doesn’t breathe well.  It is rather hot which can cause some problems if you have sweaty feet.  I also find the shoes to be a touch on the small side.  I had to go up half a size because my toes were getting pinched on the sides.  They also don’t make anything bigger than a men’s size 12 yet. (which doesn’t come out until mid July)

If anything, it’s worth the time to at least try this shoe on, like they say “don’t judge a book by its cover”, this shoe definitely fits that very well.  Don’t let it fool you.

Here is some technical info on the shoe from Hoka’s Website.

“By using an EVA 30% softer and increasing its total volume to 2.5 times that of a typical trail running shoe, this shoe will allow for more cushioning than any other shoe on the market today, dissipating up to 80% of the shock associated with heal striking when running. Allowing for as much as 20mm of compression in the heal, with a low ramp angle allows for tremendous confidence running downhill, as runners can now engage their gluteus and lower back as opposed to isolating their quads, relaxing the body and making running downhill fun and comfortable.”

“40mm high sole design enabled to design a 13cm rockering profile , representing 50% of the sole length. This design allows for fluid and natural stride transitions, lessening the movement of the knee by as much as 20%, increasing efficiency.”

“15% lighter than reference trail running shoes. At 320 grams size 8UK per pair, they’ll make running uphill as much fun as they make running downhill.”

“With 50% more surface area than the typical trail running shoe, and 35% more rubber crampons, you’ve never run as confidently as you will in a pair of Hoka’s.”

“With a foot recessed into the midsole, you’ve never run as confidently as you will in a pair of Hoka’s.”

Your marathons and half marathons are getting boring, your training schedule has you burned out, and you are wondering, “Has the runner’s high gotten away from me?”  But then, you are in a new neighborhood and you notice that the pavement ends and at the end of the pavement begins a trail and with it comes a new life to your running.

Trail running is a great way to renew your passion for running.  By abandoning the city streets and heading up to the trails, you leave behind the traffic, the noise, the dirty air, and the chaos of city life.  You are then transported to a quite, serene, challenging, beautiful place to run and to renew your running soul.

But getting to the trail can be a daunting and intimidating thing.  In fact, you may not even know where to find a local running trail.  That is why we are bringing you the 7 tips that you will need to successfully make the transition from road running to trail running.

Tip #1: Find a trail that suits your level.

When you are new to trail running, it may not be a great time if you go run the course for the Wahsatch Steeplechase (one of the most challenging trail runs around).  Instead you will want to seek out a trail that is relatively flat and probably not a single track.  Typically the wider the trail is, the less rocky and technical the terrain is.   Not sure where to find this?  Check out these trails.

Bonneville Shoreline Trail- Red Butte or Emmigration Trailheads
Mill Creek Canyon Pipeline Trail
Bonneville Shoreline Trail- Draper Equestrian Center Trailhead
Park City Round Valley Trails
Bonneville Shoreline Trail- Bridal Veil Trail Head or Rock Canyon Trailhead

Tip #2: Don’t worry about walking to the top.

Sometimes, those darn hills are just too steep to get to the top of if you are running.  Instead, keep your heart rate low and power hike to the top of the hill.  This will save valuable energy that you will want to use to go fast when you are going downhill.  That brings me to tip #3.

Tip #3: Don’t worry about walking to the bottom

Running downhill on rocky, uneven terrain is skill that must be learned.  Watching someone do this is a thing of beauty, but until you master the skill you will want to slow down or try skipping or galloping down the hills.  This will keep your momentum down and allow you to train your body to go faster, one step at a time.

Tip #4: You feet go where your eyes go.

If you are looking right at a big rock as you approach it, chances are you will trip and do a great impression of a WWF body slam right into the dirt (don’t worry, the battle wounds are kinda like trophies).  Instead, look about 2-3 feet in front of you and when you approach those fallen trees or big rocks, instead of doing your best impression of a state champion hurdler, push off the top of the blockage with one foot.  If you are stepping on top of something, it is harder to trip over it.

Tip #5: There are no flats in trail running

In trail running, there are uphills, downhills, and a little something I like to call flathills.  So even when someone tells you that a trail is flat, you should only think that there are flathills.  This means that the trail is undulating constantly, but you aren’t going to become completely winded by climbing 1,000 vertical feet in 1 mile.

Tip #6: Look up every once in a while

One of the best parts about trail running is the amazing scenery around you.  Especially this summer, when our spring was so late, and now everything surrounding you is exploding with color.  Instead of staring at the ground in front of you, look up and enjoy the beauty of everything around you.  And if you have to stop in order to pause and look around, it is worth it.

Tip #7: Join in the fun!

If you are new to trail running, you may want to try out a trail run when there are other people around to run with.  This way you don’t get lost and there are people there to reassure you about doing something that you love.  There are a few ways this spring to get involved with trail running that involve other people.

Tuesday Night Trail Running Group with Mountain Trails Foundation
Park City Mini Trail Series 5k, 10k, and 15k

See you on the trails!