Yesterday I went out for my long run of the week which was supposed to be a 22 mile trail run, and turned into a 25 mile trail run without water for the last 8 miles. 🙁 I hit some really technical trail (scrambling) at about mile 10, but was feeling so good that I decided to keep on running. After I finally looped around to start heading back I ran into a lookout area, but decided against filling up my CamelBak Hydration Pack in the sink which turned out to be a bad idea. When you’re out for a long run, and have a chance to refill your water, do it! The drinking fountain that I was relying on to fill up my water was no where to be seen, and my last 8 miles were a combo of running and walking because my muscles were starting to tighten up on me, and I wan’t 100% sure of where the trail was that took me back to my car… The good news is that I finally made it back, and wasn’t too beat up. I only was a little dehydrated, and was able to throughly enjoy my ceremonial post run pizza!
Here are some tips to consider when going out for a long trail run based on my experience:
- Plan your route in advance, and make sure your know the trail markers.
- Always bring enough water for the whole run, or make sure that your water refilling sources are still working.
- Always bring enough food for the trip. Trail running will take more out of you than road running which means you’ll need more fuel. I like a combo of Jelly Belly Sport Beans and something with protein like peanut butter sandwiches, or my homemade high protein granola bars.
- It’s also nice to have trail running shoes because the rocks on certain trails can beat up your feet (although they aren’t necessary).
- A few other things to consider are food and water before, and after your run. I’ll address what I like for pre and post run nutrition in another post.
