It’s Wednesday Word link up time! Each week Debbie, our faithful linkup host, provides a word prompt for us to write about. This week’s word is perspective, and it fits in perfectly with what I’ve got going on lately! Click on the button below to join in and see who else is linking up today.
I’ve been transitioning from road running to trail running the past couple of weeks. As I get back into trail running, I’ve been focusing on the time spent on my runs instead of the distance covered.
For me, this is the best way to ease back into trail running. As gorgeous as the trails are, and as much as I enjoy them, I can’t just dive right in. If I do, I run the risk of becoming frustrated with myself or losing motivation due to being overwhelmed. Transitioning to trails takes some adjustment, even when you’ve run on them in the past.
I am gradually increasing the length of my time out on the trails, and the number of days per week I actually spend on the trail. A few weeks from now I’ll start focusing on actual distance again. Right now I’m not even tracking my mileage, so my running log just has guestimates in it.
Funny how trail running changes my perspective. I go from must-know-my-run-down-to-the-hundredth Type A runner to just-enjoy-the-time-out-on-the-trails Type Z. I am reminded to focus more on the journey. Things that were bothering me don’t seem like such a big deal anymore. When I emerge from the woods after my run, my entire outlook has shifted.
Where do you get your perspective?
Turkey Runner 
Hard to believe you have found something that makes you put the mileage log.
Who are you and what have you done with my daughter?
LUD.
I know! I’m kind of enjoying not strictly keeping track of mileage right now, though. It’s nice.
I’m transitioning from training for races to maintenance. It feels good, but a little aimless…
Your trails are beautiful!
I’m in the same place right now, and it is aimless. It makes it hard to find the motivation, sometimes.
Do you ever worry about being out on the trails on your own? Since I run on my own much of the time, and during the day when most people are working, I think I’d be scared to do trail running.
That and the whole tripping thing.
But I think it’s great that you change it up that way.
I do, and I’m definitely a lot more cautious when I’m running on my own. I usually also always carry my phone when I’m on my own on trails, although I don’t know that I always necessarily have service.
The other thing I do is I always let someone know where I intend to run, and how long I expect to be back. That way if something were to happen and I didn’t show up, they’d know where to look for me.
I found the same thing when trail running. I would track the runs with my Garmin but I never once looked at it during the run. I think I was worried I would trip on something if I took my eyes off the trail for even a second! Enjoy it – a beautiful time of year to be out on the trails.
I have tripped on something while trying to look at my watch on trails 😉 So now I usually refrain from doing so!
This is a great time to be enjoying the woods! I’ve run a few trail races and enjoyed them very much. You certainly have to let go of your regular road race pace mentality.
Trails are so different, and you really cannot compare trail run/race times to road racing. I like the more relaxed approach, though!
I need to find a trail ASAP! Without a doubt, this is the most beautiful time of the year for trail running.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your perspective!
I hope you’ve found a trail to run on by now! Our leaves are past their peak now, but I think y’all are a bit behind us, so they’re probably close to peaking.
One of my goals for the rest of the year is to start trail running now that my goal race is over. I think I’ve shied away from trail running because I go so much slower, and I’m already a slow runner. I like the idea of running by time instead of distance to start.
That’s how I started getting into trail running at the end of 2013 – something new to try out after a goal race.
I hope using the time-based running approach helps you enjoy trails! Don’t worry about the distance when you start out 🙂