Jogging in the forest

12 April 2019

This will be a rhetorical question. Who doesn’t like jogging? Only those who haven’t tried it. We are sure of that. Just a few moments on the trail is all it takes to feel a primal connection with nature. It triggers extra energy and enables you to push harder than in the city. Your body will grow stronger as your mind rests from urban noise and everyday problems. The only downside is you won’t want to go back home.

Get ready!

If your dream vacation is fast approaching and you’re planning to go jogging every free moment you have, then slow down and take some advice from us. To avoid injury, you need to strengthen your core at the gym or do bodyweight exercises. Also, long conventional runs will prepare you well for very technically demanding forest running. Many trainers recommend cross-country or cross fit training as well as stabilization exercises. Working on your concentration is also recommended.

Things to keep in mind

When it comes to running in the forest, also known as a trail running, remember to forget about your usual running habits, e.g. setting a pace, going a certain number of kilometres etc. It’s difficult to maintain a steady pace on a technical path. Obstacles, uphill and downhill sections, stops to check the map or admire the view may well lead to ridiculous times compared to those achieved running city streets. Which does not render street training pointless. It’s just different from running in the woods, and it’s worth realizing this right away and… appreciating it.

Technique above all

We don’t want to bore you with long analyses of running techniques. Not everyone is interested in going into such detail. But it’s worth remembering that in fields and forests your stride should naturally shorten, which is very good to know. Ideally, you’ll be taking about 180 steps per minute. This is the most effective foot-ground contact frequency, as it allows you to react promptly to what is happening on the trail and be ready for any hazards or obstacles. Shorter strides will enable footfalls under your centre of gravity, thus ensuring stability and body control. If you have any instinctive sense of survival, you will quickly understand this. Also, remember to keep your upper body relaxed and your arms bent at right angles to help ensure stability.

Safety on the trail

Our forests are not jungles and we don’t have to fear predators, but some caution never hurts. Respect nature and run on designated trails so as not to disturb wild animals. They only attack when they feel threatened. We also caution against digging up unexploded shells as souvenirs from the forest. If you see signs stating “Warning! Unexploded Ordnance”, take them seriously. Be equally cautious when in the vicinity of shooting ranges and military training areas.