Tricks of the trail trade

Most runners have their own little things they do on a run that make a big difference. Things that have been tried, tweaked, tested and tested again hundreds of times. We’re talking about things like how to make sure you evacuate the bowels prior to starting your run, yummy run snacks, and things that can be done to make your run go from cool to EPIC! 

We asked the people out there doing it every day, our Wild Things community, to share their wisdom so that others can enjoy the trails as much as they do.

So here you go, here’s 10 quick fire tricks of the trade.

1. Have at least one ‘go to’ buddy to run with. Whether it be a human or fur-friend they will be your accountability to get out there on the days you don’t feel like going. 
2. When trying out a new trail always add an extra 25% on the expected time. You’ll be surprised how much time you’ll spend making sure you’re going the right way. And you tend to run slower when you don’t know where you’re going too. You can decrease this time though by getting a heap more knowledge of the trail from the Wild Things Trail Directory.
3. Tried and tested run snacks:
   • Cheese sticks
   • Dates
   • Gingernuts
   • Kumara potato (cooked)
   • Peanut butter and jam sandwich
   • Last nights pizza
   • Jet planes (always make you go a little faster)
   • More nutrition options can be found right here.
4. Chafing. What a b*tch it can be. Vaseline is always a goody, but one better, Butt Butter is the bomb. And failing those, K-tape can also work in certain areas.
5. Post run supplies are just as important as your on-board supplies. Have extra water, a towel, spare clothes and more snacks in the car waiting for you when you get back. 
6. Factor in small rewards during or post run. Stop at the river for a snack, lie down on the grass back where you began, stop off at macca’s for a portion of large fries. 
7. To stop your laces coming loose, soak in water prior to your run. Wet laces are able to do up tighter. 
8. Gloves or a Thir around your wrist are excellent things to wipe away snots and sweat.
9. Get your morning coffee down at least 45 minutes prior to leaving the house to ensure bowels are emptied.
10. Don’t forget to look up, breathe in that fresh air, and do a fist pump for getting out there. Trail running rules!

We love sharing running hints and tips with you, so if there’s a topic you want us to cover and you think others would benefit please do get in touch with your ideas. 

Now, who’s going to try out the roast kumara for their next long run?