Thank you Brooks for partnering on this post!
My favorite seasons for trail running are fall and winter. When the air is crisp. multiple layers required and the likelihood of a raindrop or two increases. You see, I'm about to let you in on a little secret. In the fall and winter, as temperatures drop and the sky overhead turns grey in the Pacific Northwest, the trails empty out.
In summer in the Pacific Northwest (and also spring as soon as the first ray of sunshine appears) and particularly in close proximity to Seattle, trails are crowded every single day! Everyone loves to hike and run and play outside when that sun is shining bright and those living in the PNW crave that vitamin D. But as soon as it gets just a little colder and a little rainier and a little more grey, that is the best time to hit the trails with your running shoes!
Today I'm partnering with Brooks to share with you what to wear when trail running! Trail running is a healthy, simple activity that requires minimal gear, but it does require you to be prepared with what you do need for your run. You'll want to find the right shoes and gear up for your run to help make your run more enjoyable and stay safe, healthy and run happy!
I've chatted about my love for running before. I've been both a competitive and recreational runner since middle school. In high school I ran varsity track and cross country for all 4 years and was one of a just a few to letter in my class our freshman year. But my true running love is recreational trail running.
I love spending time outdoors and I love nature, so it is probably no surprise to those who know me. There is just something about feeling crunching leaves and soil under your feet over pavement and grass. The inclines are steeper, there are obstacles to avoid such as rocks and logs and sticks and you have to be well prepared for inclement weather and/or injury. But the rewards make it all worth it. The views are infinitely better, the air fresher and spending time in nature is proven to support mental health.
When I'm headed out on a trail run I turn to Brooks
for my running needs. I've been wearing Brooks running shoes and
clothing for over a decade and everything I've run in performs
incredibly well, fits great, holds up with wear, lasts a really longtime
and helps me to run happy!
Brooks has been making athletic shoes since 1914 (over 100 years!) and began focusing on running shoes in 1972, when running suddenly captivated the world's attention when Yale graduate Frank Shorter won the Olympic Marathon. In 2001, Brooks entered the Millennium with a focus on just one thing: running. Brooks believes a run can change a day, a life, the world!
Find the Right Shoes
The best part about trail running is you don't need a lot of gear. What you do need is a good pair of trail running shoes. If most of your run will be on concrete or gravel, you'll probably be fine with a good pair of running shoes. But as soon as your run has you encountering roots, rocks, mud and uneven terrain, you'll want to invest in a good pair of trail specific running shoes.
Trail running shoes are different
than regular running shoes in that they focus on stability, traction,
and foot protection. They tend to be a bit beefier than regular running
shoes and will hold up to any uneven terrain you encounter on the trail.
For a recent fall trail run to explore a bit of that PNW Wonderland, I chose my Brooks Caldera 4 Women's Trail Shoes to hit the trail. With lightweight cushioning, good support, breathability, sticky traction (essential for icy winter days) and a plush feel, these shoes shine on all terrain, particularly a rocky trail. As a bonus they are also stylish and easily transition from trail to street pre and post run.
Dress in Layers
Dressing in layers is a smart approach, particularly on longer runs. This method allows you to be comfortable no matter the weather/terrain and throughout the day. You might warm up on an incline and need to remove a layer or the rain could begin to fall and you'll want to grab a weather protective outer layer.
Think base layer, mid layer, outer layer.
The air was crisp and the sun shining, so layering was key for my trail run. For my outer layer I went with the Brooks Women's Canopy Jacket,
a lightweight layer that offer wind and rain protection, yet is still
breathable. It also packs down into a built-in mesh backpack, so when it
gets a little warmer mid run or the rain stops, it's super easy to take
off and still carry with you. I sized up to a Small so I could wear
with layers.
For my mid layer, I chose the Brooks Women's Notch Thermal Long Sleeve,
a lightweight, odor resistant layer that wicks away sweat, but keeps in
heat, and stretches to move with you. It's perfect for staying warm
during cold weather runs! It also has a hidden pocket at the wrist for
storing valuables, such as your keys. This long sleeve just might be one
of my favorite articles of running clothing ever. In addition to all
it's running benefits, it's super cute, cozy and perfect for all-around
casual wear. And I love the thumb-holes. It is a bit cropped, so if you
like a longer or oversized fit, I'd size up. I went with my true to size
extra small and love it.
For my base layer, I chose the Brooks Dare Strappy Run Bra. I love this stylishly strappy bra! It is my favorite running bra and my favorite bra from Brooks ever - so comfortable! This bra lifts you up, holds you in and performs extremely well. Minimal coverage with maximum performance and it comes in the pretties colors. I have it in Back and Arctic and plan to add Deep Sea to my shopping cart asap. I find it fits true to size.
For my trail run, my lower base layer consisted of my longtime favorite, the Brooks Women's Greenlight Tight.
Soft, supportive and oh so comfortable, the Greenlight Tight is also
sustainably made with bluesign-approved materials. They have a nice,
tight fit that hold you in and flat, wide power waistband that stays put
throughout your run. I have a couple pairs of these running tights and
they are my go-to for trail runs. I am typically between an extra small
and small for leggings/running tights and went with the small in these.
Other Thing to Consider
In addition to what you're wearing, you'll also want to think about staying hydrated/carrying water, some food if it's a longer run, sun protection, navigation tools if you're in an unfamiliar area, a headlamp and/or handheld lighting if you'll be running at night or in the darkness and a first aid kit depending on location and duration of your run. Once you decide where you're going, be sure to let someone know of your plan for your safety.
All prepared? Time to Run Happy!
xoxo
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