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Why stay inside on the treadmill when you could be outside enjoying the beautiful sun and sights of San Diego County? With a few clicks on the internet, you can easily find some stunning spots to enjoy a trail run and spice up your routine a bit.
Here are just a few that SD PERSONAL TRAINER can recommend.
Cowles Mountain
This short, sleep climb in the tallest mountain in San Diego. The trail is popular with runners, as well as hikers and reaches 950 feet in one and a half miles. The well maintained trail has wooden steps in some places and is very well marked for distances. There is plenty of free parking at the bottom of the hill, as well as restrooms. Cowles Mountain is very popular and rangers are concerned with erosion to the hillside, so they ask that you remain on the trail. There can be quite a bit of hiking traffic at times, so make sure to keep an eye out for others.
Torrey Pines Preserve
The scenery along this coastal trail is undeniably some of the best you will find anywhere. It is a combination of dirt trails, pavement and sandy beaches – sure to provide the challenges you will need! The area is the primary habitat for the Torrey pine which is found only at these coastal bluffs near Del Mar and Santa Rosa Island.
Blue Sky Preserve
This is a 700 acre ecological preserve near Poway. It is also used for nature education and habitat preservation, but also provides excellent opportunities for fitness challenges. Motorized vehicles, as well as mountain bikes are banned, so you don’t have to any traffic to watch out for – just lace up your trail running shoes and enjoy the sights and sounds around you. There are frequent wildlife sightings, so you will be sure to come back with a story or two.
Carrizo Badlands
Carrizo Badlands are located in southern Anza Borrego Desert State park and is some of the most bizarre terrain in San Diego County. There are some excellent examples of erosion, sandstone and mudstones. The roads are made of soft packed sand and are easy on the knees. The clay hills, mud caves and arches provide a variety of scenery.
Daley Ranch
There are more than twenty miles of trails for hikers, runners and walkers on this huge ranch. It is a former cattle ranch and dairy found north of Escondido but is now a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Before you head out on the trails, you will want to consider some of the gear that SD PERSONAL TRAINER would recommend to optimize your trail running workout.
Trail running shoes are available at your local sporting goods store. It is always recommendable to go to a shoe expert that will check your feet and running style to make sure that your shoes match your step and foot shape. A good trail running shoe will be lightweight and geared to protect your foot from the rigors of trail running, guaranteeing comfort for your feet on any trail condition.
Improper socks can lead to blisters. These are a quick way to bring your trail running fun to a halt. Never hit the trails in cotton socks – you will be asking for wet, blistered feet. We recommend a good fitting pair made of synthetic material which will eliminate chaffing by wicking moisture away from the skin.
If you are having trouble finding the right fit in your shoe, you can always replace the insole. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes that will fit your needs and if you can’t find the right one, they can always be custom-made at a reasonable price.
It is important to keep hydrated on the trail. For longer runs, make sure to bring a low-profile, well-fitting hydration pack. These can be worn around your waist like a belt or over your back like a backpack.
Though your normal running shorts may keep you cool, you may want to consider a longer trailshort that will cover more of the leg and protect you from scratches from branches and underbrush. Make sure to choose a lightweight, quick-drying material.
On top, make sure to choose a t-shirt made also of synthetic, wicking material, never cotton.
For sunny days, choose eyewear that is lightweight and grippy.
If you cross off your SD PERSONAL TRAINER checklist before heading out on the trail, you will be sure to have a great run that is not only fun, but productive.
San Diego has a great outdoor life all year round. One great way to enjoy the great outdoors is by taking your run off the road and on to one of the many running trails the area has to offer.
Trail running is different from road running and track running. Trail running is often done on hiking trails or fire roads. These trails tend to cross terrains such as hills, mountains deserts or forests and can include sleep inclines or rough patches of trail.
Some trail runners prefer training on trails for exercise while others would rather be out in the wild. Many trail running aficionados will take part in trail running trips, which involve camping and carrying light backpacks and gear.
Trail running has gained special popularity in recent years in the Western U.S. and California. It is now one of the most prominent sports in the outdoor community. It is a great way for those who enjoy road running to get out and enjoy the softer trails and beautiful scenery they have to offer.
Trails can vary in difficulty, length and terrain. A more difficult trail may involve leaping over logs, rocks and roots. These types of trails can cure the doldrums that one can experience after many years of monotonous exercise.
Before taking your run off the pavement and onto the trails, it is important to make sure the legs and joints are ready for their new challenge. SD PERSONAL TRAINER is always ready to help get you in shape for any new fitness activity you are willing to try.
