Trails

I took Denise around the Perimeter Trail in Greenbelt Park today. Since beginning running, we've run almost exclusively on asphalt. The Perimeter Trail is fairly rugged ranging from flat sections covered with a blanket of soft pine needles to steep ascents up rooted embankments and hillsides. The sense of isolation is profound. While the Perimeter Trail is a true soft surface trail, our two years of running the Anacostia Trail System has sensitized us to the fact that these trails can exist in highly urbanized contexts, yet allow the walker or runner the perception of being utterly remote. This feeling is enhanced on the Perimeter Trail as it is rough and rustic.

Trail running is a good addition to a road running program. The non-stop changes in direction and unsure footing force the runner to use muscles in his legs and core that tend to be underused by running solely on hard surfaces. This greater resulting strength in core and peripheral muscles creates a stronger, more resilient, runner. Unfortunately, the run backfired for Denise. The footing instability aggravated her sciatica and she spent a painful afternoon nursing it. 5.2 miles was, perhaps, an overly aggressive introduction to trail running for her.