It’s no surprise that runners flock to RI for fast, flat courses and expansive ocean views. Our little state boasts some popular races that many use to qualify for major marathons or beat their own records. The electric atmosphere at the starting line gets adrenaline pumping with runners warming up and dialing into their competitive mindset. And then you start to feel the pressure. What if you don’t finish the race or meet your time? You might start to wish you could skip to the end and be done with the race you’ve spent so much time training for. Wouldn’t it be nice if the goal was simply to have fun and fully be immersed in the experience?
In the wake of the 2020 pandemic, outdoor sports and activities have become more popular than ever before. Trail running has increased in popularity, because of the low-cost barrier to entry (all you need are some running shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and wet, after all). While this sport has been popular for years and is the focus of the international ultramarathon community, runners of all ages and abilities have been turning to the trails. But what is trail running, really? In its simplest form, it’s running on unpaved surfaces. It’s a misnomer because trail running often involves walking or hiking. It’s especially common to walk steep uphill or downhill sections to conserve energy. What does trail running offer that road running doesn’t? A shifted focus on the act of running, rather than time.
The beating heart of trail running lies in the journey, and not the pace. The inherent obstacles like tree roots, rocks, and stream crossings require a present mind-body connection. There are so many variables that go into trail-racing and setting a time-goal: elevation, weather, trail conditions, and foot traffic. On the trails, it is you versus yourself. You can push yourself if you want, or just focus on enjoying the scenery. The enjoyment of the journey, rather than the outcome, allows you to take the pressure off performing for a certain time or mileage. Sometimes a trail is closed or too muddy to cross, so you have to alter your plans mid-run, which keeps things exciting. Trail running is a phenomenal way to explore the same place again and again, without having the same experience. The trail changes over seasons and with time. While some fixtures may always be there – a summit, a boulder, a stream – some things change. There are different animals, a favorite tree may have fallen, and the stream may barely trickle in the heat of summer or it could gush and roar during spring rain. Particularly in southern New England, the plethora of urban, rural, and coastal trails makes this activity easy to try.
Trail running groups and races have become popular over the last several years. I have never felt more supported in the running world than I have by the trail running community. You know that stereotypical laid-back attitude of surfers? That, “It’s all good man,” vibe? That’s the attitude that trail runners embrace. I’ve had people stop their trail race to make sure I was okay after taking a hard fall. I’ve been offered salt tablets when my legs started cramping mid-race. But most importantly, if I pass someone during a race, I receive words of encouragement from the runner. A wispy “Crushing it,” or, “You got this,” or, “You go girl,” enthusiastically uttered from the person behind me. That’s something you rarely experience in the road running world.
You don’t need fancy gear to trail run. Run in whatever sneakers and clothes are comfy for you. I do recommend swapping out the ankle socks for crew-cut to keep the dirt and grittiness out of your ankles. And if you’re planning on going for longer runs, it might be worth looking into running vests to carry your water, snacks, and any “just in case” gear. Even local, small-town running stores, like Wakefield Running Company, sell trail running shoes to get you out on the trails. There are some other small, but delightful perks of trail running: snacks and views. Forget tasteless gels and chews, trail running snacks can be bought at the gas station. Forgot your fuel? Grab some Swedish fish and oreos. Intend to attempt a longer run? Throw your peanut butter and jelly in a sandwich bag in your pocket or running vest. There are no rules for choosing the “right” snacks. Find your favorite easily digestible carb and stride off on your merry way. A few of my favorites are stroopwafels, banana chips, cookies, and granola bars. Another polarizing favorite is real maple syrup added to a lemon-flavored electrolyte mix for a delicious maple lemonade that only a real New Englander craves.
I trail run for the views. See a pretty wildflower? Spot a funky little mushroom? Can’t look away from the fiery fall foliage framing a lake on a foggy morning? You get to stop and take a picture without fear of ruining your pace. After all, you’re out there to enjoy nature. So how do I get started trail running in RI? Whether you prefer lakes, rivers, or the ocean, there are running-worthy trails less than 30 minutes from you. It’s hard to beat a jaunt through a forest that ends at the lapping waters of Narragansett Bay. For those looking for suggestions, here are several of my favorites. Chaffee Preserve in North Kingstown offers 3 – 4 miles of gentle dirt trails that take you to Rome Point with gorgeous views of the Jamestown Bridge. You can do a short out-and-back or loop around the cove for a slightly longer run. The Vin Gormley Trail starting at Burlingame Picnic Area is a 7.8-mile, mostly dirt trail that circumnavigates Watchaug Pond in Charlestown. With gently rolling hills and minimal elevation gain, this is the perfect trail to explore in all 4 seasons. In the warmer months, you can reward yourself with a dip in the lake to cool off.
If you are searching for a truly choose-your-own adventure, I highly recommend the Arcadia Management Area, a network of dirt roads, gravel paths, and single-track trails near the Connecticut border. You can follow babbling brooks, loop around ponds, or summit some of the highest points in the state. A beginner race that I highly recommend is the Li’l Rhody Runaround. This 4- or 8-mile race starts in Burlingame State Park. Both seasoned trail runners and those new to the activity flock in orange shirts to run through crunchy autumn leaves and drink hot chocolate afterwards each November, but the trail is always there. So, for the new year, why not try something new and get off the beaten path. •
