The difference between off-road running and trail running is really that trail running may include a short section of road that leads to the trail and the trail itself is not intensively hilly. Off-road running is the hillier stuff and is also known as fell running. It's common sense to know that you should give these things a go before kitting yourself out fully just in case you don't like it. Once you know you want to continue it's then important to get the proper kit in order to protect yourself from the elements but more importantly to avoid injury.
The best way to try hill running is with an experienced friend or group. There are lots of hill running groups up and down the country and you can find some of these in our running clubs section or you can check out websites such as -
Welsh Fell Runners Association,
Irish Mountain Running Association
Northern Ireland's Mountain Running Association.
If you don't wish to go along with a group and nobody wants to go along with you make sure you take all the necceassry precautions and tell someone where you plan to go and how long you think you'll be. It's also important to remember to tell them when you're back!
Also a great guide to hill running in Scotland, that includes runs, races and introdutions to gear, kit and general advice is Steve Fallons 'Classic Hill Runs and Races in Scotland' at just £10 it's a bargain!
It may seem tough at times but there are many benefits to be gained from hill running such as the strength you can gain from doing it. Running up hills builds strength as it’s a form of resistance training that builds up the muscles in your calves, quads, hamstrings, and glutes. You'll also strengthen your hip flexors and increase your speed by inadvertently increasing your stride length! The bigger your stride the faster you run and this happens when hill running because your lifting your knees higher than they would be if you were just running on flat ground. This increases hip flexibility which in turn increases your stride length. Your upper body will also get stronger as you use your arm muscles a lot more running uphill than you do when running on the flat. This strengthening will considerably reduce the risk of incurring injuries. Hill running also offers a challenge and of course, for most people it's the sheer enjoyment of being out in the hills and getting away from it all.
View our range of off-road running shoes here or view a collection of our off-road kit here