Everybody, if you haven't had the pleasure of doing so yet, please meet Heather Gordon from Trails & Roots!
Heather Gordon is the Chief Running Officer of Trails & Roots - a mission-driven, small business that specialises in curating unforgettable trail running experiences across the globe in places including Madeira, Slovenia, Thailand and Chamonix. Heather is also a Mountain Leader in training. Here, she shares her top tips on getting started in trail running.
First, let me start with some questions:
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Do you enjoy being in nature?
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Do you enjoy running and/or hiking?
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Do you enjoy eating snacks?
If you answered yes to all three - congratulations, you're basically already a trail runner!
Trail running can seem like a daunting pursuit, but I’ll let you in on our secret: we don't actually run all the time! Trail running largely involves wandering through nature, stopping for photo and snack breaks, with a little bit of running thrown in. It's not about pace, split times, or hitting any particular target. It's about exploring the world on two feet and actually taking in your surroundings. Think of it as hiking's more energetic cousin!
If you have been curious to try trail running, here are some useful tips to get you started.
Start small
Is there a hill you've always wanted to climb or a forest you've been meaning to explore? Hiking the route first is one of the best things you can do. You'll get comfortable with the terrain, get a feel for the distance, and there's nothing stopping you from throwing in a minute or two of running here and there along the way. However, your first trail run doesn't need to be a mountain. A woodland loop or a coastal path counts. There are plenty of short, fully marked routes throughout the country, including Slieve Blooms, Glendalough, Howth, Killarney, and Ballyhoura.
Join a group
Heading out into the hills solo can feel a bit daunting at first, so why not go with others? Ireland has some brilliant trail running communities that love welcoming beginners.
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She Summits is Ireland's only trail running group catering specifically to women and people who identify as women, with guided runs in the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains - a fantastic place to find your feet and make new trail friends.
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Trail Criú grew from those same roots and is doing incredible work making Irish mountain running more diverse and inclusive, welcoming people of all backgrounds, nationalities and abilities onto the trails.
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Check the Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) for a list of clubs all over the country.
Sort out your gear
Ireland's weather has its own agenda, so it pays to be prepared. You don't need to go overboard, but there are a few essentials worth having before you head out.
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A small backpack works perfectly to start. Bring water, snacks (whatever takes your fancy!), and an emergency foil blanket. In colder conditions, make sure to pack a hat, gloves & an extra layer. Conditions in the hills can change quickly, so having a little extra kit gives you peace of mind.
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A good waterproof jacket is non-negotiable on Irish trails. Outwest's Séasúr jacket is a brilliant option for trail running - lightweight, packable and breathable to keep you comfortable when you're actually moving.
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As for footwear, you don't need dedicated trail shoes straight away. For your first few outings, a pair of sturdy, grippy runners will do the job. But if you find yourself falling in love with trail running (and there's a very good chance you will!), investing in a proper pair of trail shoes makes a real difference. There are loads of shoe options out there with different drops, stack heights, brands, and fits, so I'd really recommend heading into your local outdoor or running shop and getting advice from someone who can assess your gait and running style.
Enjoy yourself!
This might sound obvious, but it's genuinely the most important part. Walk the uphills. Take photos. Go slower than you think you need to. And if you get back to the car muddy, slightly out of breath, with empty snack packets, and already thinking about where you'll go next, then trail running has worked its magic on you!
Want to take your trail running somewhere really special? Heather and the team at Trails & Roots run guided experiences across some of the world's most stunning destinations. Heather and her team put serious thought into every detail - so you get to show up, run, and experience incredible places you might not ever find on your own.
Find them at trailsandroots.com or @trailsandroots on Instagram.
