AsK the exPeRt
Trail Runner
Adam Chase
Adam Chase is a busy man. In addition to
being a father of two, tax attorney, and writer,
he’s a world class trail runner. The Boulder,
Colorado-based Chase is the captain of
the Salomon Trail Running Team. He’s run
more than 100 races of marathon distance or
greater and notched victories at more than 20
ultramarathons. The former President of the
All American Trail Running Association is also
the co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Trail
Running. The book covers gear, technique,
training strategies, injury prevention, and
the history of the growing sport. Its second
addition was released earlier this year.
Pinecone Press asked Chase to dish the dirt on
top trail running tips.
Q: Although trail running continues to gain popularity, it is
still new to some. What’s the best advice for beginners?
A: I usually tell them to slow down, especially if they are coming
from road running. Trail running is done for different reasons than
road running. It’s still good for your body, but it’s also much more
of a mental escape. Many trail runners get protective of the retreat
aspect of the sport. You can’t count the number of trail runners in
America, because many of them want to keep it a secret activity
for themselves—not for competition.
Q: What are some common early mistakes?
A: People who are new to the sport don’t realize that you don’t
have to run every step. Many times if you’re going up a steep hill,
it is faster and more efficient to walk. As a new trail runner you
also need to learn how to pace yourself on varying terrain and
Q: how do you train when Q: What’s the best part about trail
altitude. You have to be sensitive to your heart rate and discomfort
preparing for a big race? running for you?
level. Doing too much too fast leads to an inability to recover.
A: Last summer going into A: It’s definitely evolved and meant
TransRockies I was doing pretty different things at different points in
Q: Any additional safety concerns?
steady hundred-mile weeks. I would my life. It used to be competing at
A: There should be awareness of backcountry safety. Runners
head out the door by 6 in morning a really high level. But now the best
should tell someone where they are going, because help might
and do 10 miles. Then on a few days part is the community aspect. I just
be far away, or the cell phone probably won’t work. Be ready for
I’d do another 10 in the afternoon. I like feeling really involved in a sport
uneven surfaces that can be slick, rocky, rooty, or muddy. Trail
also mix in biking and Nordic skiing that’s still growing and being defined.
running injuries are usually mere flesh wounds, not the overuse
in the winter, because cross training
injuries you see in road running.
is a key to preventing overuse
injuries.
Q: there are a dizzying number of trail shoes out there. What
should people look for?
A: It depends a lot on running style and ability. There are two
different approaches: you can run with the trail or through the
trail. For a heavy-footed runner who’s not as agile, you’ll see
shoes built like an SUV. They can plow through and take it. For
AdAM’s FAvoRIte shoe
runners who are lighter on their feet, there are more minimalist
lightweight shoes that allow you to avoid obstacles by being more
sALoMon sPeed CRoss
like a slipper.
“It has excellent traction and just the right amount of
Q: how do you balance competitive running with being a
cushioning. I don’t feel a
lawyer and family man? lot of underfoot activity,
A: The part that people don’t realize is that training gives you
but I am still sensitive to
more energy than it takes. I probably sleep two hours less than
the trail. It’s also very
most people per day, but because I work out an average of three
hours a day, when my head hits the pillow I am out. My quality of
lightweight and fast.”
sleep goes up even though my quantity is down. I feel in touch
with my body; the system is efficient. Training takes a lot of time,
but it also gives you a lot of time and extra energy.
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