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XTERRA 101 Training

Top Tips for Trail Running

By XTERRA
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Learn how to navigate the trails, steep hills and trees.   XTERRA pro athlete Will Kelsay shares his top tips for trail running.

1. Float lightly over the trails

Don’t put full weight on rocks or logs in case they’re not stable.

2. Don’t put brakes on going downhill

Feet skid out when you try to stop on dirt, rocks, or ice.

3. Match legs to arms to go faster downhill

Pump arms as fast as legs are moving to go faster.

xterra trail running tips

4. Grab trees or branches to corner or gain speed

Take advantage of being off-road to gain speed and take corners.

5. Keep gaze about 20 feet ahead

If you look too far ahead, you will forget what’s at your feet and trip, if you look too close, you can’t plan for what’s in front of you.

6. Stay in your comfort zone

If you run too fast or out of control, you will trip and fall, as you get better, you’ll keep getting faster and faster.

xterra trail running tips

7. Take smaller steps going uphill

Take smaller, quick steps to get up the hill faster.

8. Mastering the trail takes time

Eventually it will become habit and come natural, practice makes perfect!

Want to learn more?

Learn how to get started racing XTERRA off-road triathlons.
Discover top tips for trail running.
Find out what masters swimming is all about.

Will Kelsay is a seasoned veteran on the XTERRA circuit having raced in more than 20 countries around the world over 17 years. Having raced professionally since 2005, he has accumulated more than 50 overall wins and 75 more top five finishes. Over the years, he has been a coach, race announcer, race director, personal trainer, physiology lab technician, videographer, magazine editor and writer, and countless other professions to supplement his racing career.

Top Tips for Trail Running

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