{"id":48979,"date":"2022-06-03T09:00:32","date_gmt":"2022-06-02T23:30:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=48979"},"modified":"2022-11-07T15:30:35","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T05:00:35","slug":"picking-trails-to-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/picking-trails-to-run\/","title":{"rendered":"Picking the Right Trails To Run"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Generally, running is a pretty simple form of exercise. Head out the door, run around, breathe a bit, sweat a bit, come back through the door \u2013 exercise <em>done<\/em>. Tick. Move on to the next activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you run in the city or the suburbs, you may have to contend with traffic, a few dogs, and lots of bitumen \u2013 and it can be hard to build a routine to maintain exercise habits with these obstacles in the way. That\u2019s your end goal, right? To fit a little exercise into your week to keep your body functioning?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So \u2013 how can you make running a more enjoyable proposition? How can you create an environment for yourself where you <em>want <\/em>to go for a run, instead of feeling like you <em>have <\/em>to go for a run?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For me, the answer was to attempt trail running more often. Sounds nice in theory, I guess: go to a park and run around on dirt, grass, or sand. No traffic, no worries\u2026 right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, not in all cases. Just as cafes and bakeries don\u2019t always uphold the same standard of products, not all trails are the same either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack3-1.jpg\" alt=\"An athlete is running on a finely gravelled track, surrounded by shrubbery. He is wearing mid-thigh, next-to-skin shorts underneath a shorter pair of black running shorts, with black socks, black running shoes, a white singlet, and a beige cap. Over his singlet he wears a hydration vest, and on his front is a four-digit number indicating that he is running in a race. He has white earphones in his ear, the cord running underneath his singlet.  \" class=\"wp-image-49007\" title=\"For me, the answer to creating a more enjoyable running environment was to trail-run more often.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack3-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack3-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack3-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack3-1-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>For me, the answer to creating a more enjoyable running environment was to trail-run more often.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how do you know what a good running trail is? Is it trial and error? Is there something like an Airbnb for trails, where you can read reviews? Over time, you\u2019ll be able to answer those questions yourself \u2013 but you\u2019re living in the now baby, so keep reading and I\u2019ll share my top tips for picking the right trails to run!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Location, Location, Location<\/strong>!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a million trails out there, some located closer than others. For mid-week runs, find one close enough to drive to within a 30-minute window. Yes, you may have to drive to get there \u2013 but it\u2019s worth it. Once you consider that most other sports and hobbies involve driving, you\u2019ll start to feel less weird about doing the same to go running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting there in 30 minutes or less means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It\u2019s not so far away that you lose motivation to get out the door<\/li><li>For longer runs, it\u2019s the equivalent of an appropriate distance to run there and back<\/li><li>There\u2019s time to switch your brain from work or home-life mode to running mode, then back again on the way home (to plan a post-run meal!)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For weekend trail running, driving one to two hours is doable and obviously widens your choice of trails. Anything past that length of time, and I\u2019d suggest an overnight stay at the destination trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Running-On-A-Road.jpg\" alt=\"An athlete is shot mid-stride on a bitumen road, with grape vines in the background and grey clouds overhead. He wears a brown collared shirt, black running shorts, black socks, and bright, fluorescent green running shoes. \" class=\"wp-image-48993\" title=\"There are a million trails out there, some located closer than others.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Running-On-A-Road.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Running-On-A-Road-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Running-On-A-Road-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Running-On-A-Road-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>There are a million trails out there, some located closer than others.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Course Layout<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So \u2013 you\u2019ve found your little area for your mid-week trail runs, or maybe you\u2019ve hunted down a destination trail for a weekend trip. Planning your own course layout is simple enough, provided you avoid the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Any loops or trails that are less than one to two kilometres in length. As well as being too short to build up a rhythm, these will be occupied by walkers, families, and\/or slow-moving traffic that will get in your way.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Stretching-In-Carpark-Perfectly-Normal.jpg\" alt=\"A runner is sitting with his legs in a butterfly position on a mat in the middle of a dirt carpark, stretching. He wears a bright orange shirt, beige cap, black running shorts, and black footwear. The carpark is surrounded by shrubbery, with a cement tank sitting further beyond, hidden by trees. Parked beside the runner is a Triton Ute. \" class=\"wp-image-48994\" title=\"Stretching in a carpark is perfectly normal, post-run!\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Stretching-In-Carpark-Perfectly-Normal.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Stretching-In-Carpark-Perfectly-Normal-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Stretching-In-Carpark-Perfectly-Normal-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Stretching-In-Carpark-Perfectly-Normal-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Stretching in a carpark is perfectly normal, post-run!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Mountain bike trails. These are for mountain bikers, so stay away. They also have lots of turns and rollers which, again, will disrupt your rhythm.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Watch-Out-For-Obstacles.jpg\" alt=\"A runner wearing a dark green singlet, black shorts, and bright red running shoes hurdles over a fallen branch across the forresty running trail. His arms are outstretched, and he is captured mid-leap. \" class=\"wp-image-48995\" title=\"Watch out for obstacles on the trails!\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Watch-Out-For-Obstacles.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Watch-Out-For-Obstacles-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Watch-Out-For-Obstacles-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Watch-Out-For-Obstacles-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Watch out for obstacles on the trails!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A track with too many junctions or intersections, and therefore turns. This is a recipe for trouble. For example: a course with ten different changes of direction means you might have to stop ten times, pull out a map, and remember which way to go before getting back to running. The worst-case scenario is when you start to relax among the peaceful bush environment, forget to make a turn\u2026 and suddenly have no idea where you are. Try and pick a course with no more than five turns \u2013 and if you have trouble remembering them, simply write L or R (indicating Left or Right) on each finger of one hand, and refer to your fingers for directions at each turn.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Looking-At-Map-DSLR.jpg\" alt=\"A runner is pondering a sheltered display of a map and information on the park that surrounds him. Ahead of him are clusters of trees and shrubbery. He wears an orange t-shirt, brown cap, and black running shorts. \" class=\"wp-image-49001\" title=\"Try and pick a course with no more than five turns.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Looking-At-Map-DSLR.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Looking-At-Map-DSLR-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Looking-At-Map-DSLR-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Looking-At-Map-DSLR-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Try and pick a course with no more than five turns<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Trying-To-Work-Out-What-Turn.jpg\" alt=\"A runner is standing and surveying a display map mid-route. He wears a bright, orange t-shirt with a beige cap, and is scratching his head to indicate confusion. He is surrounded by rubbly brown dirt and shrubs. \" class=\"wp-image-48997\" title=\"The worst-case scenario is when you start to relax, forget to make a turn\u2026 and suddenly have no idea where you are!\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Trying-To-Work-Out-What-Turn.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Trying-To-Work-Out-What-Turn-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Trying-To-Work-Out-What-Turn-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Trying-To-Work-Out-What-Turn-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>The worst-case scenario is when you start to relax, forget to make a turn\u2026 and suddenly have no idea where you are!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A course with an imbalance of hills. Too many aren\u2019t fun, but too little is boring. Like Goldilocks, you want a number that\u2019s just right. I suggest planning your course on a map or GPS app that provides the elevation profile. Over ten kilometres of running, any course with 100-300 metres worth of elevation change is a good aim.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/An-Idea-Insert-GPX-File.jpg\" alt=\"A map on the left shaded in green indicates a runner\u2019s route, marked with a blue line. The route is a loop. A graph on the right indicates a runner\u2019s elevation profile over 61.47 kilometres. \" class=\"wp-image-48998\" title=\"I suggest planning your course on a map or GPS app that provides the elevation profile.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/An-Idea-Insert-GPX-File.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/An-Idea-Insert-GPX-File-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/An-Idea-Insert-GPX-File-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/An-Idea-Insert-GPX-File-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>I suggest planning your course on a map or GPS app that provides the elevation profile.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Route Services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving to Melbourne is easy, given all the servos, stopovers, and quaint little towns along the way. Driving across the Nullarbor is harder, because there\u2019s less of that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same concept applies to selecting a good trail-running course. Keep an eye out for toilets, potential road access points (which are good for emergency pick-ups or stashing water), and whether there is phone reception available. Trail running involves a little bit more risk than road-running, so ensuring you have knowledge of the surrounding areas will help if something goes wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The worst that has happened to me has been almost pooping my pants (several times), getting injured, and running out of water. In all cases, I solved my problems by using a toilet I knew was nearby, limping to the nearest road\/exit point, or pushing it to the next rainwater tank. These solutions were possible because I chose my routes wisely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Filling-Up-At-Rainwater-Tank.jpg\" alt=\"A runner is crouched by a silver, corrugated iron water tank, filling up a water bladder. He wears a long-sleeved red shirt, beige bucket hat with sunnies sitting on top, navy blue knee-length shorts, and black runners. He is smiling without teeth up at the camera. \" class=\"wp-image-48999\" title=\"One of the worst outcomes for me was running out of water, but I pushed it to the next rainwater tank!\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Filling-Up-At-Rainwater-Tank.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Filling-Up-At-Rainwater-Tank-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Filling-Up-At-Rainwater-Tank-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Filling-Up-At-Rainwater-Tank-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>One of the worst outcomes for me was running out of water, but I pushed it to the next rainwater tank!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Are you a &#8216;Sandy Sally&#8217; or a &#8216;Rocky Rupert&#8217;?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every surface \u2013 be it sand, fire trail, single track, gravel, part-dirt, dirt-gravel, rock, grass, or mud \u2013 is appealing to all runners. I love fire trails because I don\u2019t need to concentrate too much\u2026 and I don\u2019t sink like I do on sand. I also enjoy single-track when heading downhill, because I flow down the mountain as though I\u2019m on skis!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack.jpg\" alt=\"A runner is captured mid-stride on a narrow, dirt trail, surrounded by trees and shrub. He is wearing a long-sleeved, collared brown shirt, black next-to-skin bike shorts, looser running shorts over the top, and black running shoes. There are dark clouds overhead.\" class=\"wp-image-49002\" title=\"I enjoy single-track when heading downhill, because I flow down the mountain as though I\u2019m on skis!\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>I enjoy single-track when heading downhill, because I flow down the mountain as though I\u2019m on skis!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Copy-Warby-Cnr-725.jpg\" alt=\"An athlete is running on a narrow vehicle trail through a vast, open country space, surrounded by grasses and shrubbery. Mountains are faded blue in the background. He is wearing mid-thigh, next-to-skin shorts underneath a shorter pair of black running shorts, with black socks, black running shoes, a bright orange t-shirt, and a beige cap. Over his shirt he wears a hydration vest, and on his front is a four-digit number indicating that he is running in a race. \" class=\"wp-image-49008\" title=\"Not every surface is appealing to all runners.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Copy-Warby-Cnr-725.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Copy-Warby-Cnr-725-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Copy-Warby-Cnr-725-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Copy-Warby-Cnr-725-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Not every surface is appealing to all runners.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experiment with different surfaces early in your trail running career to establish what you prefer. A word of caution with trails: the more \u2018out-there\u2019 or obscure they are, the poorer condition they\u2019re likely to be in &#8211; which will usually impact on your ability to run with a good rhythm. For example, a fire track in a park nearby an urban centre is likely to be well-groomed and fine for running. On the other hand, a single track somewhere four hours away from the nearest capital city may not be as primed\u2026 possibly with more bushes and rocks to run on than dirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_7405.jpg\" alt=\"An athlete is running on a narrow, finely gravelled track. He is captured mid-stride wearing a bright orange t-shirt, beige cap, black shorts, and black running shoes. He is surrounded by rubble, red-brown dirt, grasses and shrubs.\" class=\"wp-image-49009\" title=\"The more \u2018out-there\u2019 or obscure a trail is, the poorer condition it's likely to be in.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_7405.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_7405-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_7405-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_7405-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>The more \u2018out-there\u2019 or obscure a trail is, the poorer condition it&#8217;s likely to be in.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After ten years of trail running, I now feel as though I\u2019ve got the process of selecting the right trails down pat. I\u2019m not saying it\u2019ll take ten years \u2013 but I\u2019m not saying these tips will get you there straight away, either. With this advice, one \u2018pinch of salt\u2019 to take that may \u2018enhance the flavour\u2019 of trail running a little more is that each time you pick a trail, take it slow and first focus on enjoying the run. That was always the aim of trail running in the first place \u2013 so don\u2019t forget that it&#8217;s what brought you there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack2-1.jpg\" alt=\"An athlete is running on a narrow trail, surrounded by grasses and shrubbery. He is wearing mid-thigh, next-to-skin shorts underneath a shorter pair of black running shorts, with black socks, black running shoes, a white singlet, and a beige cap. Over his singlet he wears a hydration vest, and on his front is a four-digit number indicating that he is running in a race. He has white earphones in his ear, the cord running underneath his singlet\" class=\"wp-image-49006\" title=\"After ten years of trail running, I now feel as though I\u2019ve got the process of selecting the right trails down pat!\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack2-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singletrack2-1-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>After ten years of trail running, I now feel as though I\u2019ve got the process of selecting the right trails down pat!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thinking of taking up trail running?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class='watch-action'><div class='watch-position align-left'><div class='action-like'><a class='lbg-style1 like-48979 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' data-task='like' data-post_id='48979' data-nonce='80ee84f04f' rel='nofollow'><img class='wti-pixel' src='https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post\/images\/pixel.gif' title='Liked it' \/><span class='lc-48979 lc'>4<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div> <div class='status-48979 status align-left'><\/div><\/div><div class='wti-clear'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this week\u2019s Snowys Blog, Fraser Darcy runs the tracks dry from the road to the rubble, paving the way to the best running trails and how to identify them. Check it out!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1534,"featured_media":49010,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1589,1593],"tags":[1379,1381,1380,485,1378,1377],"class_list":["post-48979","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to","category-how-to-running","tag-pickingrunningtrails","tag-pickingtherightrunningtrails","tag-pickingtherighttrailstorun","tag-running","tag-runningtrails","tag-trailrunning"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48979"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1534"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48979"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48979\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49053,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48979\/revisions\/49053"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49010"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48979"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48979"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48979"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}