The beauty of trail running is that you don’t need a bunch of gear to do it. For a short run, It can be as simple as pulling on shorts and a T-shirt, lacing up a pair of running shoes and heading out the door. With that said, there are several considerations if you begin taking on higher mileage and more challenging terrain. Get Off on the Right Foot
Trail-running shoes are generally beefier than road-running shoes and emphasize traction, cushioning and stability. Think of the difference between mountain-bike and road-bike tires. There is a range of shoes suited for everything from groomed trails to steep, rocky terrain.
Stay Hydrated
Water is a must for all but the shortest runs. Water-carrying options include handheld water bottles, waist packs or full-on hydration backpacks and vests with food-grade plastic hoses and “bite valves.”
Dress for Success
Running wear, especially socks, should be made of moisture-wicking synthetics or merino wool rather than cotton, which is slow to dry. For cool or wet weather, a lightweight rain shell or windbreaker is advisable.
Area trails to explore
Dallas Road (Easy). This 7.1-kilometre out-and-back trail is a popular area for birdwatching, dog-walking and running, and you can choose to detour onto several beaches. An easy route, it takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
Alumni Chip Trail, UVic (Easy). This 4.2-kilometre loop follows a flat gravel trail around the university grounds, and most of the forested trail is well-maintained and marked.
Elk Lake Loop (Moderate). Several parking lots off the Pat Bay Highway give access to this leafy lakeside trail, one of the most popular trail-running spots in the region. Be prepared to share the trail with off-leash dogs, mountain bikers and horses.
Mount Finlayson (Difficult). This 7.6-kilometre out-and-back trail in Langford winds through the woods until nearing the summit, then there’s a steep section that requires some scrambling. The reward is breathtaking views of Goldstream Park.
