If you’ve ever wanted to start trail running, this is a great way to get used to terrain.
Trail running. It looks badass. It looks challenging. It looks fun. It’s a nice switch from pounding the pavement; there’s ups, downs, bumps, rocks, steep climbs and ever-changing terrain.
Trenton and I had our first taste of trail running in June of 2019 at the Broken Arrow Sky Race Series in Squaw Valley. I signed the both of us up for the 11K (~7 miles) because it’s far less threatening than climbing up mountains for the longer distances like the 50K; to those runners, I salute you.
Well, if you’re from the area, you’ll know that Squaw Valley sits thousands of meters above sea level. At the time, I was living in Corpus Christi, which is zero feet above the ocean. With no elevation training to get our bodies used to working out at 6,200 feet, we made our way to Squaw. Also, if you’ve never been, please go, it’s amazing.
I won’t bore you with the details of our run but in essence, Trenton thrived; it was like really fast hiking for him. Me, on the other hand, I was huffing and puffing five minutes into the run. Not a great way to kick off a race! Nonetheless, we pushed through a severe elevation climb, snow, mud and burning thighs. Did I mention that we weren’t wearing trail shoes, spikes or equipped with poles?
From that day on, I was determined to incorporate more trail running into my life. BUT, that’s not possible in Corpus Christi, Texas, unless you trot across private property which is a sure fire way to get shot, 0/10 recommend.
Now that I’m back in Sacramento, my mother-in-law introduced me to the Ancil Hoffman Park Trail. It’s a beautiful, you’ll see beautiful wildlife and it’s perfect for a trail running beginner like myself. The loop is about three miles, depending on where you park.
There’s a couple of steep climbs that are totally manageable and plenty of flat stretches to test your stride. As you get closer to the golf course, you’ll run along the American River. I fully advise you to sit on a park bench and take in the sounds and views.
Here’s how to access the trail and where to park. I park on the side of the road off of Tarshes Drive and Willow Way, it’s free and just a couple yards away from the trail.
After you park, there’s a long hill that goes down to the trailhead; you’ll see a sign for the Ancil Hoffman Golfcourse and Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Keep going and BAM, trails. You can head clock wise or counter clock wise, either way, you will end up at that trailhead, AS LONG AS YOU FOLLOW THE PATH. It’s tricky, and very easy to get turned around. AllTrails has an AMAZING map and you will follow the most outer trail.
There you have it, a great way to kick off your training for trail running, at least I think so. If you need more of a challenge, run the loop multiple times! Comment below to let us know what you think. As always, stay diligent and aware of your surroundings, run when it’s light out and make sure someone knows where you are OR allow friends/family to track your movement with Find My Friends, Garmin Connect, Strava or whichever app you prefer.
*** As always, please consult a physician before starting any sort of exercise. Hunting For Healthy is not responsible for an adverse outcomes.
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