Rail to Trail

I went on a 14 mile trail run today on the Stony Valley Railroad Grade.  I was surprised that this rail to trail path crossed with a part of the Appalachian trail.  I guess when you live in the AT territory, it's hard to run on a trail without coming across it at least once.

Just in case you don't know, a rail to trail run is generally based on an old railway line.  When a railroad company leaves a route, they take their tracks and leave a pretty straight, flat trail.  These types of trials exist all over the United States.  It just so happens that the trail I decided to try for the first time today is about 10 minutes from my house by car.

What bothers me the most about this trail is that it has taken living here for about 5 years before I even attempted it.  There are a lot of trails all around me, but I have done whatever it takes to make sure that I don't ever drive to a trail head.  It's almost shameful, but for an introvert like me, it's probably common.

I encourage you to take a look around your dwelling and see what exists as a possible train run for you, you might be surprised at how many people think this trail is a pretty neat thing.  If you're too nervous to check it out on your own, arrange for a friend to explore with you for a hike.  If still too nervous, email a local running club for some advice on trail running.

In any case, I highly recommend trail running.  Trails can be hard or very simple, like the one I ran today.  Many world-class athletes use trail running as a way to work out without too much stress on their joints or muscles.

When you run on the road, your whole body absorbs the impact, but when you run on a trail earth takes the force.  Plus, as the terrain changes your muscles get a different workout than what it gets on the road.  And, trail running forces a rhythm change.  Road rhythm is very basic and regular (thup thup thup thup thup thup thup... etc)  whereas trail running is irregular (thup thup thupthupthup thup   thup   tup   thup  thupthup thup thup thupthupthupthupthup...) get the idea?  That helps the joints, muscles and mind when running in longer races.

In any case, this particular part of the trail was pretty easy, so I made a couple of videos to show you.

Stony Valley Railroad Grade 1
http://youtu.be/Q0tLxEghUYo

Stony Valley Railroad Grade Video 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKHriOqC0bc&feature=youtu.be

In looking at this, I also discovered an interview with Christopher McDougall made by Appalachian State University.  Enjoy!
Interview with Christopher McDougall, author of Born to Run.
http://today.appstate.edu/ap-mcdougall