Beginner

Essential Guides for the New Trail Runner

From mastering your first uphill climb to conquering gear-related imposter syndrome, this collection features our most impactful resources to help you transition from the road to the dirt with confidence and community.

Looking for more beginner advice? Check out the Ask the Trail Sisters Column here!

These highlights are only a snapshot of the inspirational, educational and empowering words of our authors. Search the full archive.

11 Tips for Beginner Trail Runners

Lisa Pozzoni

I remember the days when I used to hike and see trail runners. I remember thinking, “What are they crazy? They’re going to fall down and hurt themselves.” Then a few years ago I decided I wanted to try trail running… and I did… and the rest is history!

As a running coach, one of my goals is to get everyone into trail running! Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with road running, but you really won’t know how cool trail running is until you try it! It’s a whole different experience.

My Intro to Trail Running

Tara Warren

This little route was repeated THIS MANY times in 2013. I loved this route – 2 miles on the road and 2 miles on this little trail called Birdsong. This repetition and experience from just a few short years ago planted the seed that has grown into what it is today.

Bryce had been trying to get me to switch up my road running routine to incorporating trails for a few years. I had just had my second baby, trying to work off the baby weight, was a 37 years young and needed a change from road running.

On Being a Beginner…Again

Monique Seitz-Davis

I was 12 years old and going through a lot of stuff. My dad, a longtime runner, saw and seized upon the opportunity to introduce me to running as a thoughtful, therapeutic tool—one that he hoped I would keep in my back pocket for a lifetime. I, feeling ‘meh’ about the whole thing, acquiesced without much thought.

Most Recent

On Trying Hard Things

Johnna Norton

How do you feel when you think about trying something outside of your comfort zone? Something you have never tried before, or something you are not particularly good at? Do you feel excited like — bring it on! Or do you start to get the cold sweats and think of all the reasons why it sounds like a bad, bad idea?

Unofficially Official

Ginny Brodd

I’m a hike-with-a-Jansport-layer-with-a-five-year-old-Costco-flannel-shirt kind of outdoor lover. Sometimes, I even wear my gym shoes out there because the only pair of hiking boots I own feels like it might be too much for whatever trail I choose.

Road to Trail Part 2: Gear, Gear, Gear!

Maddie Giegold

Gear is fun! And, more importantly, gear doesn’t have to be fancy! Many people feel intimidated by trail running because of the stuff you may need to have or bring, starting with shoes. So let’s start with shoes.

Ask TS: How to Find a Sports Bra That Fits!

Trail Sisters

I’m always struggling to find a sports bra that fits well. Do you have any tips on fit, or what to look for when choosing a sports bra?

Road to Trail: Making the Jump!

Maddie Giegold

Trail running may not always seem like a walk in the park (or the woods). For folks who are new to it, getting into trail running can be incredibly intimidating – from the distances some trail runners love to the remote places where trails can lead us, it can even seem scary. So how do you make the jump over the river and through the woods?

Search more articles!

Beginner

Essential Guides for the New Trail Runner

11 Tips for Beginner Trail Runners

My Intro to Trail Running

On Being a Beginner…Again

On Trying Hard Things

Unofficially Official

Road to Trail Part 2: Gear, Gear, Gear!

Ask TS: How to Find a Sports Bra That Fits!

Road to Trail: Making the Jump!

Our mission is to increase women’s participation and opportunity in trail running and hiking through inspiration, education and empowerment.

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