Trail etiquette and advice for new trail runners

So, you had enough of road running and got yourself out in the woods? Great! As you’re a beginner on trails, I’ve put together a trail etiquette for you and provided some useful tips…

1. Leave only your footprints behind. Literally. Don’t litter, don’t throw away anything. Don’t throw toilet paper or wet wipes on the side of the track either. Put it back in the pocket of your clothes or bag.
2. Don’t take anything from the woods apart from your memories and photos. Leave the moss, flowers or rocks. Even if they’re not protected.
3. We do greet each other in the woods. It might seem strange but it is how it is. If you overtake someone or they walk towards you, say hi (if you reached your lactate threshold and cannot say a single word, nod or wave).
4. Don’t try to keep your road pace on trails. Don’t get upset about your time being worse than your road pace. You’ll get used to it.
5. Wild boars, deer and stags are home in the woods, you are a visitor only. In case you meet them, avoid them or turn back and look for another track.
6. It is not embarrassing to walk the uphills. In case you’d still feel bad about it, look at your watch and you’ll see, you’re in the fat-burning zone despite the fact that you’re only walking.
7. Don’t pick up “lost” fawns and chicks. They are not lost.
8. Have your phone, water and food with you. I know you’re the offspring of Superman and Superwoman – unlike others – who you might want to help (including yourself).
9. Don’t post how muddy your shoes became. You don’t post that the night is dark either…
10. Leave your music at home and listen to bird tweets and how the wind blows.
11. The deer and the stag are two different species and not the female and the male of the same kind…
12. Don’t leave the signed paths at National Parks.

You fell in love with trails and laid your eyes on a race already? I guess you noticed by now that trail running is another world compared to road running and I’ll list the real differences below:

1. Before you sign up for a race study the route. The distance and elevation details are crucial…
2. The forest is nothing like the wharf where you can expect an aid station at every 5K. Between two check points you can easily expect 10 or more kilometres. Be aware that you’ll have to carry your own food and water…
3. There are races where beside your food and water you’ll have to carry some clothing as well.
4. Repeat to yourself: Mandatory kit, mandatory kit…
Don’t get surprised, if…
5. there’s no starter pack.
6. there’s no finisher pack.
7. there’s no cup at aid stations.
8. the race will still be held despite the rain.
9. Don’t get surprised about anything.