Trail Running
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Break away from the hard surfaces and normal routine of running and scoot out to one of your nearby trails.   Or plan a weekend getaway to some of the country's best trails right here in Michigan.   I asked a number of experienced trail runners to share their thoughts on trail running and racing.

All of them describe trail running as slower paced yet requiring a higher level of awareness. They consistently focus on their footing due to the many turns, hills and uneven trail surface. They like having little traffic to contend with, except an occasional trail biker, and the greater opportunity to see unusual birds and wildlife.

"Trail racers generally care little about course certification, accurate distances and fast times. It's more about the total experience, "according to Jeff Crumbaugh director of the Grand Island Trail Marathon and Keweenaw Trail Running Festival. "Road runners who find comfort in the rhythm of running will suffer on the trails. To race well, you have to learn the art of surges that you can't control", said Ken Jeffery who marks out the Dances with Dirt 100 km run.   Steve Angerman, co-owner of Running Fit, says there are many variables to contend with compared to road running, "such as mud, rocks, roots, switch backs and obstacles like fallen trees, creek crossings and mud holes that pull off your shoe. Not to mention, some bugs and snakes."

Two of the foremost course designers are Bob Baril who helps organize the Great Lakes Relay and Jeffery. Baril enjoys the tranquility of being out in nature and the feeling of being out in the middle of nowhere and not have the overwhelming fear of getting lost. Jeffery likes the physical and mental demands of a challenging course. He likes a setting that is deep in the woods with the opportunity to see a few lakes or ponds. He dislikes open fields, poorly marked trails and inaccurately portrayed courses.

Crumbaugh has found that many of the Upper Peninsula courses include sections of winding trail through forests, along the Lake Superior shoreline, and steep hills up granite and sandstone bluffs. He likes single track races as compared to old dirt roads or rails converted to trails.

Michigan is blessed with hundreds of fabulous trails. Steve Webster, organizer of the North Country Trail Run loves the solitude of the Big M trails in the Manistee National Forest.   He says, "The ultimate trail for Michigan runners is the North Country Trail."   This one has its own association, which has certified 752 off road miles in Michigan. This means trails that are clearly marked with blue blazes, as well as mapped and described. 1150 miles of the North County Trail runs through Michigan. It extends from the Appalachian Trail in Vermont and connects with the Lewis and Clark Trail in Montana. Go to www.northcountytrail.org for information.

The All American Trail Running Association and magazines like Trail Runner and have increased awareness for trail running. Running shoes manufacturers have taken notice and improved many of their trail shoe offerings.   The worst mistake for a new trail runner is to wear old road running shoes because of the soft and sometimes mucky surfaces.   Angerman sells gaitors to cover the shoes and protect them from debris. He says not to forget sun and bug protection and also bells for your shoes if you plan to be in an area with bears or hunters. Jeffery recommends yellow tint sun glasses to brighten the view in dark woods and deflect the sun in the open.

If getting lost has you concerned, these experts offered some tips: Don't panic, retrace your steps marking the ground as you go. Listen for noises from roads or streams. Before heading out on a trail let someone know where you're headed. Be prepared before you go by carrying supplies such as water, a map, compass and maybe a GPS watch.   If you plan to stay in the sport invest in the book Trail Atlas of Michigan by Dennis Hansen.

Many of the best ultra distance races are held on trails and some of the others have converted to trails to reduce the traffic concerns and the pounding on runner's legs and knees from hard surfaces. A key concern for ultra directors is safety. They have regular check points to observe for weight loss and dehydration. The bonus for runners is rest stops that offer food during the run. Some races are conducted as relays.   They prefer to promote the sense of being on a team and satisfaction of competing as a group. "Another factor of relay competition is strategy, positioning the right runner for the right portion of the course, said Jeffery. Dances With Dirt has 15 legs covering 62 miles by 5 person teams.

Here a short list of some upcoming trail races in Michigan: 4/24 Running Fit Trail Marathon and Half Marathon, Pinckney: www.trailmarathon.com ; 5/24 Rocket Dog Ankle Biter Trail Run, Brighton: [email protected] ; 7/9&10 Keweenaw Trail Running Festival, Copper Harbor: www.keweenawtrails.com ; 7/15-17 Great Lakes Relay, Tawas to Empire: www.greatlakesrelay.com ; 7/30 Grand Island Trail Marathon, Grand Island near Munising: www.algercounty.org ; 9/10 Dances with Dirt, Hell: www.danceswithdirt.com ; 9/17 North Country Trail Run, Manistee: www.stridersrun.com/races   or go to www.runmichigan.com .

A few web sites to locate great trails are: www.waterloopinckneytrail.org ; http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails or www.travel.michigan.org/outdoors and again pick up a copy of the Trail Atlas of Michigan for great maps and trail descriptions.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226