How to pick a good trail running spot

Trail running can be one of the most enjoyable sports around, but how do you pick a spot when you are just getting started?

Once you have hit the trails a few times the whole process become fairly easy; just like anything, your first attempts are likely to be full of schoolboy errors that you can laugh about later. When you start to feel comfortable you may have the confidence to create your own routes and this is where the fun really begins for more adventurous types.

However let's start at the start; as a beginner you want to focus on staying safe and not over-exerting your body, since your knowledge of what you are capable of doing will develop as you go on.

On a basic level, you should be sure to have all the essential gear for your run, including a water bottle, phone and additional lightweight garments in case of rain or heavy sunshine - even though the latter is not a particularly common British threat. Be sure to wear a pair of sturdy trainers that will give you the grip to stay on your feet in muddy terrain - something like North Face Hedgehog trainers will be appropriate.

Where do you go though? Try to think about which nearby countryside areas may have fun places to go for a run - the reason for choosing somewhere close to home is so that you do not want to have a long trip home after exhausting yourself on a trail.

When you have a shortlist of options, use a map to consider how flat the terrain will be - as a beginner you will not want too many ascents and descents - how long you will need to run and whether heavy rainfall will make the route too much of a challenge. It is usually best to start out on the most recognised paths, since these will probably be well kept; try checking online forums for personal experiences of an area, or ask a trail-running acquaintance.

Until you are a more confident trail runner, it is highly recommended to head out with a friend, since it is very easy to twist your ankle and be stuck. At the very least, tell someone where you are going and carry a phone in case you need to call for help.

Get motivated to exercise

In the cold and dark winter days, it is hard to find the motivation to go outside and get that heart beating. Why leave the cosy comfort of your bed?

Statistics show that far too many of us are not getting enough exercise and that we are larger than our equivalents from previous decades. This is something that should suitably motivate and/or worry us to want to change. Yet it still remains a struggle for some.

If increasing risk of heart disease isn't enough to inspire the most sedentary to get active, perhaps some of the tips below could be of help: 

Set a goal
Whether it's reaching a certain weight on the scales, fitting into that new dress, attempting a half marathon, the desire to wear a bikini on holiday this year or to improve your fitness; having a goal is essential. It gives you something to work towards, something that, when the going gets tough, spurs you on. Additionally, the satisfaction gleaned from meeting that goal is incomparable. The sense of achievement will last a lifetime.

Get the right gear
No matter what activity you undertake, there will be a requirement for shopping (shame!). Wearing new and appropriate clothing, however shallow it may seem, can really motivate you to get up and go. Plus the right gear protects you against the elements - ladies' North Face shoes ensure that feet are properly cushioned when trail walking, for example. A breathable jacket keeps the water out yet maintains body temperature. Plus you'll look the biz!

Do it with friends
Exercising alone requires some discipline, after all, it's easy to talk yourself out of an early morning jog or an after work swim. However, knowing that you might let someone else down is enough to dissuade the sleepiest person to pull on their trainers. That's why it's a good idea to enlist the support of some friends. It's much more fun to exercise with someone else and you can motivate each other to go farther. If you can't persuade a friend or two to join your cause, why not join an already established group? There are plenty of running groups or netball teams, etc, you could find out about. 

Find a new hobby
This could be your chance to try something new, something different and to find something that you absolutely love. Think beyond the gym or an exercise class and consider the myriad other options out there. How about rock climbing, trampolining, street dance or potholing? Failing that, kayaking, caving, wake-boarding or kite-surfing? The possibilities are endless, so don't restrict yourself.

Naturally, the biggest inspiration for getting some exercise should be to improve your health and well being. However hopefully the ideas above might help encourage you in the right direction.

Who knows? You might even find you enjoy it!