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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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* '''Inner game of trail running''' Finding where to put your feet is something that is best left to your subconscious. The conscious mind is needed to work out the right path, but it can just get in the way of the exact footing. This requires the runner to avoid over thinking about the trail. Your conscious mind should be thinking about the overall route along the trail, not each footfall.
* '''Watch where you are going''' This sounds obvious, but is worth stating. You must avoid taking your eyes of the trail for more than a short time, or you will trip and fall, or go off the trail. You need to keep your eyes focused on the trail in front, and briefly flick your eyes further up the trail to make sure you know what is coming. What you are looking at will feed your subconscious and its ability to place your feet well. This also means you must not get too close to the person in front, or you will only see them, not the trail.
** Running in the dark with a light can help teach you to focus on where you are going. (Thanks to James P)
* '''Consider Trail shoes''' You may or may not need trail shoes; this is dependent upon the trail and the runner. If you are running on wide gravel roads, trail shoes are not really needed. If you are running highly technical single track, then there may be benefit. I personally believe in very minimalist footwear, and will wear [[Modified Nike Free]] even on technical trails. I will wear trail shoes if I need to wear traction aid on snow or ice, or if the trail is muddy enough that I may not have sufficient traction with the [[Modified Nike Free]].
** '''Waterproof shoes''' Waterproof shoes will keep your feet dryer for short runs through shallow puddles and short wet grass. However, once things get a little more serious, the waterproofing on the shoe is more likely to keep the water in than out. If you get a waterlogged waterproof shoe, you will have saturated feet for the rest of the run, as the water has nowhere to go.
* '''Pack a change of clothes''' You are more likely to need to change clothes after a trail run than a road run, so fresh clothes are a good idea. Having some plastic bags for the dirty stuff if also wise, but don't leave it in there until the next run, or you will have a bioweapon!
* '''Understand the local hazards''' Find out if the trails you are running have specific hazards. Are their mountain lions? bears? Poison ivy? Snakes? Hunters? Each hazard requires a different approach, but it all starts with understanding the trail.
* '''Good manners''' Always allow someone to pass you on the trail. If possibly ask nicely, but if you are racing hard, shouting "trail" or "make a hole" is acceptable. Also downhill uphill runners generally yield to uphill downhill runners, the opposite of hiking. (Thanks to James P for correcting me on this)
* '''Horses''' Be careful and respectful around horses, and horses normally have the right of way.
* '''Cell phones''' A cell phone is always a useful safety aid when running. In the wilderness you may have very patchy coverage, but if you are injured, you are likely to get a signal before you reach a road.
* '''Sunset''' Know when it gets dark - and it may get much darker than you are used to! (Thanks to John M[PNW])
* '''Weather Patterns''' Learn to read clouds, wind directions and other patterns. Some areas have thunder storms in the afternoon for instance. (Thanks to John M[PNW])
* '''Starting Line Position''' In a trail race, it can be very important to get your position on the starting line right. If you are too far back, it can be hard to pass people on the trail, making it difficult to make up the time. Too far forward and you can lose time as you make way for people passing you. (Thanks to Charles W)
* '''The usual rules''' All of the thing you know about running in general still apply, including [[Practical Hydration|Hydration]], [[Cadence]], [[Running in the Dark]], [[Running in the Cold]], [[Running in the Rain]], [[Blister Prevention]], [[Walking Breaks]] etc.
