Trail Runners vs. Road Runners

It's no wonder that more and more road runners are looking for new adventures in trail running. And while road running and trail running are not mutually exclusive, they are still different sports and have different cultures. It reminds me of comedian George Carlin's speech about the differences between baseball and American football.

œIn American football, you wear a helmet, in Baseball, you wear a cap. In football, you rush into enemy territory; in baseball, you return to your home base. You play football in any weather, in rain, snow, hail, fog. In baseball, it gets in your way¦ And so on down the list.

So what are the differences between road runners and trail runners?

• Highway runners try to avoid puddles on the street; trail runners are warned not to jump over rocks while crossing streams and rivers, lest they break their ankles.
• At road races, food stations are located every 2 miles where volunteers serve an energy drink as you run by. At the food stations, trail runners enjoy cookies, chips, peanut butter sandwiches, mixed dried fruit, and gummy bears.
• Highway runners check the intermediate segments on their watches; trail runners watch the sun in the sky to see if they need to turn on their headlamps.
• Highway runners have a fairly white sole on their shoes; trail runners' shoes can be so dirty and covered in mud that you can't even tell what color they are.
• Serious highway runners don't take water with them. Trail runners carry backpacks with water systems, raincoats, blister packs, and food and electrolyte tablets.
• If you get sick at a running start, the highway runners will jump over you and alert the volunteers at the next aid station. The trail runners will stop, get their medicine, first aid kit, emergency beacon, give you CPR and carry you to the next aid station. (Here I cannot agree. It all depends on the person.)
• Highway runners hope not to be overtaken by faster competitors; trail runners keep an eye out for cougars, snakes, bears and other animals.
• Road runners choose straight, gentle running routes; for trail runners, elevation gain and scenery are important.
• Highway runners are skinny; trail runners have more developed calf and gluteal muscles.
• Road marathons can have 40,000 participants, the start opened with the launch of fireworks and the finish with ribbons and balloons; trail races begin with the cry: "Let's start! WARNING! Rush!".
• Running starts on the highway are carefully measured and certified. The distance of a trail race can be a mile or two longer.
• Road runners count kilometers and study their average pace; trail runners train for time.
• Road runners and trail runners are healthier than the average homebody. They have a great time in the company of their fellow runners.
• And finally, some people like to wear the T-shirts they received at the competition and announce it. To the whole world.