Steven Rindner on Why the Love for Trail Running Endures

Good for physical, mental, and emotional health, trail running is one of the best hidden gems of sports for many different reasons. Those unfamiliar with the activity may find it daunting, as the great outdoors isn’t exactly perceived as the safest place to be.

However, even with some of the dangers associated with trail running or going on an outdoor adventure, the number of trail runners is constantly increasing. On that note, Steven Rindner shares his insights on why trail running has earned a fiercely loyal fanbase.

First off, trail running allows a person to spend a lot of time in the great outdoors. Not only can it be quite an adventure, but its physical and mental benefits are also off the charts.

At the very least, people should know that spending time outside, in nature, can be good for them. The fresh air, the vegetation, and the sunlight are all excellent for our health. But did you know that people can get so much more out of trail running?

Trail running gets us moving, which is a lot more than can be said for our daily, sedentary lives where most of us are cooped up in the office.

We all know that proper and regular physical activity is always a vital part of maintaining health and well-being. One of Steven Rindner’s favorite hobbies, trail running, can help reduce the risk of various diseases. These include heart disease and stroke, as well as cancer and type 2 diabetes.

For many people, it can also help improve mental health by decreasing the levels of anxiety and depression while improving overall mood as well as sleep quality.

Even more impressive, trail running in nature may offer even greater benefits than other forms of exercise.

People who spend around 90 minutes out in nature are less likely to have repetitive negative thinking. Additionally, people in a natural setting have less depression and anxiety than people who live in a city or urban environment.

Trail running also provides people with a renewed appreciation for the natural world. While this may not benefit people directly, it does benefit the environment as people tend to be more conscious of conserving our natural resources, which we all know affects all of us.

However, before people head out to conquer the trails they’ve set their hearts on, they should first take into consideration a few things.

First of all, experienced trail runners know what they’re capable of — and so should newbies.

Runners know that the U.S. is home to trails of all shapes and sizes with varying difficulties. Some are more challenging to traverse than others. Inexperienced runners should resist the urge to go after a difficult trail for bragging rights.

It’s very important for new runners to learn to choose which trails they can manage so they don’t have to give up and stop right in the middle.

Next, runners should always have a map of the area in their heads.

Having a clear mental map of the trail can save runners a lot of trouble. Knowing the terrain, landmarks, and directional cues in and around a specific area is key to a hassle-free trek. It also ensures safety in many ways.

So, next time you’re feeling stressed or down, consider going for a trail run in the great outdoors. It just might be exactly what you need.

After graduating from the University of Delaware and St. John’s University School of Law, Steven Rindner has worked in various companies across different industries, real estate included. He loves trail running and camping in the great outdoors during his free time. Learn more about him by clicking on this link.