On and off-road miles are not equal. Off-road miles make you a better runner, make you more fit, and make you more sane.

A mile in the woods holds greater value than any on-road mile.

Running in the wild, produces startling results. It improves strength by engaging more muscles, especially the small muscles in the feet. It increases agility as each step is placed, avoiding roots or water or slippery spots, and it enhances proprioception as each step varies from the last, forcing constant split second communication between brain and muscles.

All this makes better runners. All this will translate into faster running and better form when running and racing on roads, but there is so much more.

At least as important as all the above is the mental pleasure of being out in the woods; it’s truly run therapy, and there was never a time when it was more needed than right now.

In this episode, I hope to convince you to give trail running a try; whether running or hiking, it’s worth it. Trust me.