Q. How do I join Houston Trail Runners Extreme (HTREX)?

A. All you have to do to join is show up and run with us. There are no dues, no officers, and no meetings. We're just a bunch of runners that prefer trails to concrete and anyone is welcome to come and join us through the trails.

 

Q. Do I have to become a Houston Area Road Runners Association (HARRA) member to join HTREX?

A. Since we are a training group only, we are not part of the HARRA. Our training group members can (but don’t have to) belong to any of the local running clubs (such as Tornados, Bayou City, Al Lawrence, Houston Fit, PIM or any other club) that are part of HARRA.

 

Q. Do you run exclusively on trails?

A. Most of us prefer trails but we will venture out onto the asphalt for special events such as the Houston Marathon or our favorite 5K. Many of our members find a healthy balance between these two extremely different types of running environments.

 

Q. I prefer to walk, does HTREX have a walking group?

A. Yes we do! Our walking group usually meets on Saturdays at 7:30am and enjoys a brisk walk through the HoChiMinh trails. Dawn our 'walk-leader' drives in all the way from Katy to enjoy the wonders of nature (there are not many trees in Katy...).

 

Q. Where do you find trails in Houston?

A. We mainly use the Memorial Park mountain bike trails (known to many as HoChiMinh Trails) as our main training area. Here one can run up to 10 miles without using the same trail twice. We also have organized training runs in Huntsville State Park, Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville, TX and Bastrop State Park.

 

Q. I'd like to try trail running/walking but I'm afraid of getting lost.

A. No one gets lost. We have a 'no one is left behind' policy. Until you are familiar with the trails we will not leave you behind. We also try to supply maps and help you get oriented to your surroundings.

 

Q. I've never run/walked on trails before, will I be too slow or too fast for the group?

A. We have different groups that vary in distance and speed. Most likely, you will find a compatible runner or walker for your pace.

 

Q. HTREX members seem to run in a lot of Ultra Distance (over 26.2 miles) Events, do I have to be an Ultra Runner too?

A. We enjoy having new runners regardless of how long they run with us. There are multiple "bail-out" spots along the trails and we circle back to the cars for drinks and refreshments during the longer runs. You will have plenty of opportunities to shorten the distance to your schedule or ability. Plus there are usually others going further if you so desire to go longer.

 

Q. Are there any rules for trail running/walking?

A. We don't have any specific rules but the park and trail rules are usually posted near the trailheads. We recommend you acquaint yourself with these rules. We have a few additional suggestions that you can find under our 'Trail Guidelines' link on our website www.oocities.org/h_t_rex

 

Q. What are the advantages of trail running/walking?

A. The softer terrain on dirt or pine needle greatly reduces the jarring motion we get on the concrete or asphalt. This allows you to run longer with less stress on the body. We all agree a 50K (31miles) on the trails is easier to recover from a 26.2 mile marathon on the road. In the summer, the trees reduce the heat by several degrees. We feel there is a basic human instinct to mingle with nature. It allows the "kid" in you to come up for an adventure. Lastly, trail runners are really fun, cool and sometimes wacky folks to be around. J

 

Q. What are the disadvantages of trail running/walking?

A. Are there any??? We only suggest for beginners to learn the regular HoChiMinh Trails (Red, Green, Yellow, Purple and Blue) before going to the hard trails. This will help build up your ankle strength, flexibility and trail savvy.

 

Q. How does HTREX give back to the running community?

A. We are very active in volunteering at local trail runs and road runs. We sponsor an Aid Station at the Rocky Raccoon 25K/50K in October, Rocky Raccoon 50M/100M in February and Hog's Hunt 25K/50K in April, all these take place at Huntsville State Park.
We also perform trail maintenance on some of the lesser-used and more overgrown trails that we enjoy.

 

Q. Great! How do I get involved?

A. Just e-mail the website, www.oocities.org/h_t_rex and inform us that you are coming or just show up at the appointed time for the weekly run. After all, what can you lose? It’s free!!!