Trail Running Things to Know (a.k.a. TIPS)

• Lots of mountain bikers ... watch for them, and give them the right of way.. It's easier for youto stop then for them.. Be courteous!
• Possibly lots of dogs..if you see one, stay still, let the owner call the dog back. don't run away ..the dog will chase you..Maybe just stand still, stretch, ignore the dog..
• Long Pants may be required if you get very exploratory. (I like nylon)..on the singletracks (to borrow a mountain biking term) the trails get very narrow, the brush may get very long... if you don't mind the brush against your legs, don't worry..(some of it is sticker bush though)..I will describe those trails which may have this added "feature"
• Longsleeve T-Shirt... sometimes the brush is very tall and will brush against your body/arms..plus it's useful in deterring ticks.
• Occasionally, to get pumped, i hum the Indiana Jones theme *smile*
• Watch for the Poison Oak (sort of looks like a green canadian maple leaf).
• Watch for Rattlesnakes..they hybernate until the spring..if it's cool, they may just sunbathe on the trail so watch for them.

  Make lots of noise when you run (like breathe hard :) that's why i do it..yeah that's it)..snakes will be alerted and will either go away or if they're lazy rattle to scare you off... snakes don't like confrontations either

• Mountain Lions ?? it's possible, though not likely that they will attach should you be confronted by one (or should you confront one)....but be wary.
• Did i say watch out for mountain bikers? Well, it's worth mentioning again.. remember to be courteous!
• Watch for Ticks too (I am going to expand this section on how to watch for them)...right now just know they're out there and if you feel some sort of stinging itch then it might be a tick.
• Extra water and goodies is always good.. possibly gatorade or a food bar... not only to carry with you but extra stores in the car also will be nice (trust me!)
• Don't Litter!
• Watch where you are running..basically be careful not to injure yourself... the essence of trail running is off-roading..lots of rocks, mud crevices, etc.. so watch where you are going.. it would suck to be on a trail and get a sprained ankle..
• Expect to have fun, not set records..with all the contours of the state park trails, the goal is really to have fun.. If you are in training and want to time yourself and all that, don't run on a backcountry trail..run on a paved surface trail somewhere else. Backcountry trail will definitely frustrate you otherwise.

  I've included a few paved trails which are quite scenic for you to try if you are not feeling up to "off-roading"

• Other Helpful Items to keep with you or in the car includes towel, extra clothing, first aid kit, flashlights
• Email me! if you had fun, if you have another tip, etc..etc...

HAPPY RUNNING !!

Trail Running in Orange County

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last updated April 15, 1998
All pages and images Copyright@1998 Ben Yau

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