How to Switch from Road to Trail Running in 2025

It’s a new year, which means it’s the perfect time to start looking into some outdoor resolutions for 2025. Cnoc Outdoors is providing some inspiration with four themed bundles perfect for helping you dive into a new outdoor hobby (or getting more out of an old one!) in the new year - all at a discounted price! Check out the Trail Runner bundle on our site now. 

If you’re a regular road runner who's sick of pavement, 2025 might be the year to get into trail running. Studies show time in nature gives us a host of benefits and your regular run through city blocks isn’t giving you the same return. If you’re looking to run more trails in 2025, here’s some helpful tips and tricks to get started.

Upgrade your hydration system

Running in remote places means you may need to carry more water than on your regular road runs. Carry flasks that can accommodate more volume and consider bringing a water filter so you can run without carrying all the water you’ll need at the start. 

Remember the 10 essentials 

Just because you’re running doesn’t mean the ten essentials don’t apply to you! If you’re heading to recreate in the backcountry, remember to carry the ten essentials to protect yourself from any unforeseen challenges. Pack strategically and consider carrying a fastpack over a traditionally hydration vest if needed. 

Find a running buddy

Motivation is contagious! Find a buddy you can schedule a weekly training run with. Many running stores host weekly run groups, where you can bond with other like minded runners. Here in Portland, a fair number of those runs take place on trails!

Sign up for a race or give yourself a running challenge

The best running motivation comes from the fear of absolutely embarrassing yourself. Sing up for a race that requires training and you’ll find yourself lacing up your trail runners a lot more than you would otherwise. Racing not your scene? Give yourself a running challenge - here in Portland, many runners like to challenge themselves to run the Timberline or Wildwood Trails.

Train for your race conditions

Trail running races can present in a wider variety of conditions than your average road running race, with elevation, altitude, and weather all creating significantly more impact. As much as possible, try to train for your projected race conditions - if your race takes place at 8,000 feet above sea level, your training will be much more effective if you can spend some of it at an equivalent altitude. 

Pace yourself differently 

Uneven terrain and elevation changes means you likely won’t be holding to a regular mile pace consistently. Think about pacing differently - sticking to consistent running routes may make it easier to track training progress. 

Walk more

You’ll find the only difference between running up a steep hill and power walking up a steep hill is the length of time you can do it. Trail running sometimes means embracing the power walk! 

Can’t access trails on your runs? Not the resolution for you? Check out our other blogs and bundles!