Ready to Hit the Trails?
What you need to know about trail running in Tallahassee
The Trails
Trail running sounds like a simple practice. In essence, it is a sport that requires only determination, a pair of good-fitting shoes, and exercise attire—but there are nuances and learning curves. Consider how a foot lands on uneven ground or how to navigate miles of Tallahassee trails to find a good place to take the first step.
Miccosukee Greenway Trail, Tom Brown Park, and Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park are just a few of the many options in the area that are easy to navigate with tree markers, QR codes, and trailhead maps.
Gulf Winds Track Club Hall of Famer and Trail Race Director Bobby York, 61, knows as much about the local trail system as anyone. As an advocate for the sport, he sets up multiple races a year, including the Gulf Winds Summer Trail Series and the Swamp Forest Trail Run. York says that the trails have become far better maintained in the last 20 years. He began tackling them in 2009 and finds that running off the beaten path offers an experience that’s easier on the joints than the sidewalk—and more stimulating.
Photo by Lindsey Masterson
While road running affords a bit of mindlessness, trail running demands a bit more awareness. Depending on maintenance, trail runners must keep on the lookout for streams, rocks, critters, spiderwebs, and the occasional snake on a trail. But most of the time, the more popular trails are clear.
“When you’re running in the woods, it’s like playing,” York says. One must visualize five steps ahead while dodging roots and uneven earth. Paces change due to the changing environment. This is something new runners must feel out as they venture away from a paved path, but they don’t have to do it alone. That’s why running groups exist.
Running Groups
Travis Crow, 37, has been running the local trails for four years. He started running to get healthy: to lose weight and lower his heart rate. Then, naturally, his sleep improved as did his mood and overall well-being. Now he helps manage a local group in Tallahassee.
“I used to hate running,” he says. “Next thing you know, here I am running crazy distances.”
In his young running career, Crow has run countless miles and participated in races from one to 100 miles long.
He started with help from the Tallahassee running community and is now one of the admins for the Tallahassee Trail Runners, a club (organized on Facebook) that hosts weekly routes for runners of all skill levels. Not everyone needs to be an ultra-runner or a marathoner. Some might want to take it step by step.
Photo by Lindsey Masterson
Crow’s advice to new runners is to just get involved and ask questions. There are plenty of clubs around town, like the Tallahassee Trail Runners and the Gulf Winds Track Club, to help ease the physical and mental transition or just to meet people and try something new.
“Don’t worry about pace or anything. Most of the time, trail running’s not about a pace. It’s more about a community,” Crow says, adding that if people are running alone, they should let someone know for safety reasons.
Crow adds that the Cadillac trail system at Tom Brown Park is the easiest to navigate, and Miccosukee has the smoothest trail. Both have access to water and bathrooms.
Gear
While runners can spend hundreds of dollars on gear and attire, most of the trails in the area don’t necessarily call for anything other than road running shoes.
Crow began with a $50 pair of shoes and a $20 water pack. It is a matter of preference. Of course, that can change when venturing to rocky or sandy terrain. Trail running shoes with more tread can help with grip in less-managed areas, and a toecap can help prevent injuries when climbing boulders.
Photo by Lindsey Masterson
GPS watches or phones can track mileage, heart rate, and can help with navigation, as well as apps like Strava and AllTrails. When it comes to music, trail runners recommend foregoing the headphones while first exploring a new trail.
“Enjoy your surroundings … Even though you’re looking at the ground most of the time, you can stop and look around. You can see deer and possums and all kinds of different creatures out there.”
Tips from the Pros
Gulf Winds Track Club Hall of Famer and Trail Race Director Bobby York, 61, finds running off the beaten path offers an experience that’s easier on the joints than the sidewalk.
“When you’re running in the woods, it’s like playing,” York says.
Travis Crow, 37, advises new runners to just get involved and ask questions.
“Don’t worry about pace or anything. Most of the time, trail running’s not about a pace. It’s more about a community,” Crow says.
