Hello. I'm Hiroki, a new employee at OLENO.
It's been about three months since I joined OLENO. OLENO, which is a hot topic on the streets, makes high-performance socks for all outdoor activities, but it seems to be especially well-known for its trail running socks.
I thought the quickest way to learn more about our company's products would be to become a user, so I started trail running.
I did track and field for 10 years, from junior high school until I graduated from university, but after graduating from university, I spent my days drinking, eating and drinking, as if it was a lie that I had ever been an athlete.
I had been in that condition for about eight years, so this was my debut in trail running, and it was extremely tough, but the premise was so different from regular road running that I suffered a lot of painful experiences.
So, based on my own experiences, I would like to tell you what to be careful of and what preparations you need to make on your first trail run. Please use this as a reference if you are about to try trail running or if you are a beginner who has just started trail running. (This may be obvious to those who have already been trekking, but...)
Make sure you have a map ready
The most painful experience I had was getting lost.
Being a modern person who relies heavily on my smartphone, I went into the mountains without any preparation, thinking that I would be able to view Google Maps without any problems even in the mountains, but I ended up in a completely different situation : "I couldn't get any electrical field, I didn't know which direction to go, I was stuck."
This time, I'm treating it as a joke, but if you think about it normally, it's extremely dangerous , so be sure to bring a mountain climbing map that doesn't require radio waves when you go trail running. (I don't mean to scare you, but there were 3,015 cases of people getting lost in one year, and 10% of them were deaths or missing.)
That said, there's no need to draw a red line on a really big hiking map and then unfold it to check it every time you come to a fork in the road (laughs).
Recently, smartphone apps for mountain climbing have been released that show routes on your smartphone for people like me who can't read hiking maps. If you download the map, it's no problem even if you're out of range .
Furthermore, if you stray from the path, an alert will sound, and if there is someone nearby who has the same app, a notification will be sent to them so they can check the situation.
・YAMAP (I use this one)
・Yamareco
Geographica
It is popular for its functionality and ease of use, and can be used for free (some features are available only for a fee).
The differences between each are summarized on the website below, so please find the one that suits you best.
Recommended popular mountain map apps ranking [2024]
The outfit is lightly dressed and there is no problem at all.
I think many people are unsure about what to wear. I'm a pretty reckless person, so I don't know if this will be of much help, but I wore the outfit in the photo for my first trail run, and I also wear it every time I run.
↑↑October to November
Arm Sleeves
High performance run dedicated T
Shorts
↑↑December to February
Merino wool arm sleeves
Calf Supporter
Merino wool T-shirt
Shorts
Winter clothes (keep them in your bag)
I haven't done any summer trail running yet, but I'll probably wear short sleeves and shorts.
As you can see, I look like I'm wearing quite light clothing, but compared to marathons or road running, the altitude is higher so it's cold before and at the start of the run, but because I'm moving so vigorously I get hot quickly .
However, for first-timers and beginners, it is difficult to keep running or walking all the time, and you will have to take several breaks, but you need to be careful not to get cold from sweat during these breaks. (You will get so cold that you will go crazy, and you may collapse from hypothermia.)
Carry a towel, a change of clothes, and a wind shell in your running bag. Trail running bags are designed so that they won't get in the way while you're running, so you can rest assured!
How to Choose a Trail Running Backpack for Beginners [2024]
Speaking of which, in another article I've put together a list of the minimum necessary equipment to go for a ride.
(I didn't have the money so I ended up doing the bare minimum lol)
[30-something with no savings] What equipment to buy for your first trail run
Climbing is basically done by walking
One thing that happens on your first trail run is that you get carried away and end up running uphill. You can try it once, but you'll probably want to quit soon after you start (laughs).
I used to compete in the 400m track and field, but I find it harder to run a 20-30m incline than the 400m itself.
So until you get used to it, it's best to walk uphill and jog on flat surfaces and downhill .
Even if it's hot, you should wear gloves to prevent injury.
From here on, I'll talk about the descent, but even for the first time trail running, descents are quite fun. Because you strain muscles that you don't normally use, the pain lasted for about five days , but the feeling of running fast down the slope was exhilarating .
There are various tricks to it, such as "when going downhill, land with the entire sole of your foot, not on your toes" and "look slightly ahead," but you can learn those as you go, but for now, I'll just say that it's a good idea to wear gloves .
If you are not used to it, you will probably control your speed with trees or rocks at hand height to maintain your balance, but if you use bare hands, you will get covered in blood. Even if it is hot, wear gloves when you start going downhill to reduce the risk of injury.
Climbing is a priority
It's exactly as it says, but if you see climbers coming up while you're descending, make sure you stop. I think the reason is that visibility is narrower on the way up (you have to lift your head to see), so you'll be able to see the person coming down first.
It's scary when people come down the mountain at high speeds. Climbers are very strict about manners and rules, so please be careful.
If possible, it is better to participate in events such as trial sessions.
Anyway, trail running is a very dangerous sport, and people have died from it quite often. (Come to think of it, Hiroyuki said that people who do trail running are crazy.)
Even veterans can get lost or fall and get injured, so if you're a beginner, it's a good idea to get used to trail running by participating in something like a "First Time Trail Run" event on a website like the one below. Generally, it's not recommended to run trails alone.
moshicom: https://moshicom.com/
People who do trail running have a strong sense of camaraderie and are very easygoing, so I think you'll be able to make friends who can enjoy trail running with you.
Based on my own experiences, I have shared with you some things to be careful of and things to be aware of on your first trail run. I am still a beginner myself, so I am of course not in a position to tell you what to do, but please make sure you are well prepared before your first trail run!
[Trail running trend news]
・A must-see for those who suffer from sweaty soles. Trail running socks designed for moisture absorption and quick drying: "Ultimate SHR"
・[2025 Edition] 5 trail running races in Osaka Prefecture that are easy for beginners to participate in
・[For those who are serious about running] The power of socks that can support your running
