Friday, April 19, 2024

What are the differences between trail runners and road runners?

πŸ’œRoad runners show up in snazzy matching outfits and Nike tracksuits. Trail runners have been mistaken for homeless people.

πŸ’›Road runners try to step around puddles on the street, and Trail runners are warned not to rock hop when crossing rivers and streams to prevent ankle injuries.

πŸ’šRoad races have aid stations every two miles where the volunteers throw Gatorade into your mouth as you run by. Trail runners have a delectable feast at their aid stations with cookies, chips, PB&Js, trail mix, and gummy bears.

πŸ’™Road runners constantly check their watches for split times; Trail runners check where the sun is in the sky to see if they need to take out their headlamps.

πŸ’œRoad runners have pristine white tekkies. Trail runners have so much dirt and mud all over their shoes you can’t tell what colour they are.

πŸ’›Serious road runners don’t carry water. Trail runners have backpacks with water bladders, rain jackets, blister care, food, and electrolyte tablets.

πŸ’šIf you go down in a road race, the road runners will jump over you and let volunteers know at the next aid station; trail runners will stop, pull out their meds, first aid-kit, emergency beacon, give you CPR, and carry you to the next aid station.

πŸ’™Road runners hope they are not overtaken by faster runners; trail runners hope they aren’t overtaken by mountain lions, rattlesnakes, or bears.

πŸ’œRoad runners check for flat, fast courses; trail runners look at elevation charts and the scenery.

πŸ’›Road runners are lean and skinny; trail runners can crush a road runner with their calves and power up mountains with their glutes.

πŸ’šRoad marathons might have up to 40,000 runners, start with fireworks and end with bands and balloons; trail races start with, “Ready, Set . . . GO!” or maybe a shotgun firing.

πŸ’™Road races are meticulously measured and certified; trail runs might be a few meters (or miles) long or short.

Both road and trail runners are healthier than the average couch potato and enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow runners.

And finally, both trail runners and road runners like wearing their race T-shirts and gaining bragging rights.

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