I think you all know by now how much we love trails. We are surrounded by amazing trails out here near the Hill Country, how could we not love it?!
The following is a sponsored post by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno.
But let me tell you something. The trails are my sanity.
They are where I go to be UNBUSY.
What do I mean by that? I mean I stop everything, DISCONNECT, and I just run/walk/hike/etc. There are no deadlines, no projects, no to do lists on the trails. Just the sounds of nature and the thoughts in my head. Usually these thoughts are loud at first, but once I get going, the sounds of trails quiet them and I am running free.
That’s why I NEED the trails, to appreciate the small things and keep me balanced.
The trails are truly a place to getaway. To explore. They are the only place where I don’t mind taking the long way. In fact, I think that’s what keeps me going back. Exploring new trails is like accidently taking the detour route home but acknowledging that you needed that detour to decompress and view new scenery. You get me, right?
Okay, corny enough for you yet? Let’s talk more about how to EXPLORE and #BLAZE these New trails!
- When exploring new trails, always have some sort of tracking device. I usually bring a Garmin or carry a map.
- Don’t run the trails first. Instead, plan an active recovery day where you have “extra” time to track new routes. That way you don’t get worn out.
- Bring extra fuel and water if you plan to hike new trails, just in case it’s an “extra” long route.
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Go not to early but not too late. I like to go mid morning, it avoids the creatures out at dusk but avoids the heat of the day.
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Take note of landmarks! Ex: power lines above, water tower, etc.
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Go with someone. The kiwi and I will often spend one day every other week just exploring new trails. It gives us time with each other and it’s good to have another set of eyes on the trail.
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Wear the right SHOES!
I’ve gone through several pairs of trails shoes through out the year, but nothing has compared to these Mizuno Kazans! And that’s the gosh darn truth!
- Kazan Women’s trail shoes are 8.0oz! That’s definitely light for a trail shoe!
- They are extremely versatile and comfortable. An all-terrain shoe lets you glide smoothly over any type of surface, this is because of the decoupled X-groove. It adapts great to uneven surfaces. Which is great for me since I tend to run on rock, dirt paths, grass, and gravel. They transition beautifully to the road as well
- The sole is covered in x-grooves which help grip rocks and roots roots as you descend and prevent any slipping while tackling fast ascents. While the x-groove midsole helps the shoe adapt to all terrain.
- The fit is perfect. The upper tongue stays in place and I’m quite fond of the toe guard! It’s another nice perk since my feet seem to be all over the place when running trails.
Once you’ve gotten familiar with new trails, have fun!
You can take the family for a weekend hike!
Heck, you can even make it part of your strength routine! Here’s my favorite OUTDOOR workout you can do on the trails.
What’s your favorite way to unbusy? Are you a trail lover?
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Corny Crazy Cotter
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My workouts, yoga and meditation is my unbusy time. It allows me to unwind and relax much like your trails. Although after Blend, I can see why you love hiking so much. That Saturday walk was a blast. 🙂
I’m SUCH a trail lover. I love running on trails, hiking on trails, biking on trails… plus, so much better for your joints than pavement!
I used to have a pair of Mizuno trail runners and I loved them! I’ve been thinking about getting a new pair, but I haven’t been crazy about how their Wave Runners have changed over the years so I wasn’t sure…Happy to see a positive review!
yes, these are way different then their wave runners (new ones). I think you will be pleased!
Exploring new trails (trying new things, even going a different route home) is actually proven to increase dopamine in the brain which helps you feel ggggrrrreat!
its called the reward chemical, and it really instigates a motivation to seek out more “rewards” … so yes, it obiously can take your mind off your cares and get you thinking about good positive things that make you feel good and not stressed.
#ireadalot
Did you read that from marks daily apple? I love it!
Yup I love trails! Good thing I purchased the BOB stroller when Drake was really small because we can manage any terrain 😉 I also hiking hiking “Rib Mt”, it usually leaves me out of breathe but it’s a good way to lose track of time & enjoy the fresh air!
What a great way to declutter your mind. I love being outdoors! I love trails too, but my husband is not a fan so I dont get out to them much as our kids are so little. But I really appreciate them when I do and I am sure as they get bigger it will become easier.
I love that you have so many awesome trails near you to explore.
Exploring new places to workout is always a ton of fun!!
I’m not aware of many trails around here. We do have the Katy Trail but a lot of it’s paved so I’m not sure how much of a trail it really is. I’ve recently tried meditation and it worked so well I fell asleep on the floor. LOL
trails are certainly my favourite but I don’t get to spend nearly enough time on them as I run alone so much. I’m pretty sure that I am a better trail runner than road so I’d like to try a race or two in the fall 🙂
I LOVE trails! I’ve recently become extremely bored of road running and have ventured off road, running trails, hills and mountains around our house and on our camping holiday a few weeks ago. It’s a whole new challenge! I actually feel my whole body working, whereas with road running, no matter what the intensity, incline or duration, I just felt like I was working my lungs.
The other night, my running group friends and I tried a new trail close to our houses. The route had many junctions, and with all of us not having to be anywhere afterwards, and it being such a beautiful summer’s evening, we just explored! It was fantastic!
I’m so with you about unwinding on the trails. Love it.
I also bought a pair of trail shoes, not mizuno though: Salomon Speedcross 3 🙂
Your trails are beautiful. I can completely see how they are your sanity and I think that they would be mine too! I do wish that we had trails like that around us.
Can I go hiking with you?
When you lived in NZ, did you notice that Mizuno’s were MIA? Here in Australia it is moreso Brooks or New Balance as the ‘running’ or ‘hiking’ shoes!
Huhhhhh funny how I would have done the exact opposite! Knowing myself, if I found a cool trail nearby I would just blaze through it with no tracking device, no preparation, no planning, but just go. (i hate preparing things ahead of time and do them as they come, which gets me in trouble :P) I do love trails and so wish I had at least ONE near our house. When I used to be in xcountry in high school, trails were my favorite and dreaded the streets.
well i think it depends on the trail. These are mega trails.. like you could get lost easily. haha
I started trail running a few weeks ago and I can’t get enough! I’ve always liked trail running but never actually took it up as something to do 3-4 times a week.
I agree so much with this —> “The trails are truly a place to getaway. To explore. They are the only place where I don’t mind taking the long way.”
I went on a 7 mile trail run by myself yesterday and it was just so peaceful i literally got so zoned out. I felt amazing afterward!
Great advice in this post. I have seen way too many stories on the news of people going out unprepared!
LOVE the pics too! 🙂
The trails are one of my favourite places to be. I’m super lucky to live really close to the trails in our river valley, but I’d kill to live up in the mountains and be able to hike up there. Gah! Someday! Dream big, right? 🙂
My favorite way to UNBUSY is a trip without my computer – lots of time running (hills!!!) and laying by the pool!!!
i cannot wait to hear more about your trip!
Thanks for this awesome review! Are they good for general running shoes, and do they have a lot of arch support? I don’t do a lot of trail running (though I would love to!), but need to get new running shoes before I go back to school and am trying to get some ideas. Any shoes you would recommend?
Happy Friday! <3
actually, yes! i love them for road since they are so light! but i also like the wave sayonara
Hello Lindsay,
Great post about getting away on the trails. I can VERY much relate to this because right now (for the past 4 months) I’ve been just hiking every (6 days/week) each morning out here in the desert (no running for now…took a longish break from it). I just so love watching the sun rise, and listening to music and Podcasts and being out in nature. It’s my element.
Anyways, these Women’s Wave Kazan look really good…from all the features you mentioned. I also checked them out on Mizuno and they look great. I can use a new pair. They look like they have good stability and cushioning. I hope I win this Giveaway!
~Amy 🙂
yes, me too friend. I actually am enjoying hiking more for that reason!
You always have the best posts about taking time to enjoy and embrace the simple things in life! I’m in love with the beautiful trail pictures you share and wish we had more trails nearby to explore.
At least we’re planning to hit up a local state park this weekend for some hiking, maybe I’ll bring your handy trail workout along 😉
you would love this workout!! keep me posted
I want to explore trails more, but here they are muggy – I can’t wait to do it in Texas!
hurry up and move here!
Great post! And such a great tip about wearing a tracking device! You do not want to get lost in the middle of nowhere.
I love the trails. That’s where I do most of my running. Not only peaceful, but a little easier on my old legs :-).
I usually just use regular running shoes, but I love that the Kazan is so light! That is the problem with regular trail running shoes, they feel like weights on my feet.
We need to meet for a trail run! I’ve been more unbusy than ever this summer and have never felt so relaxed. Oh, and I need new trail shoes 🙂
Are the trails where we walked when I was in Austin? I loved it there! Felt so calm and serene. Sanity, for sure. My unbusy? LAKATION! XOXO
I love exploring new trails and hiking routes – so relaxing and inspiring!!
I loved these shoes! Af far as unbusy-ing… I prefer Europe. Can we move? LOL!
yes, and i’m so serious!
You know you are speaking my language here! And you do have some awesome trails where you live–lucky you!
yes! you need to move here!
You still need to take me out on the trails! BTW, those Mizunos look aweseome, I can’t believe how light!
i think you’d be bored with my slowness. haha
You always make me feel more relaxed. I want to like trails, but I’m such a klutz. Of course, the right shoes would probably help part of that situation! Happy Friday!
Perfect timing on this one. We’re heading out early tomorrow morning to explore a new trail; I can’t wait!
I love exploring trails, but I don’t do it enough! I just started running again, maybe its time to find some trails by the new house 🙂
sweet kicks! i love being outdoors – that’s definitely my favorite way to unwind. though i’m not a trail runner, but may be if i had more trails near me (or if i knew of them haha)
I haven’t done any trail running but it’s definitely on my running “to-do” list! I love being outside but sometimes being on the road doesn’t always give me the feeling of disconnecting (while cars whiz by).
These tips are really helpful for me to keep in mind when I head out to try my first trail run.
Karen @karenlovestorun
I am so jealous of your trails! I love my mizuno trail shoes, so comfy! Have a wonderful weekend.
I haven’t run trails but we do take our kids for “nature” walks on trails that aren’t too difficult. I would love to get into this more but since right now my time to run is early morning I shy away because of all the “creatures.” Once my kids are a little older I’d love to make it a regular family actvitiy. I’m actually signed up for a 10 mile trail race in august so hopefully that will give me some good experience!
lately, loafing around with my sourdough 🙂
Ooh I love this, and trails as well! I love your tip about not trying to run the trails first. I suck at landmarking while I’m running (mainly because I’m trying to focus on the ground ahead of me, rather than scenery) so doing the route as a walk first, and getting familiar with the surroundings is key in not getting lost! The shoes look awesome!
Hey Lindsay!
I’m a fellow trail lover as well! That would also be my favorite way to be ‘unbusy.’ I love love living right by mountains! Sounds weird but I love running hills.
I’m a huge Mizuno fan and on the look out for new shoes–so thanks for the suggestion! Take care!
You are really lucky that Austin has so much to offer in terms of green space and trails! I’m slowly finding more around us here, and you’re right- it’s so totally different from road running. Such a needed break from reality!
I like the run/hike workout and all of your tips are really helpful. I’ve just started including at least two trail runs a week into my training, mostly to give myself a break from the pavement and to try to develop all those proprioceptors. And I just got new trail shoes to help me, who doesn’t need a good excuse for new running shoes?:)
I LOVE exploring trails! Totally hear you on Nature balancing us! It gets us grounded and re centered!!
I don’t run trails but running outdoors in general is my favorite way to escape and unbusy…Although, reading a good book is a nice escape as well!
We LOVE the trails and so do my kids. Some of ours have the fitness obstacles along the way. However, I never thought to stop and do our own. So smart. And yes, extra water! I can’t tell you how many times we have gotten turned around 🙂 The worst was the time we got “turned around” on a trail we always went to but we had the kids and they were babies. Big A was walking and Little A was in a backpack carrier. Big A lost steam and John wound up with TWO kids on his back.
And I WANT those sneaks…