Trail Heads season kicks off on Saturday, November 2, 2024!
Each winter from around November through April, AREC members head to the hills around Southern California to pursue a truly unique running experience. We go to trailheads at State and Regional Parks throughout Orange County and L.A. for challenging and rewarding runs.
Trail running is an excellent complement to road running. Some runners feel it lengthens their years of running and prevents injuries by taking it on the dirt. You can swap out your long runs on the road for dirt year-round. Or just include a “season” of dirt to give your body a break from all the pounding. Most runners find the benefits of a stronger core, increased balance, and unstoppable stamina far outweigh the potential risk/fear that some runners have of twisting an ankle or taking a wrong turn.
Trail runs take place on Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. (unless otherwise specified) just after a short trail briefing at 7:45 a.m. Trail Coach Motyka and other trail vets will review the route, go over safety, and answer questions. Information on trailhead parking, bathrooms, and maps will be posted weekly to the AREC Trail Running group on Facebook. Coach Motyka and other Leaders are available to provide advice, motivation, and whatever tools necessary to help you accomplish your running goals.
Trail WRECK is committed to providing an experience for runners of all abilities so at least two routes will be offered each week that vary in level of difficulty and distance just like the AREC Half/Full Marathon training program. Also, to improve all runners’ navigation skills and familiarity, parks will be revisited as our schedule allows. Runs will increase in distance each week as some people ramp up for winter and spring trail races. Training plans for upcoming races will be posted to the AREC Trail Running Group on Facebook.
All runners will find the trails to be a very enjoyable experience if they are prepared for them. See the Trail WRECK Prep for tips on how to be prepared when you take it from the road to the dirt. Trail WRECK is included with annual AREC club membership, so sign up today!
For more information about Trail WRECK, contact Trail WRECK coach:
Kelly Motyka
kmotyka@mac.com
Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Certified
Join our Facebook AREC Trail Running Group on Facebook for more detailed information and updates at https://tinyurl.com/ybd5ysun