Can we normalize trail runs for marathon training?

One of my friends was training for the NYC marathon. Roads, clear pace targets, every run showing “on pace” or “behind”.

It was creating pressure he didn’t need.

He thought trail running was separate from marathons. And something you did if you lived out west.

Turns out there was a trail 10 minutes from his house in New Jersey he’d never found.

He tried out a long run there: no split times, just running in nature, and more walk breaks on climbs than he’d ever done on the road.

The result? The most enjoyable run of his build.

And even better —

A few months later, his 63 year old dad joined him for his first trail run.

That’s a win no finish line can replicate.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​