A Beginner's Guide to Trail Running Poles
Trail running poles, like the Mountain King TrailBlaze series, offer a range of benefits that can elevate your running experience. The primary advantage of these poles is their ability to spread the muscle load beyond just your legs, engaging other muscle groups in your body. This not only helps you run more efficiently, but it can also improve your speed over longer distances, reduce fatigue, and enhance performance when tackling climbs.
Why Spreading the Load to Other Muscle Groups is Beneficial to Runners:
By using poles, you effectively transfer some of the workload from your legs to your upper body. This means that instead of relying solely on your legs to carry you through a long run, your arms and shoulders help share the load, reducing the strain on your muscles. This mechanism works by taking around 5-10kg of pressure off each leg with every step, helping to prevent the accumulation of metabolic byproducts like substrates and metabolites in your muscles. This buildup, along with poor fuel management, is a primary cause of fatigue. By minimizing their effects, you can increase your endurance and keep running for longer periods without feeling drained.
However, it’s important to note that using poles does require more energy. As your legs can maintain a higher level of exertion when aided by poles, your overall energy expenditure will increase. Therefore, you’ll need to account for this by adjusting your fueling strategy to ensure you’re prepared for the increased demand over long distances.
Efficiency and Speed with Running Poles:
Efficiency is key when it comes to long-distance trail races. The more efficient your movements, the less your speed will drop as fatigue sets in, which ultimately improves your race times. Running poles, such as those from the Mountain King TrailBlaze series, can help increase your efficiency by aiding you in ascents, reducing impact on your joints during descents, and helping stabilize your balance with two extra supports. This allows you to move with greater confidence, cut down your times, and make your way through the course faster. These poles can significantly reduce your impact on the body, helping you maintain a smoother, faster pace.
Why Choose Mountain King TrailBlaze Poles:
There’s no denying that using running poles can have a substantial effect on your performance, which is why many runners are choosing to embrace them, even though they’ve sometimes been humorously labeled as "cheat sticks." Investing in high-quality poles, like those from Mountain King, could very well be the best gear purchase you’ve made for improving your race times. While we spend considerable amounts of money on shoes with the latest technology for comfort, grip, and performance, the Mountain King TrailBlaze poles offer a tangible benefit in terms of speed and efficiency—one that often goes unnoticed.
How to Use Running Poles Effectively:
To maximize the benefit of your poles, it's crucial to use them with proper technique. One of the most important tips is to use them courteously. While running with poles, be mindful of other runners around you—too often, poles are swung carelessly, which can cause accidents. At races or on trails, make sure to unclip your poles when needed, and keep the tips pointing downward and in front of you to avoid any potential accidents.
For technique, look into Nordic Walking methods and adapt them for running. Many runners have found great success after attending workshops or courses tailored to running with poles. The right technique can help optimize your effort and efficiency, whether you're running uphill, on flat terrain, or descending.
Mountain King TrailBlaze Poles Recommendations:
When selecting poles, weight is a key factor to consider, but it’s not just about the poles being lightweight. Mountain King’s TrailBlaze series is designed with a balance of durability and lightness, ensuring that they can withstand the stress of steep ascents and long-distance runs. For runners who need a bit more sturdiness, the TrailBlaze poles are constructed from high-quality materials, offering an ideal blend of robustness and featherlight performance.
If you prioritize ultra-light gear, the Mountain King TrailBlaze poles are built to be both strong and easy to use, perfect for long runs where every ounce matters. Many runners prefer the innovative handle design, which reduces hand and forearm fatigue over extended periods of use. The unique strap system also provides a comfortable, secure fit, ensuring that the poles stay in place during the most intense portions of your run, while still allowing for quick adjustments when needed.
Final Thoughts:
Using running poles like the Mountain King TrailBlaze series can be an absolute game-changer for trail runners looking to improve their performance. The added efficiency, speed, and reduced muscle fatigue will help you tackle tough courses with greater ease and confidence. As more runners realize the potential benefits of poles, the shift towards incorporating them into race-day strategies is growing. With the right gear, technique, and fuel management, you'll be able to enhance your endurance and race times more than you ever thought possible.