Try Out Trail Running at Johnston Woods

Fall is the perfect time for running. The weather is cooler, runs become easier and all of those blistering hot summer miles have given way to runs that feel effortless in comparison. Something else that many runners look forward to in the fall?

Trail running.

But why mix it up and get on the trails? Besides the beauty and calm of being in nature, especially in the fall season, trail running is inherently different than running on the roads.

Here are a few ways:

Pace

On trails, the terrain is ever-changing and elevation plays a key role in pace. One mile can’t be compared to the next, which is a great way to take the pressure off yourself if you’re often worried about pace while running roads. Walking uphills in trail races is totally acceptable! 

Terrain

Because the terrain does change so much — both in elevation as well as navigating over roots and rocks, etc. — the muscles used in trail running vary slightly more than road running alone. This is often not obvious until after a trail run and you realize that very specific parts of your legs, hips, even shoulders, feel sore even though you’ve been road running consistently with no previous soreness in those areas.

Routes

Because of the ease of road running, we often end up on the same routes run after run. With trail running you have to make the effort to go somewhere different to get off the beaten path (literally). While every run feels like an adventure, trail running ups the excitement and feels that much more satisfying when you finish.

Shoes

Trail shoes tend to be firmer, water resistant or waterproof, and have lugs with a harder, grippier rubber outsole for better grip off-road. Hiking or running on trails will be easier and you’ll feel more confident with trail shoes, but if you’re just starting out, wearing road shoes is an approachable alternative. Just be sure to watch your step and slow down! If you’re interested in taking the plunge and trying some trail shoes, Terra Running Co. sells trail specific models from Brooks, Hoka, Altra, On, and more.

Intrested in trying out, or getting back into, trail running? Why not check out Johnston Woods! Just 10 minutes south of downtown Cleveland it is a hidden gem in the woods. The 4.2 miles of trails are open to the public and fall is the perfect time to explore their beauty. 

This a favorite spot for Team Terra and is great for anyone who wants an escape to the woods without driving a half hour to larger trails. 

Although the trails sit on private property owned by Broad Street United Methodist Church, they are open to the public. According the Johnston Woods website, “It all started in the 1940’s when the Johnston’s family endowed 400 acres of beautiful wooded property.  In the 1980’s, Broad Street United Methodist Church transformed the beautiful property into a retreat and event center.  Since then our team has grown the property and it’s programs to enable a life changing impact for those who visit.” There is even a portable restroom in the parking lot now for the convenience of visitors. 

Due to its easy access and close proximity, Johnston Woods is an excellent place for both new and experienced runners to try out trail running. There are two trails to explore — the Blue and White loops. Both provide trail runners with a relatively flat, well marked trail. Be sure to keep an eye out for other runners, walkers, and bikers. When passing, say “On your left” loud enough for the person in front of you to hear, and if someone is trying to pass you, kindly step to the side of the trail. Pets on leashes are welcome and it’s a popular spot for mountain bikers (check out the Tuesday night mountain bike rides with Scott’s Bikes here. 

Try it out and let us know what you think! Check out the AllTrails page for Johnston Woods with maps and reviews here.

Supporting Veterans through the Freedom Run

The Eureka Trail

UPDATE: The Freedom Run has been postponed to Spring 2023. Check the Terra Running Race Calendar for an updated date.

Though we have been enjoying the fall feelings for a while, we are now fully immersed in the real deal: cold mornings, sweaters, and, of course, the beautiful colors on the trees! Something else uniquely fall? Racing! With the cooler weather comes faster race times, gorgeous training runs, and a wealth of races to choose from.

This year, runners have a new addition to the local fall race circuit — the American Legion Freedom Run! Supporting the work and community of the veterans at American Legion Post 68, the Freedom Run gives runners the option to run a 1K or a 5k on the scenic Eureka Trail in Athens, TN. A blend between a trail and the road, the Eureka Trail is a beautiful gravel path running alongside the old rail road tracks. We chatted with race director Dolores Anderson about the race.

Can you tell us a little bit about the American Legion and what that looks like nationally and in our area? 

The American Legion Bill Rodgers Memorial Post 68 is an organization started in 1812 to benefit all veterans. We provide support for veterans thru assistance programs.

What about you? How did you get involved in the American Legion? 

Both my husband and I are United States Air Force Veterans who started volunteering with the American Legion Post 68 to provide assistance to other vets in need, participate in community celebrations, Fish Fries and share camaraderie with other Veterans.

What about the Freedom Run? How did it come about and how does it benefit what you all do? 

The Freedom Run 5k was initiated to have an event that all members of the community including men, women and kids can get together, have fun and support the American Legion.

Can you tell us a bit about the run itself? What is unique about it?  

This 5k run is The American Legion Bill Rodgers Memorial Post 68 inaugural 5k event. The race takes place on the Eureka Trail with a 1k and 5k distance so that the whole family can be involved. The trail itself is gravel so it isn’t technical but still very pretty taking runners through the woods, especially with the fall colors. As an American Legion event, runners are directly supporting veterans in their community.

What about the details: where is it located, what is the distance, and when is it? 

The Freedom Run will be held at the Eureka Trail in Athens , TN at 8am on November 5, 2022. There is both a 1k distance and a 5k distance option. Packet pick up is on Nov 3rd outside the VA office from 3-5 pm. The address is: 5 E Madison Ave Athens, TN 37303 downtown across from the courthouse.

How can people sign up? (and is there a sign up deadline) To register go to www.terrarunning.com . Deadline is Nov 3, 2022. Call (423) 507-4938 for further information.

UPDATE: The Freedom Run has been postponed to Spring 2023. Check the Terra Running Race Calendar for an updated date.

Seasonal Allergies and Running

Ahh East Tennessee. The mountains. The rivers. The temperate climate. The pollen.

Yes. The pollen.

Flowering Dogwood on the Greenway

According to the Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, on a scale of 100 (with 100 being the worst) our area received a spring pollen score of 83.91 and a fall pollen score of 86.18.

Yikes.

And for those of us who love running outside, that pollen count can really be a downer during (and after!) those warm springtime runs. Especially during the age of COVID, no one wants to experience the side effects of seasonal allergies (“it’s just allergies, I promise!”) triggered by our sky-high pollen count.

So what is a runner to do?

While switching up your running habits won’t fix the pollen problem, there are some things that runners can do to help combat the worst of seasonal allergies.

Run later in the day.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, pollen counts are usually worse in the morning (especially between the hours of 5am to 10am). The advice here is simple. If your schedule allows, a later afternoon or evening run is a better idea for those who experience seasonal allergies.

Pay attention to the weather and the pollen count.

It is probably no surprise that rain will wash away a lot of pollen, whereas wind will stir up pollen in the air. If you have aggravating seasonal allergies, it actually might be a great idea to go on a run during or after a nice rainstorm. There are also plenty of resources for checking on the pollen count on any given day. Chattanooga Allergy Clinic keeps a 14 day record of the area’s pollen and mold count and pollen.com has a national pollen count map that also has detailed local pollen count information; the Weather Channel app will even give you an allergy forecast.

Be strategic about taking over the counter allergy medicines.

Sure, it’s a no brainer to take allergy medicine when symptoms flare up but it is also a good idea to plan ahead with allergy medicine since some medications take some time to get into your system. Especially if you have a long run or a race coming up, it can be a good idea to plan ahead and start taking your medicine a bit in advance. At the same time, noting which medicines will cause drowsiness (I’m looking at you, Benadryl!) is also worth considering before heading out on your daily run.

Shower and change clothes as soon as you finish your run.

Showering right after a run is a helpful strategy to wash pollen off of your body and keep exposure as minimal as possible. In the same way, changing clothes after a run (hopefully, you’re not putting on those same clothes after your shower!) will help reduce exposure.

Get tested for allergies to identify which days will be worse for you.

If you notice that your allergies are really starting to become a problem, it could be a good idea to find out what some of the culprits are. This is because different allergens peak at different times and seasons. An allergy clinic can also help give you more direction on how to combat debilitating allergies.

Run inside.

This is the saddest of all the options, especially when the sun is shining, but if your seasonal allergies are getting out if hand, there’s always the handy dandy treadmill ready to take on a run no matter the time of day.