A runner takes a drink from her water bottle while she leads a group of runners along the trail in Prentice Cooper State Park on Saturday morning. The participants in the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50-kilometer and 11-mile trail races were nearing the Indian Rock House aid station. Benefits from the races will go to the Cumberland Trail Conference, a group that is trying to complete a 300-mile trail.FIND A TRAILWant to go off-road but can’t find a trail? Try the interactive map of local trailheads at www.wildtrails.org/map.html, or view thousands of routes by downloading the free EveryTrail app from the App Store or Android Marketplace.MAKE FRIENDSThe Chattanooga Trail Runners MeetUp group (www.meetup.com/Chattanooga-Trail-Runners) has a current membership of 275 runners of all skill levels. The group’s profile lists upcoming runs with directions, anticipated distance and suggested skill level.
When Shawn Feagans first laced up to go for a trail run in 2007, it was like taking the blinders off, she said.
“When you’re out on a trail, you’re exploring new areas,” said Feagans, the chapter president of the Chattanooga/Knoxville branch of the TrailBlazers Adventure Racing Club. “It’s almost like you’re working out and aren’t aware of it.”
After years of pounding the pavement as a street jogger, Feagans said, trail running offered a refreshing change from urban monotony.
“You have to watch your footing and things like that, but you go around the corner and there’s a waterfall,” she added. “It’s almost like therapy for me.”