Using poles when trail running – how to improve and become more efficient in the mountains
- Running with poles can spread the load across different muscles and take the weight off your knees, allowing you to go for longer and faster
Running with poles is a great way to make you a more efficient runner. It spreads the load among different muscles and joints so you can push faster and for longer.
But it is not as easy as buying some poles and suddenly you’ll be as quick as Kilian Jornet. There are techniques to get the most out of your poles.
Practice makes perfect
First things first, make sure you use your poles regularly before a race. For any gear, race day should not be the first time you use them.
As you spread the load to your shoulders, you need to strengthen them so they do not get tired or injured. Also, training with poles will let you know if there are any issues – do you blister easily ? Do you prefer them for a certain terrain over another? Perhaps you like to shorten them for the uphills and lengthen them for the descents?
Even if you are not using the poles when training, fold them up and carry them during the session. You will get used to the extra weight and allow you to adjust to the feeling of them in or on your bag, changing their position for comfort.