FROM ROADS TO ROOTS: MY FIRST TRAIL RUNNING GEAR

Published: 12/08/2025, Written by Liz Newcomer

Liz Newcomer is a London-based marathon runner, host of the Resiliency in Running podcast, and a proud running ambassador for Sports Direct. Since she first tied on her running shoes back in 2019, Liz has gone from casual jogger to marathon finisher – and now she’s taking her running off-road and into the wild. In this article, Liz shares why trail running feels like the perfect next step for her, and how you can get set up with the right gear.

For the past few years, I’ve called the roads my running home. I’ve run ten marathons, chased personal bests, and trained through all kinds of weather. But recently, I started feeling the pull toward something new – something a little less structured, a little more wild: trail running. Here’s how I got on.

STEPPING OUTSIDE THE COMFORT ZONE TO START TRAIL RUNNING

As a complete trail beginner, I had no idea where to start. The terrain is tougher, the demands on your body are different, and even the shoes – especially the shoes – aren’t the same. So, I turned to the place I knew I could trust for gear and guidance: Sports Direct.

Stepping into trail running felt like entering a new chapter – and honestly, a bit like stepping into another world. I still remember walking into the Sports Direct flagship store for the first time, expecting to maybe browse a few shoes, but being met with an entire wall dedicated to trail running. It was like discovering a whole new side of the sport I’d never explored. Different brands, tread patterns, and shoe profiles – each with its own purpose. It was exciting, but also a little overwhelming. That’s where the in-store team made all the difference.

Credit: INSTAGRAM / @Resiliencyinrunning and @Sportsdirectrunning

I started chatting with them about the kinds of trails I might be running – rolling hills in the countryside, slippery forest paths after the rain, maybe the occasional rocky climb on holiday – and they immediately helped me break it all down. We talked about grip: how deeper lugs provide traction in mud and wet conditions, while a more moderate tread can be better for mixed terrain. They showed me how the sole stiffness affects responsiveness and protection over sharp rocks, and how the shoe’s profile – whether it’s low and nimble or more cushioned and supportive – can influence comfort over longer distances.

We even discussed waterproofing. I’d never really thought about it before, but on wetter trails or during unpredictable UK weather, having a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex can be a game-changer. On the other hand, in hotter months or drier climates, breathability might take priority. They also explained the importance of a secure fit – support around the ankle, a snug midfoot, and enough toe room for descents – all crucial to help prevent slipping, blisters, or rolled ankles.

That guidance was invaluable. Trail running isn’t a one-size-fits-all sport, and your shoes need to match your environment just as much as your pace or distance. Thanks to their help, I walked away not just with the right shoes – but with the confidence that I was stepping into this new adventure fully supported, literally from the ground up.

Here are some of the pairs I tried on:

• Salomon Ultra Glide 3 Running Shoes (Women’s) – Perfect for long-distance comfort and all-terrain versatility.
• On Cloudultra 2 – Ideal for all-terrain with a sock-like upper and the FlipRelease system for your perfect fit.
• New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro – A solid option that combines stability and cushion for comfort on any trail.
• adidas Agravic Speed Trail – A lightweight choice with a Lightstrike midsole for speedy trail runs.

Each pair felt completely different from my road shoes – more structured, more protective, and designed for the unpredictability of nature. The gear didn’t just make me feel prepared; it made me excited to get out there.

WHY I’M CHOOSING TO BE A BEGINNER AGAIN

There’s something incredibly humbling about starting from scratch. Sure, I’ve built endurance over the years, but trail running asks a different kind of question from both your body and mind. You're not just running; you're adapting, reacting, and reconnecting with the terrain beneath your feet.

Trail running isn’t just a new surface for me; it’s a whole new mindset. It's less about the watch and more about the experience. Less about pacing splits, more about being present.

And honestly, that’s exactly what I need right now.

After years of training for road marathons – chasing finish times, obsessing over splits, and feeling the pressure to always be improving – I hit a wall. My last road marathon, London, was supposed to be a celebration. But instead, it felt like the opposite. From the moment I crossed the start line, I knew something was off. My body was tired, my heart wasn’t in it, and each mile felt heavier than the last. I pushed through, as runners do, but the experience left me physically and emotionally drained. It was meant to be the pinnacle of my spring season, but it ended up feeling like a quiet breaking point.

So, I’ve chosen to start over – not in running entirely, but in how I engage with it. I’m choosing to be a beginner again, to let go of the need to constantly prove myself against a clock, and instead lean into something that feels lighter, freer, and more joyful. That’s what trail running offers me. There are no pace goals out there on a wooded path. No spectators shouting splits. Just me, the terrain, and the rhythm of my breath.

Trail running is where time takes a back seat. It’s where walking is allowed. Where it’s okay to stop and take in the view or to slow down on a climb. It’s not about performance – it’s about presence. And after burning out on the road, that’s exactly the kind of space I need to fall back in love with the sport again.

GEAR THAT GIVES YOU THE GREEN LIGHT

When leaving Sports Direct, I didn’t just walk out with a new pair of trail shoes – I left with confidence. As a beginner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. But having everything I needed in one place – from shoes to socks to hydration gear – made the transition smooth and well-supported.

Ready to get your own trail running gear? Check out all our trail running shoes and essentials for everything you need.

WANT TO GIVE TRAIL RUNNING A GO? THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO GO FOR IT.

You don’t need to be an expert to get started – just the right gear, a bit of curiosity, and a willingness to get muddy. Thanks to Sports Direct, I’m officially trail-ready – and I can’t wait to share more from the journey ahead – starting with my other article on my go-to Salomon trail running shoes. Give it a read!

All images featured are taken from @Resiliencyinrunning Instagram.