Trail Running Guide
Trail running is all about versatility. Switching between aerobic endurance on flats and high-intensity power on steep climbs takes its toll on your body. This mini guide breaks trail running fuelling into three simple stages to help you perform at your peak from trailhead to summit.
Origin Pre-Workout Alpha
or Pre-Workout Shot
or THE Pre-Workout
Prime your energy stores with 30-60g of carbohydrates and 150-300mg of caffeine to support alertness on technical terrain.
THE Energy Chew
or Energy Elite Sports Gels
or Energy Elite Sports Gels
Maintain energy levels with 30-90g of carbohydrates per hour and replace 300-600mg of electrolytes lost through sweat.
Total Protein Blend
or Impact Vegan Protein
or THE Whey
Kickstart recovery with 20-30g of protein, as protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass after intense efforts.
Fuel Up
Trail Running Guide FAQ
Trail running involves variable intensity, from steady aerobic flats to anaerobic climbs, which relies heavily on glycogen stores. Starting your run with adequate energy availability helps ensure you can handle these demands. Consuming carbohydrates before training supports your readiness for the trail ahead.
For this reason, we've included Origin Pre-Workout Alpha, Pre-Workout Shot, and THE Pre-Workout in your stack. These convenient formats are designed to be consumed 30-60 minutes before your run, helping you establish a consistent pre-training routine without the bulk of a heavy meal.
For trail sessions, we recommend THE Energy Chew and THE Energy Gel. These portable formats are designed for easy consumption on uneven terrain, allowing you to fuel without stopping or interrupting your rhythm. While shorter runs may not require fuelling, carrying these products is essential for efforts over 60-90 minutes
The eccentric loading of downhill running causes significant muscle damage, increasing the need for repair. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, making post-run nutrition a critical component of your recovery strategy.
We've selected Total Protein Blend, Impact Vegan Protein, and THE Whey for your stack because they provide high-quality protein in a convenient liquid format. These products allow you to quickly meet your protein needs within the optimal post-run window, supporting your body's adaptation to the demands of the trail.
This often depends on the intensity and duration of your run. For high-intensity sections or shorter, faster runs, gels and chews are often preferred because they are designed for rapid absorption and are easy to digest. On ultra-distance runs, some athletes incorporate solid foods to manage hunger.
Caffeine is a popular tool for trail runners, especially for long distances or early starts. It can help increase alertness and improve concentration, which is valuable when navigating technical terrain or battling fatigue. Many runners use caffeine strategically, such as before a steep climb or in the later stages of a long run, to help maintain focus and reduce the perception of effort.
Race-day nutrition is only part of the bigger picture. How you fuel before and after Trail Running makes a huge difference to your training and recovery. For everyday support, explore our Protein Guide to find the right protein for your goals, and try our Goal Selector to build a supplement routine tailored to you.