How to Prepare for Your First Spring Trail Run
Preparing for Your First Spring Trail Run
What should I eat before a trail run? What kind of fuel should I bring? What will actually keep my energy steady when I’m out there?
These are the questions almost every runner asks when they start getting into trail running.
Whether you're training for your first race or just getting back out there this spring, fuelling is often the piece that gets overcomplicated, or overlooked entirely.
Do you bring gels? Real food? Electrolytes? Nothing at all and just hope for the best?
We’ve tested it all. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this:
When your fuelling is dialled in, everything else on the trail gets easier.
Nutrition
Spring running often means longer efforts, shifting conditions, and more demand on your body. If your fuelling isn’t dialled in, you’ll feel it quickly.
Energy drops. Focus fades. And what should feel like a good run turns into something you just try to get through.
That’s where most runners start asking the same questions:
Do I need gels? Should I be using drink mixes? What’s actually going to keep my energy steady out there?
The truth is, there isn’t one perfect answer. It depends on your effort, your body, and what you can actually use consistently.
But understanding the difference between fast fuel and slow fuel makes it a lot easier to build a strategy that works.
Fast fuels like Gu, Tailwind, or Clif Shot Bloks are designed to hit your system quickly. They’re made up of simple sugars that are absorbed fast, giving you a noticeable burst of energy when you need it.
They’re great when you’re pushing hard or starting to feel low, but that quick hit doesn’t last long. You’ll often need to keep taking them consistently to avoid the crash.
Slow-release fuels work differently. Instead of spiking your energy, they provide a steady stream over time by combining carbohydrates with fats, fibre, or protein.
This is where foods like nut butters, real food, and high-quality chocolate come in.
Our go-to: chocolate energy bars made with purposeful ingredients that deliver sustained energy without feeling heavy.
They’re easy to carry, easy to eat, and actually enjoyable, which makes it easier to stay consistent with your fuelling over longer efforts.
Instead of relying on constant spikes and crashes, you’re building a steady energy system that keeps you moving.
On-the-go refuelling tips:
- Start fuelling early, not just when you feel low
- Use fast fuels when you need a quick boost, but rely on steady fuel to carry you
- Choose fuel you actually enjoy eating mid-run
- Hydrate regularly as temperatures rise
Find Your Fuel System
Not sure what works best for you yet? Start with variety.
Our Chocolate Energy Bar Explorer Box is designed to help you test different flavours and find what fuels you best for spring training.
Spring Flavour Highlight: Aconcagua
A bright, energizing flavour that’s perfect for spring and summer.
Aconcagua blends golden berries with cacao nibs for a balance of light, refreshing flavour and rich texture, making it an ideal choice for warmer runs.
Already a fan of Aconcagua? Stock up and save!
Gear
Once your fuel is dialled in, the right gear helps you stay comfortable and consistent on the trails.
- Performance Running Hat: On spring trails, you’re dealing with shifting light, rising heat, and sweat building quickly. A lightweight, moisture-wicking hat helps keep sweat out of your eyes and gives you consistent visibility, especially when you’re moving between sun and shade.
- Performance Socks: Wet patches, uneven terrain, and longer time on your feet can lead to friction fast. A solid pair of performance socks helps manage moisture, reduce rubbing, and keep your feet comfortable from start to finish.
- Trail essentials: Trail-specific shoes give you grip and confidence, while hydration gear and lightweight layers help you stay consistent as conditions change.
→ Explore all performance gear
Training
Build strength, stability, and adaptability early. Add elevation, uneven terrain, and strength work to prepare for real trail conditions.
Pro tip: Trail running isn’t about pace. Stay present and move efficiently.
Trail Etiquette
- Yield to hikers and uphill runners
- Stay on marked trails
- Pack out everything
Mindset
Spring trail running is about building momentum and getting back into rhythm.
Expect changing conditions, stay adaptable, and focus on enjoying the experience rather than chasing pace.
Final thought: Take time to enjoy the scenery and reconnect with the outdoors.
Checklist for Your First Spring Trail Run:
- Trail running shoes
- Hydration system
- Fuel (including chocolate 😉)
- Performance hat and socks
- Layers
- Safety essentials
