From Road to Ridge: Fuel Up, Gear Up, and Get Outside
May 29, 2025
By MTN OPS TEAM
By Eric McCormack | MTN OPS Advisory Team
There's something powerful about stepping off the pavement and into the wild. Trail running connects more than just your feet to the ground-it connects your mind, body, and spirit to something greater. It's where clarity comes, distractions fade, and gratitude grows. It's time with your thoughts, with God, and with the trail beneath you. But before you go, preparation matters.
Your body is your engine- treat it carefully before you push it. Eat a solid meal rich in carbs and clean fuel. Bring easy-to-digest snacks, fruit, bars, or energy gels that work well for your system. And most importantly, hydrate with purpose. Mtn OPS HYDRATE is packed with electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins that help your body pull water into the muscles, keeping you cramp-free, sharp, and steady when the terrain tests you.
Dialing in your gear gives you confidence on the trail: hydration vest or pack, MTN OPS HYDRATE + water, snacks or gels, trekking poles, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPS or beacon, and, most importantly, trail shoes. Your shoes should match the trail, not fight it. Pick what keeps you stable, supported, and confident with every step. The wrong shoes can lead to rolled ankles or unnecessary fatigue. The right ones help you move strong, smart, and safe.
Know your route, let someone know your plan, run with a buddy if possible, bring a way to call for help, watch your footing, and most of all, get home safe.
Before your first step, ensure your joints, muscles, and stabilizers are ready. This isn't just a warm-up- it's about circulating blood, engaging your hips and core, and syncing your body to the trail ahead. Try this trail prep routine: ankle rolls (10 each direction), calf stretches (30 seconds per leg), knee pulls to chest (10 per side), hip circles or side lunges, and leg swings front and side (10 each direction). Connect your feet to the ground. Be ready to move.
Trail running isn't just about miles—it's about perspective. It's where your body is tested, your spirit is stirred, and your connection with God deepens. Out there, you find quiet, clarity, and the ability to remember who you are and what you were built for. Move with purpose, run with faith, and conquer more.
