How Hiking & Trail Running Teach Mindfulness

Learning to be present on the trail

I used to trip and stumble a lot while I was running, either on an easy trail in a local park or during a mountain race. After many years of blaming my technique or weak ankles, I began thinking back to the biggest falls I had had… And I realized that whenever my mind was far away, I wouldn’t notice that tree root. I would fail to see that protruding rock or I would miss a hole on the trail… You can imagine the rest. I have the scars on my knees to prove it.

Once I began applying the principles of walking meditation to my hikes and, especially, my trail runs, I stopped falling. I found stability and became more agile. In turn, my mind let go of the nagging thoughts that used to distract me on the trail. I can finally reap the benefits of exercising mindfully.

Meditating while hiking and running

If you’ve never considered hiking and running as meditative experiences, start by reading our article on the art of walking meditation. Once you are comfortable with that practice, take it to the next level by applying those concepts on the trail.

Learning to be conscious of every movement involved will develop an awareness of your body and surroundings. Being mindful of where you slowly place…