Master Downhill Running with Poles | Tips for Effortless Trails, by Find Your Feet on YouTube. 4 min 42 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 42 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Set your pole length so the grips sit around waist height on flat ground. Shorten them slightly for steep descents so you can plant without reaching.
Hold each grip with the strap across your palm and under your fingers. Grip lightly so the pole swings with your arm.
Start on a gentle slope and walk down first. Plant each pole ahead of your leading foot and let your arm follow through behind you.
Keep your torso upright and your weight over your hips rather than leaning forward. The poles take some load off your legs.
Time each plant to land just before your foot does. This gives you a steady contact point and stops the pole tip skidding.
On steeper ground, shorten the poles a little more and take shorter, quicker steps. Place the pole on firm ground, not loose gravel.
Build speed only when the plants feel rhythmical. Practise on the same slope a few times before trying a longer descent.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the pole tips behind your feet on very steep drops so you do not trip over them.
Check that the tips are sharp and the locks are tight before you start.
Do not stab the poles straight down. Let them swing back naturally with your arms.
Collapse the poles and carry them on flat or uphill sections where they get in the way.
Questions
Should poles be longer or shorter for downhill running?
Shorter. A shorter pole lets you plant it ahead of you without reaching or leaning forward on a steep slope.
Do I need special poles for trail running?
No. Any adjustable trekking poles work, but folding or collapsible poles are easier to carry when you are not using them.
How do I stop the poles from slipping?
Plant the tip on firm ground and keep your weight back. Avoid loose gravel and wet roots, and check that the tips are not worn down.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
