Trail running
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can adapt my style to safely navigate a range of terrains during a run or walk.
Key learning points
- Move: engage your core and leg muscles for better stability and control on uneven surfaces.
- Move: keep a slight forward lean to maintain balance and control, especially on downhill sections.
- Think: access to a range of environments, open space and nature supports positive mental health.
- Feel: setting individual targets on distance or speed allows all participants to appreciate the environment around them.
- Connect: a running buddy can increase enjoyment and provide support in case of an accident.
Keywords
Pacing - adjust your pace according to the trail's difficulty, slowing down on inclines and technical sections
Terrain awareness - stay alert to obstacles like rocks, roots and uneven ground to avoid tripping or injury
Scanning - combining the monitoring of the terrain in front of you with taking in the wider environment for aesthetic appreciation
Common misconception
Pupils think that fast running throughout will be the best pace to use in trail running.
Using smart pacing means the pupils can use variable speeds, across different terrain, to keep safe, save engery and complete the run.
Teacher tip
If your school allow off-site visits, complete a risk assessment in advance and take your pupils to an outdoor space where you have access to undulating routes and a variety of terrains such as grass, gravel and footpaths. Ensure correct footwear for these activities.
Equipment
1 phone in small groups (if allowed) or a school map & pencil, safety mats, cones, mini hurdles
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What does a team need to do to be successful during their code breaking?
Q2.What must we use to solve clues?
Q3.How can errors be reduced when locating information?
Q4.What can we do to help someone who is struggling in our team?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What do we achieve by engaging our core and leg muscles on uneven ground?
Q2.Why do you need to scan the ground ahead of you when trail running?
Q3.What type of pacing should you adopt on trail running?
Q4.How might we feel if we set our own routes and targets for speed or distances?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Trail running, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Trail running, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Outdoor adventurous activities: outdoor pursuits and team challenges unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.