When you think of elite road runners, you might picture perfectly paced laps on a track or endless miles along flat tarmac. But even the fastest road racers are increasingly embracing the rugged rhythm of the trails. One such athlete is Sean Tobin, a multiple-time Irish international who’s represented the country on both road and cross-country stages. In a recent video, Tobin shared why trail running has become an essential tool in his training arsenal, not just for fun, but for performance.
Here’s what road runners can learn from the trails.
1. Trails Build Muscular Endurance: Without the Burnout
“The Big C” — that’s what Tobin and his training partners call their hilly trail loop in the mountains near Clonmel. Clocking in at nearly two hours and 2,000 feet of elevation gain, this loop is a staple in his marathon prep.
“You’re just trying to build up that muscular endurance without having to run hard,” he explains. “If you’ve built a great aerobic capacity, then the track sessions come a little easier.”
Trail terrain demands more from stabilizing muscles, building strength and resilience without the constant pounding of hard surfaces.
2. You Can Switch Off the Pace Obsession
Out on the trails, Tobin doesn’t stare at his watch.
“You don’t really look at the pace. It just varies,” he says. “That’s the beauty about it — it just goes up and down.”
For road runners used to metrics and splits, trails offer a rare mental break. The shift in focus — from numbers to effort — can prevent burnout and rekindle a love for the run.
3. Time Flies on the Trails
Tobin notes that “two hours up here mentally, compared to two hours around the town… it just flies by.”
The variety of terrain, scenery, and the gentle challenge of constant ascent and descent means your mind stays engaged. For anyone staring down the barrel of long marathon prep runs, this can be a game changer.
4. Trail Running Is Marathon-Specific Strength Work
Long trail efforts help replicate the fatigue of a marathon — but in a more forgiving way. Tobin compares the fatigue from his loops to a hard long run, but emphasizes how trails prepare the body and mind for the late stages of a race.
“This is always great,” he says. “Especially if you’ve had a heavier week of training.”
5. Trails Help Build Community: Even Among Elites
Though many of Tobin’s runs are solo or small group efforts, he’s hopeful about building a wider community of marathoners in Ireland.
“I’m going to push to try create a bit of a marathon squad,” he says. “Bringing groups together can raise the domestic standard.”
The trails aren’t just for lone wolves — they can be a gathering place for shared struggle and shared gains.
Final Thoughts
Tobin’s approach blends high-level road racing goals with a trail-runner’s mindset. His message is clear: if you want to go fast on the roads, don’t be afraid to get dirty first. The strength, resilience, and joy of trail running might just be the edge you need.
So whether you’re chasing a PB or just want to make your long runs more bearable, take a page out of Tobin’s playbook, and hit the hills.
