Spring is the best time for trail running runners to press the "start button" for the new season. Unfortunately, this is also the season when snow and water return, spring rains are frequent, and the track turns into a "slippery mud paradise". Whether you are a novice who has just entered the mountains or a well-prepared veteran, the "mud" on the spring track may become your biggest enemy.
As a brand focusing on professional trail running equipment, Haimont will bring you a full guide to spring trail running from geological microstructure to running action details, helping you use equipment and skills to directly crack this wet and slippery battle.

In-depth analysis of the natural environment of spring trail running
The environmental complexity faced by trail running running in spring is far greater than that of other seasons, and it requires systematic analysis from multiple scientific dimensions.
● Geomechanics perspective: soil behavior analysis
The ground state change of the spring track is essentially a dynamic balance process of the "soil-water" system, which mainly presents three typical states:
Snowmelt infiltration zone (saturated flow state)
"Snowmelt infiltration zone" refers to the saturated flow area formed on the ground under the snow or at the convergence of snowmelt water after the spring snow line gradually rises. These areas may seem solid on the surface, but they are actually saturated with water underneath. It is very easy to collapse, slip or even sink when you step on them, which can easily lead to falls, shoe falls off or even mild sprains.
Formation mechanism: The snow in the shaded area melts slowly, and the water seeps down and forms a temporary stagnant water layer when it encounters the frozen soil layer
Tips for identifying snowmelt infiltration areas:

Mechanical properties:
○ Shear strength decreases by 40-60%, which is equivalent to increasing grip by 25% on a 15° slope
○ Plasticity index>15, highly plastic soil, easy to adhere to soles
Identification features:
○ Surface reflectivity>55% (dry soil is usually <35%)
○ 2-3cm deep continuous footprints appear when stepped on
● Surface runoff area (super-infiltration runoff)
Super-infiltration runoff area is where the soil is saturated with water, and excess water can only flow on the surface, forming a small area with a slippery, muddy or even shallow water flow. Such areas are common after spring rains, mountain wetlands, under grass slopes, and low-lying areas in the forest, usually accompanied by the characteristics of "invisible but wet when stepped on".
Surface runoff area identification method and response suggestions:

Hydrological characteristics: 
○ Flow rate 0.3-0.8m/s, water depth usually 2-5cm 
○ Water temperature is 3-5°C lower than ambient temperature, which may cause foot muscle tension
● Clay adhesion zone (plastic deformation)
Clay adhesion zone refers to a special type of mud, which is composed of fine-grained clay and has a high water content. When people or objects step on it, the surface of the mud does not loosen and collapse like ordinary soft mud, but plastic deformation occurs, which means that the surface of the mud becomes like glue or mud, adhering to the sole or surface of the shoe.
Identification and response suggestions for clay adhesion zones:

Soil science:
○ Soil with clay content > 30% has the highest viscosity when the moisture content is 18-22%
○ A single step may cause the sole to gain 200-400g
Recommended equipment:
Haimont quick-drying breathable T-shirt: does not stick to the body after sweating, and it only takes 7 minutes to change quickly, which is suitable for emergency dressing after getting stuck in the mud.
Haimont 5L trail running vest pack: lightweight and close-fitting, non-slip, easy to carry trekking poles and spare socks and T-shirts
Trail running shoe recommendations: choose an outsole with deep teeth and good mud discharge, such as Vibram Megagrip

● Micrometeorological challenge: local climate system
There are significant microclimate differences in the trail running environment in spring, and a temperature gradient change of 0.6-1.2°C may occur for every 100 meters increase in the vertical direction.
Temperature fluctuation profile：

Humidity field distribution
Temperature inversion phenomenon: humidity in the valley can reach 95% in the early morning, while it drops to 70% above 200 meters
Evaporative cooling effect: the perceived temperature of wet clothes decreases by 3-5°C at a wind speed of 5m/s
Precipitation characteristics
Convective rainfall: strong suddenness, rainfall can reach 10-15mm within 30 minutes
Orographic rainfall: rainfall on the windward slope is 2-3 times that on the leeward slope
●Ecological impact: vegetation and animal activities
The unique ecological changes in spring directly affect the track conditions:
Vegetation changes:
Decomposition of fallen leaves: the friction coefficient of the moist humus layer drops to 0.3 (0.6 in dry state)
New vegetation: the elastic modulus of young branches is low and may whip exposed skin
Animal activities:
Soil disturbance: earthworm activity increases soil porosity and affects the bearing capacity of the ground
Migration routes: unexpected mud pits may form on routes often taken by some animals

Actual guide to slippery and muddy spring trail running races

Practical techniques and strategies
●Muddy road footwork breakdown
The road conditions in spring are complex, and the surface is full of water. In muddy roads, special attention should be paid to "light footwork, stable center of gravity, and quick reaction".
◎ Key skills include: shortening the stride to avoid over-striding and slipping
◎ Increasing the step frequency, faster and lighter footsteps, and easier to make adjustments
◎ Keeping the center of gravity centered and forward for greater stability
◎ Avoid "heavy stepping + pulling" to prevent shoes from sinking into the mud
●Uphill skills: three important tips for overcoming landslides
◎ Use a zigzag route
Climbing at an angle can effectively reduce the actual climbing angle and reduce the accumulation of fatigue on the front thigh muscles.
◎ Shorten the stride to 60% of the flat road
The short and sharp stride makes it easier for you to deal with the sliding surface and improve the grip stability.
◎ Land on the forefoot + slightly tilt the center of gravity forward
The forefoot has a stronger "feel control" ability, which is conducive to finding friction points in wetlands. Keeping the center of gravity forward can reduce the risk of sliding backwards.
Practical advice: Wear trail running shoes with deep grip patterns and soft soles, and match them with Haimont quick-drying T-shirts to avoid sweating and affecting the uphill rhythm due to stuffiness.
●Downhill control: Anti-skid first prevent collision
◎ Increase the step frequency to more than 180 steps/minute
Small steps and fast frequencies allow you to react to changes in the mud surface faster, improve your sense of control, and prevent the center of gravity from rushing forward.
◎Use the terrain on both sides - branches and bushes as natural "handrails"
If allowed, you can touch the bushes lightly or hold a trekking pole to add a third point of support for your body.
◎ Sit slightly back with your center of gravity
Appropriately leaning back with your center of gravity reduces the risk of slipping forward, especially on steep downhill or slippery rock sections.
Practical advice: Adapt to the sensation of wet rocks in advance, and you can strengthen it by doing "wet stone step training".
●Flat road passing method: seek speed in stability
◎ Prioritize the grass and soil areas at the edge of the track to pass through sections with greater natural friction
◎ Avoid lateral sharp turns or sudden changes of direction, and maintain a straight or gently curved route
◎ Take off and land lightly with your feet, avoid dragging your feet and stepping on puddles

Equipment maintenance tips
● Immediate processing (self-check every 5KM)
◎ Check the tightness of the shoelaces
Loose shoelaces in wet and slippery conditions can easily cause the shoes to fall off or step on empty feet. It is recommended to use elastic shoelaces + quick buckle system or double knot method to tie knots.
◎ Use branches to clean mud on the soles of shoes
Mud adhering to the soles will reduce the grip of the shoes. Before each small climb/descent, use hard branches or stone edges to remove mud from the shoe pattern.
● Maintenance during the race
◎ Rinse the socks/trouser legs at the supply station
Use the water source at the supply station to quickly wash away the sand and grass clippings to avoid blisters or skin abrasions caused by long-term friction.
◎ Change spare T-shirts to keep dry
Haimont breathable T-shirts are easy to change and dry quickly. You can change at the turnaround point or supply station.
● Post-race care
◎ Stuff newspapers in the shoes to absorb moisture and shape
Newspapers have strong moisture absorption and can also maintain the shape of the shoes; do not expose wet shoes to the sun, otherwise it will affect the adhesion and breathability of the soles.
◎ Hand wash clothes in cold water and avoid using softeners
Softeners will block the breathable pores of functional fabrics and destroy the quick-drying effect. It is recommended to wash with neutral cold water.

Training and adaptation plan
● Balance training (2-3 times a week)
◎ Single-leg standing (cushion): 3 sets × 30 seconds/side, improve ankle proprioception and balance reaction ability
◎ Bosu ball squat (Bosu): 2 sets × 15 times, simulate the force under unstable terrain
● Strength preparation (basic to intermediate runners)
◎ Weighted step training: carry 5-10kg on both shoulders, 2 times a week, 15-20 minutes each time, increase the weight by 10% week by week
◎Ankle resistance exercise: use elastic band to do 10 cycles of exercises inward/outward/upward/downward, 2 times per set
● Environmental adaptation training
Slippery road adaptation stage (3-week incremental method)
◎ Week 1: Choose a muddy road/grass with a water content of about 30%
◎ Week 2: Enter a slippery forest or earth slope (50% muddy)
◎ Week 3: All-terrain simulation, arrange mixed terrain with rocks, grass, and puddles
You can wear old shoes + old equipment for simulation training to reduce the wear and tear of training equipment.
● Psychological construction
◎ Mindfulness training: Do 5 minutes of restful breathing before training, learn to "allow yourself to be covered in mud and water", and improve psychological resilience
◎ Visualization practice: Before the game, close your eyes and imagine yourself confidently and steadily crossing the muddy area to establish a "successful" memory template.

Emergency and safety measures
●Hypothermia prevention
Critical temperature monitoring
◎ When the body surface shivers + slow movements + blurred thinking, it is likely that the core temperature has dropped below 35.5°C
◎ At this time, you should stop immediately, put on warm equipment, and take in calories
Emergency equipment recommendations:
◎ 100g lightweight down vest (foldable into a vest pack)
◎ Disposable emergency insulation blanket (weighs about 50g, recommended to carry with you)
◎ Spare dry T-shirt (Haimont quick-drying model is recommended)
●Common injury treatment
Blister prevention
◎ Apply anti-wear cream before the game (such as Body Glide) is used on the soles of the feet, toe joints, and shoe openings.
◎Double-layer anti-friction sock system: the inner layer is close to the skin and dries quickly, and the outer layer is non-slip and reduces friction.
Sprain treatment (applicable to ankles/knees)
◎RICE principle treatment:
○R (Rest): Stop exercising to prevent the injury from worsening.
○I (Ice): Apply cold compress to the injured area for 15-20 minutes.
○C (Compression): Use elastic bandage to fix it.
○E (Elevation): Elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling.
It is recommended to reserve elastic bandages/cold packs in the vest pack to reserve an emergency window for emergencies.

In spring trail running races, technology and training are certainly important, but what really runs out of safety and efficiency is often a set of practical equipment systems that fit the road conditions. Wet, muddy, and with large temperature differences, these spring-specific challenges not only test the runner's body and will, but also put forward higher requirements for the breathability, waterproofness, quick replacement, and practical functionality of the equipment. Just as we focus on "adapting to local conditions" in training, we also need to tailor our equipment to the "early spring terrain" - the following are several core equipment recommendations and strategic suggestions to keep you moving forward calmly in the mud.

Strategy 1: Wear the right clothes to let your body breathe freely
Problem analysis:
The temperature in spring is unstable, sometimes cold and sometimes warm. If runners wear too much, they will sweat and get hot, and if they wear too little, they will lose temperature in the wind and rain. Especially in trail running with many ups and downs and large changes in rhythm, sweat and rain are mixed together. If the clothes are not breathable, it is like "running in a plastic bag", which can easily cause overheating or cold.
Key to coping: Breathable + Quick Dry + Lightweight
◎ Breathability can quickly discharge heat and maintain a relatively stable body surface temperature;
◎ Quick-drying fabrics can quickly dry after being soaked in sweat or rain, reducing the feeling of stuffiness;
◎ Lightweight structure does not "hang water" after absorbing water, avoiding clothing weight.
Recommended equipment:
Haimont men's/women's breathable quick-drying T-shirts
◎ Lightweight polyester + mesh breathable structure, significantly better breathability than ordinary sports T-shirts;
◎ Moisture-wicking fabric, with antibacterial design, easy to sweat in spring but not afraid of odor;
◎ The back and underarm areas are designed with air circulation, suitable for backpack-loaded scenes to avoid back heat and humidity.
Applicable scenarios: 20KM and above trail running, morning running in rainy days, spring high-humidity mountain forest training.

 

Strategy 2: Choose the right backpack to run more lightly
●Problem analysis:
The slippery weather in spring places higher demands on backpacks: there is a lot of rain and mud. Backpacks with poor water absorption and ventilation will not only increase weight, but may also cause sweating on the back and cause abrasions.
What's more, the storage structure of some backpacks is unreasonable, making it difficult to take things in the rain, resulting in delayed replenishment and affecting the rhythm of the game.
Key to coping: water-repellent + quick drying + reasonable partitioning + close fit without shaking
◎Water-repellent material can keep equipment dry in drizzle and muddy water;
◎Quick-drying mesh design prevents water accumulation and dampness;
◎Multi-pocket system can quickly take energy supplies, saving precious time;
◎The carrying system needs to fit the body to avoid secondary friction caused by sliding.
●Recommended equipment:
Haimont trail running lightweight vest pack (8L/8L pro)
◎The outer layer is water-repellent, which can withstand splashing water and light rain;
◎The back panel and shoulder straps use honeycomb breathable mesh fabric, which can quickly wick away sweat;
◎The chest stabilizing buckle design is shock-absorbing and anti-shaking, making running more stable;
◎Equipped with multiple soft water bottle inserts and energy gel quick-access bags, suitable for spring trail runningraces over 20KM.
Applicable people: long-distance trail running runners, rainy day training, spring marathon runners.

 

Strategy 3: Strong grip on the soles, and only when the feet are dry can you feel at ease
●Problem analysis:
Spring trail running often encounters complex road conditions such as muddy ground, slippery stone slabs, and trails covered with fallen leaves. A slip will not only affect the performance, but may also cause serious injuries such as sprains and strains.
In addition, in a humid environment, long-term soaking of the feet after the shoes are soaked in water will also cause blisters and peeling, affecting the running rhythm.
Key to coping: anti-slip outsole + quick-drying upper + drainage system + special socks
◎Deep anti-slip patterns can enhance the grip on muddy ground;
◎Breathable upper + drainage holes can effectively drain moisture from the shoes;
◎Quick-drying and waterproof socks can extend the dry time of the feet and prevent blisters.
●Practical skills:
◎Choose trail running shoes instead of ordinary road running shoes;
◎Waterproof spray can be used to treat the uppers in advance during rainy day competitions;
◎Apply vaseline to the soles of the feet or wear double-layer anti-blister socks to enhance protection.

The challenges of spring trail running are not just the mud and water in front of you, but also the choice of muscles, the test of equipment and the psychological confrontation. I hope this scientific and practical guide can become your secret weapon in spring.
Haimont spring series equipment is now online. It provides you with a stable step and comfortable every kilometer, and a double insurance of technology and equipment.