Technical Downhill Trail Running Tutorial | Sage Running Technique Tips for mountain-ultra trails - Vo2maxProductions

Aug 13, 2025

Intro: This is a quick summary of Technical Downhill Trail Running Tutorial | Sage Running Technique Tips for mountain‑ultra trails from Vo2maxProductions. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points

Keep a faster cadence (short, quick steps) to stay balanced and avoid long, risky strides.
Scan the trail 10–15 feet ahead—not too close, not too far—to spot roots, rocks, and gaps before you step.
Use lateral arm movement to aid balance; keep shoulders relaxed and breathe steadily.
Favor short, quick foot placements over over‑reaching; if a gap is large, take a quick “lay‑up” step rather than a big leap.
Choose trail shoes with aggressive lugs for confidence on dry rock; adjust for wet or icy conditions as needed.

Workout Example (run‑focused drill, no set distance):

Warm‑up on flat terrain for 5 min at an easy pace.
Find a technical downhill section (≈5–10 % grade). Run for 3 minutes focusing on:
- Cadence: Aim for ~180 steps per minute (short, quick strides).
- Scanning: Look 10–15 ft ahead, pick the flattest foot placement.
- Arm swing: Keep arms active side‑to‑side to maintain balance.
Cool‑down 5 min easy jog, noting how your body felt. Feel free to adjust the time or add repeats—use the Pacing app to set your own intervals and paces.

Closing Note: Try these downhill technique drills on your next trail run, and tweak the cadence or scan distance to suit your comfort level. You’ll stay faster and safer on technical descents—happy running!