Trail Running Poles: From Doubt to Performance Tool
For years, trail running poles were seen as something reserved for ultra distances or the steepest mountain races. Today, that perception is changing.
More and more runners are integrating poles into their training, not just race day — and discovering a clear performance advantage.
But like any tool, their impact depends entirely on how you use them.
With insights from Marie Nivet, French National Trail Running Team athlete, and Gareth Jones, ultra runner – both using Zenone poles – here’s why poles are gaining ground, and how to use them effectively.
“I didn’t believe in poles… until I tried them”
That shift in mindset is one many runners recognize.
As Marie Nivet explains:
“I didn’t believe in poles… until I tried them. Now I use them every week.”
What changes isn’t just comfort – it’s how the body manages effort.
Poles introduce a different dynamic: they redistribute load, engage the upper body,
A Tool for Efficiency, Not Just Support
The biggest misconception? That poles are only there to “help” when things get hard.
In reality, they’re a performance tool.
Used well, they can:
- Increase propulsion on climbs
- Improve energy management over long efforts
- Add upper-body engagement to an otherwise leg-dominant sport
- Stabilize movement on technical terrain
This is why more runners now train with poles even if they don’t always race with them.
Because the benefit isn’t just situational – it’s structural.
Where Most Runners Get It Wrong
According to Gareth Jones, the issue isn’t the poles – it’s how they’re used.
“If you only use poles when you’re tired, you’re already too late.”
Three common mistakes stand out:
Using them only when fatigue hits
By then, efficiency is already lost.
Relying on strength instead of rhythm
Good pole use is about timing and coordination, not force.
Not training with them
Race day is not the place to learn technique.
Like pacing or nutrition, pole usage is a skill – and it needs to be trained.
Training with Poles Changes the Runner
Beyond immediate performance gains, poles have a longer-term effect.
They expose inefficiencies:
- posture
- cadence
- coordination
And they force adaptation.
Over time, runners often develop:
- better climbing mechanics
- improved endurance distribution
- stronger upper-body contribution
Even without poles, those gains remain.
Why More Runners Train with Poles Today
There’s a clear shift in trail running: from pure endurance to efficiency and technique
Poles are now part of that evolution.
This is also why athletes like Marie Nivet and Gareth Jones integrate Zenone poles into their weekly training , not just for racing, but to build stronger, more efficient movement over time.
Choosing the Right Setup
Not all poles feel the same, and small details matter.
Weight, grip, folding system, and ease of deployment all influence how naturally poles integrate into your running.
For regular training, runners need:
- lightweight and reliable equipment
- fast deployment
- intuitive handling under fatigue
Discover the Zenone trail running poles used and tested by our ambassadors
A Shift in How We Run
Poles are no longer just a backup plan for difficult sections.
They’re becoming part of a broader approach to trail running — one that values efficiency, technique, and long-term progression.
Or, as Marie Nivet’s experience suggests, sometimes all it takes is trying them once to change your perspective entirely.
