Buy new:
-12% $21.97
FREE delivery Monday, March 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon
Sold by: Emin Bookstore
$21.97 with 12 percent savings
List Price: $24.95
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, March 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Saturday, March 15. Order within 2 hrs 28 mins.
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$21.97 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$21.97
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon
Amazon
Ships from
Amazon
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$6.57
Pages are clean and are not marred by notes or folds of any kind. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less Pages are clean and are not marred by notes or folds of any kind. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less See less
FREE delivery March 19 - 24. Details
In stock
$$21.97 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$21.97
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Sarah Lavender Smith
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Trail Runner's Companion: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trail Running and Racing, from 5Ks to Ultras Paperback – Illustrated, June 1, 2017

by Sarah Lavender Smith (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 233 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$21.97","priceAmount":21.97,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"21","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"97","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"DfmYl91Flzkv8V5Jo%2Bvoagv6hFWq0RTh2jaMDOltufyASvJgNNaY5SXUl8mcIUhQSpyLYr6WtvSXRUnAg4m77G72k%2B6pcr5zXvlqA8tKPyyyjqYTMFCPUG9EpRM5GlTmLMwqqTOBerOX7KLXlwaJQNCKk5T2zQW%2BmYKOTvZkO1R%2FUrRhPWBs2xIVksmU0crr","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$6.57","priceAmount":6.57,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"6","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"57","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"DfmYl91Flzkv8V5Jo%2Bvoagv6hFWq0RThheIRBJvEATUIe0XA4Mk8OENsquFS84lFFZqR6Z7cdC7sxsFzlCVaIpX%2FuUUdWGSH41Zc9B%2BqFQZzLorCuCdm3LhTuBu%2BUFQ6w%2BxXxJuBMESiTUmajjiQs2aT1W%2FtZ5f9fuLv%2BslTbwxesgbUdvVAH%2FSEaC7uVFJG","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

The sport of trail running is booming as more runners seek more adventurous routes and a deeper connection with nature. Not only are runners taking to the trail, but a growing number are challenging themselves to go past the conventional 26.2-mile marathon point. The time is right for a book that covers everything a runner needs to safely and successfully run and race trails, from 5Ks to ultra distances.

Like a trusted coach, The Trail Runner’s Companion offers an inspiring, practical, and goal-oriented approach to trail running and racing. Whether readers are looking to up their distance or tackle new terrain, they’ll find sophisticated, yet clear advice that boosts performance and enhances well-being. Along the way, they’ll learn:
  • Trail-specific techniques and must-have gear
  • What to eat, drink, and think—before, during, and after any trail run
  • How to develop mental tenacity and troubleshoot challenges on longer trail adventures
  • Colorful commentary on the characters and culture that make the sport special

With an engaging, encouraging voice, including tips and anecdotes from well-known names in the sport, The Trail Runner's Companion is the ultimate guide to achieving peak performance—and happiness— out on the trails.


"Sarah Lavender Smith has long been one of trail running’s finest and most insightful writers, and her first book, The Trail Runner’s Companion, ties everything together for all trail runners, from newbies to veterans and all abilities in between. She expertly and empathetically describes how one should train, eat, drink, and think while becoming a trail runner. But perhaps most importantly of all, she tells us what it means to be a trail runner—why this journey, in her words, 'all the way up to the summit and back down,' is worth the effort. If you already are a trail runner, The Trail Runner’s Companion will make you want to become a better trail runner. If you aren’t yet a trail runner, The Trail Runner’s Companion will make you want to become one.” - John Trent, longtime ultrarunner, race director, Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run board member, and award-winning sportswriter

"The Trail Runner's Companion is a must-have for all trail runners, both new and experienced. It brings a wealth of knowledge and entertaining stories to keep you engaged in the valuable content of the book. If only I had The Trail Runner's Companion to read before my first trail race, I could have avoided so many mistakes! I highly recommend it.” - Kaci Lickteig, 2016 UltraRunning Magazine UltraRunner of the Year and Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run champion
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    296 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Falcon Guides
  4. Publication date
    June 1, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    7.45 x 0.74 x 9.24 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1493027743
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1493027743
  8. See all details
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Frequently bought together

The Trail Runner's Companion: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trail Running and Racing, from 5Ks to Ultras
This item: The Trail Runner's Companion: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trail Running and Racing, from 5Ks to Ultras
$21.97
Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 17
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by Emin Bookstore and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook: Get fit, confident and skilled-up to go from 5k to 50k
$19.70
Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 17
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Training Essentials for Ultrarunning- Second Edition
$30.79
Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 17
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Trail Runner's Companion is a must for runners looking to hit the trails! With humor and insight, Sarah provides practical and time-tested tools for success with trail running. Whether you are brand new to trails, or preparing to tackle an ultramarathon, Sarah's book will be a tremendous resource." -- Cory Reese, author of Nowhere Near First and columnist for UltraRunning Magazine

"Sarah Lavender Smith has long been one of trail running’s finest and most insightful writers, and her first book, The Trail Runner’s Companion, ties everything together for all trail runners, from newbies to veterans and all abilities in between. She expertly and empathetically describes how one should train, eat, drink, and think while becoming a trail runner. But perhaps most importantly of all, she tells us what it means to be a trail runner—why this journey, in her words, 'all the way up to the summit and back down,' is worth the effort. If you already are a trail runner, The Trail Runner’s Companion will make you want to become a better trail runner. If you aren’t yet a trail runner, The Trail Runner’s Companion will make you want to become one." -- John Trent, longtime ultrarunner, race director, Western States Endurance Run board member, and award-winning sportswriter

"Sarah Lavender Smith is a prolific runner, writer, and adventurer, and her new book is the definitive work on all things related to running on that majority of Earth's surface unpaved by the hands of man. Whether you’re an elite athlete looking to tackle a multi-day race through the wilderness, or a first-timer seeking to venture onto less tamed pathways, The Trail Runner’s Companion is an indispensable resource for all your needs and something that belongs on every runner’s bookshelf." -- Dean Karnazes, ultrarunner and New York Times bestselling author

"Sarah Lavender Smith's book, The Trail Runner's Companion, will guide a newbie trail runner to success while being comprehensive enough that a veteran trail runner can glean many useful tips. Sarah blends her own trail running savvy with knowledge from well-known experts. Beyond being chock-full of practical advice, the book nicely captures the ethos of trail running and the mindset of the trail running community. Sarah peppers the advice with personal anecdotes, which keeps the book relatable and entertaining to read." -- Pam Smith, M.D., 100K national champion, Angeles Crest 100-mile course record holder, and 2013 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run champion

"The Trail Runner’s Companion is a must-have for all trail runners, both new and experienced. It brings a wealth of knowledge and entertaining stories to keep you engaged in the valuable content of the book. If only I had The Trail Runner’s Companion to read before my first trail race, I could have avoided so many mistakes! I highly recommend it." -- Kaci Lickteig, 2016 UltraRunning Magazine UltraRunner of the Year and Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run champion

"The Trail Runner's Companion is an excellent resource for those just entering the wacky world of ultras, as well as for those looking to sharpen their skills, improve times, and reduce injury. Through Sarah's anecdotes that precede each chapter, we're able to immediately put into perspective and vision the lesson we'll be learning and how it relates to real life. Her tips for success—honed after over two decades of running and racing—are excellent reminders of what we need to do to be more successful when the gun fires. Great resource." -- Eric Schranz, host and writer at UltraRunnerPodcast.com

"With The Trail Runner’s Companion, veteran ultramarathoner Sarah Lavender Smith presents a thoroughly researched compendium full of useful tips. Sarah is an engaging storyteller, and this fun-to-read book is chock full of great recollections and advice from savvy mid-pack runners and elite competitors. The Trail Runner’s Companion is an essential resource for beginners and experienced runners alike." -- John Medinger, veteran ultrarunner, race director, and Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run president

"Sarah has really nailed it. From gear to nutrition to lingo, it’s everything a budding trail runner needs to get going and thrive on trails." -- Magdalena Boulet, 2015 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run Champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian

About the Author

Sarah Lavender Smith is a seasoned competitive trail runner, coach, and contributor to Trail Runner magazine. She also co-hosts UltraRunnerPodcast.com and blogs on TheRunnersTrip.com. A mother of two teens, Sarah has finished more than 70 marathons and ultramarathons.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Falcon Guides; Illustrated edition (June 1, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 296 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1493027743
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1493027743
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.76 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.45 x 0.74 x 9.24 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 233 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Sarah Lavender Smith

Sarah Lavender Smith

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Sarah Lavender Smith is a long-distance trail/ultra runner, running coach, journalist, adventurer, and mom of two teens. She took up running in her mid-20s during graduate school, and in the two decades following, completed more than 70 marathons and ultras with top finishes at several. She's also a world traveler, having lived nomadically around the globe for a year while "roadschooling" her kids along the way. Sarah and her family, along with their dog and horse, divide their time between Northern California and Southwestern Colorado.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
233 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book informative and helpful for trail running. They appreciate the relatable writing style and easy-to-understand explanations. The book is described as an enjoyable read with wonderful stories sprinkled throughout. Readers enjoy the beautiful color pictures and illustrations. The book covers all the basics for new trail runners, providing a comprehensive guide. Customers also mention that the book has humor and funny insights from famous ultra runners. Overall, customers find the content useful and packed with good information that anyone can apply.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

Information qualityReadabilityEnjoymentStory tellingPhotographyCoverageHumorContent quality
59 customers mention "Information quality"59 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and engaging for trail runners. They appreciate its valuable insights and practical advice on distance running. The book is comprehensive and focuses on general principles and processes for training.

"...Not only that, but I found lots of helpful nuggets, explained in a logical, convincing, coherent, down-to-earth fashion, especially in the chapters..." Read more

"...One of the most helpful sections goes over building up training plans; I've been way more successful developing my own training plans based on Sarah..." Read more

"...All the information on nutrition, training approaches/strategies, and safety advice is spot on and useful for many different types of running goals...." Read more

"...in make the book super engaging and fun, while also including really helpful information on everything from running form to trail etiquette to being..." Read more

35 customers mention "Readability"35 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's writing style relatable and easy to understand. They appreciate the author's integration of personal experience with evidence-based research to present thoughtful stories with tips and lingo they feel comfortable with. The book is described as a quick read that takes readers along on the author's journey, making it a must-read for trail runners.

"...helpful nuggets, explained in a logical, convincing, coherent, down-to-earth fashion, especially in the chapters on running form, training strategies..." Read more

"...She details her mistakes and triumphs, taking the reader along on her journey and sharing the vast wonder and personal discovery that this..." Read more

"...For a running book author Sarah L Smith has found the perfect balance between readability (interesting stories) and data driven without the..." Read more

"...others are in no-way elitist but 100% authentic, making her relatable to a wide audience from beginner's to the veteran trail runner...." Read more

30 customers mention "Enjoyment"30 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it informative and a useful reference for trail and ultra running. The book is described as an enjoyable and relaxing read with background knowledge and humor.

"...Sarah writes extremely well, which makes this book an enjoyable read...." Read more

"...(because it's gorgeous and a joy to read)..." Read more

"Love this book! Of all my running books this one is my favorite, it has a bit of everything in it...." Read more

"...Sarah's stories mixed in make the book super engaging and fun, while also including really helpful information on everything from running form to..." Read more

12 customers mention "Story telling"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storytelling in the book. They mention it's filled with wonderful stories and sprinkled throughout the book that beckon them to read.

"...I Especially loved the Bay Area stories which relate to my trail experience here...." Read more

"...I learned a lot and enjoyed the stories and anecdotes that brought the lessons to life...." Read more

"...the conversational style of Sarah’s writing and also her personal stories in each chapter...." Read more

"...What I didn't expect to find but really loved was the storytelling sprinkled throughout the book that beckoned me to read the whole thing, cover to..." Read more

7 customers mention "Photography"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's photography. They find the pictures and content awesome. The book is well-written and illustrated.

"...I'd recommend buying both the print version (because it's gorgeous and a joy to read)..." Read more

"...Lots of photographs which were welcome since they gave a different perspective to someone staying in an Indian metro where closest trail is at many..." Read more

"...wow! I'm impressed! great tips! great do's and don'ts! and beautiful color pics!!!!..." Read more

"...experience that she shares in this book, which is well written and illustrated, I highly recommend getting a copy!" Read more

4 customers mention "Coverage"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book covers all the basics for new trail runners. They find it comprehensive and well-written.

"...Both do a great job of covering the basics for someone new to trail running and ultras...." Read more

"This is a fantastic resource! The author did a wonderful job covering all the bases I needed as a new trail runner...." Read more

"Comprehensive, well-written guide to trail running!..." Read more

"Good coverage..." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the humor in the book. They find the storytelling engaging and humorous, with insightful stories from famous ultrarunners.

"...draws upon a deep fund of background knowledge, experience, and witty sense of humor to provide a handy reference on the sport of trail running...." Read more

"...with wonderful stories and her storytelling is on point and filled with humor...." Read more

"...Lots of funny insights and pertinent stories from many famous ultra runners. Definitely worth the read, even if you are a seasoned runner already." Read more

"...Funny, personal, inspirational!" Read more

3 customers mention "Content quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book has good, solid information that anyone can apply. They say it helps them run more effectively.

"...Of all my running books this one is my favorite, it has a bit of everything in it...." Read more

"...enormously in learning to run more strategically, more carefully, and more consciously...." Read more

"...It's packed with good, solid information that anyone can apply in the world of trail running, novice and experienced...." Read more

Enjoy the trails
5 out of 5 stars
Enjoy the trails
I am new to trail running and ultras , last year signed up for my first trail and Ultra , so I wanted to read all about this new adventure, I found this book recently and glad I read it , wish I had the paperback rather than on Kindle, I am sure I will return to this book when I run my second ultra this fall, like it was a female author so relates to me
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Katrin
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent guide for all trail runners
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I have finished 18 100-mile races, including the grand slam of ultra running. This book was recommended to me by several friends, who are mostly novice runners. They all were impressed with the level of expertise and solid, useable advice on these pages. Because of these rave reviws, I had a positive impression, but honestly did not think this book had much to offer for someone with my decades-long trail running experience. I finally got around to reading it myself, and now wish I had done this earlier, like before my first 100, or before my 18th. Sarah writes extremely well, which makes this book an enjoyable read. Not only that, but I found lots of helpful nuggets, explained in a logical, convincing, coherent, down-to-earth fashion, especially in the chapters on running form, training strategies, nutrition, and ultras. But my favorite parts are the ones where Sarah's passion for this beautiful sport shines through. Her writing becomes downright poetic a few times, e.g. when she talks about her favorite piece of advice, which has become my favorite piece of advice: Take what the trail gives you. So simple, yet so profound. Please read this book, no matter ho many ultras you've completed. It's worth your time.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Sommer Johansen
    5.0 out of 5 stars It's like having a coach on my bookshelf and in my pocket!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I can't emphasize enough how useful this book has been to me. I was just dipping my toes into trail running when it came out two years ago, and after making all the usual mistakes, I decided I needed to do some research if I wanted to continue. Sarah's planning and advice has guided me through 3 seasons of training and racing so far, ending this season with my first 50 miler. One of the most helpful sections goes over building up training plans; I've been way more successful developing my own training plans based on Sarah's guidelines than I was following random plans I found online. Her practical trail advice has been super useful too, especially from a female perspective. But my absolute favorite parts are Sarah's personal stories. She details her mistakes and triumphs, taking the reader along on her journey and sharing the vast wonder and personal discovery that this (sometimes absurd) sport delivers.
    I'd recommend buying both the print version (because it's gorgeous and a joy to read) and the ebook (it's SO handy to have it as a reference in my pocket whenever I need). Thank you, Sarah!
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Judy M. Weeks
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    my husband loves it
    Helpful
     Report
  • Crystal
    5.0 out of 5 stars So Glad I bought this book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Love this book! Of all my running books this one is my favorite, it has a bit of everything in it. For a running book author Sarah L Smith has found the perfect balance between readability (interesting stories) and data driven without the overwhelming feeling of a physiology textbook. I Especially loved the Bay Area stories which relate to my trail experience here. I brought this book with me to run and train in the high Sierras and really appreciated all the advice on training strategies for long mountains and altitude running. All the information on nutrition, training approaches/strategies, and safety advice is spot on and useful for many different types of running goals. I'm keeping this as my running bible. Will read it again! Update 1/22: loaned my book out and missed it so bad as a reference I had to buy another.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Casey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not your average running guide! Incredibly informative AND a lot of fun!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The Trail Runner's Companion is a great guide to trail running. Sarah's stories mixed in make the book super engaging and fun, while also including really helpful information on everything from running form to trail etiquette to being prepared for the unexpected. I find myself thinking about many of the tips provided when I am out running. For example, I've been reminding myself to be process-oriented in my training and NOT as focused on the end goal. I've also been incorporating dynamic stretching into my pre-run routine. Sarah is clearly an accomplished runner with a wealth of knowledge on all things trail running, but what I found the most enjoyable was her ability to keep it real throughout the book. The experiences she shares from her own life and those of others are in no-way elitist but 100% authentic, making her relatable to a wide audience from beginner's to the veteran trail runner. And, I really appreciate learning from a strong woman and reading about all the kick-ass things she's accomplished in her running career. I finished this book not only feeling more equipped to become a stronger trail runner, but super motivated to see what I am capable of and inspired by Sarah as well. Highly recommend!!
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Steve Powell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Informative
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The Trail Runner’s Companion is a fun, engaging, informative read. I learned a lot and enjoyed the stories and anecdotes that brought the lessons to life. It’s a book I imagine I will refer back to many times in the coming months and years.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • PK
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic read for novice trail and ultra runners
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I’m a novice ultra runner with aspirations to run trails and have been reading a lot of books on the subject. Must confess that my previous one was by Jason Koop which appealed to my engineering background where every small and big concept related to running had a scientific explanation, which was just great. And when I started Sarah’s book I thought I had made a mistake in buying this book but how wrong I was! This is a fabulous book for novices (I don’t know about the experienced runners) and I’m one hundred percent sure that I’m going back to first page and start reading it all over again!
    I loved the conversational style of Sarah’s writing and also her personal stories in each chapter. Lots of photographs which were welcome since they gave a different perspective to someone staying in an Indian metro where closest trail is at many hour’s drive!
    This book gives a good reference frame for starting my trail running ambition and will be a valuable resource that I would keep coming back to even after many years.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Annie Prendergast
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in Canada on March 31, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Awesome book. Really clear and concise. Easy to read. Great for road runners to get ready for a trail race.
    Report
  • Wendy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, motivating, relatable - a great companion for anyone to hit the trail and run
    Reviewed in Germany on April 20, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This book has changed so much inside me, it is hard to even describe. I think it is very well-written, authentic, relatable and so so inspiring to get out there and run! No book on running has ever had a similar effect on me.

    I am so happy to have found my spot in running and it is to great parts thanks to "The Trail Runner's Companion" that motivated me beyond what I assumed to be possible for me.

    Smith spares the reader the scientific details of the physiology of running or nutrition (other authors have done that multiple times already) and instead offers her experiences in a way that is not intimidating for the novice and not redundant for the more experienced runner.
    Thus, "companion" is a great choice of title, as the book clearly serves as a companion rather than a "bible" for anyone who wants to get inspiration for running.
    Report
  • Higuel Noroes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Game changer book
    Reviewed in Brazil on May 2, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Ok so I just came back from a 15 km running, and this book has definitely its hands on my running routine. I explain.

    I am training for a B-level race on mid-2018 and in the end of 2018 I'll run my A-level race of 52 km. I choose that based on Chapter 9. And I am training with specificity as Chapter 10 recommends. I choose to do a ultra this year in part due to the encouragement on Chapter 12 and 13.

    I am using gear recommended on Chapter 2, running with the techniques described on Chapter 4. My nutrition and hydration has been done as per Chapter 7 suggests and I've taken the safety precautions that I read on Chapter 6.

    My conditioning is quite similar to what is described on Chapter 5. Before my run I am doing Sarah's dynamic stretching and after I do the static stretching she recommends.

    When race day comes nearby, I'll reread Chapter 11.

    But, most importantly, my mindset on trail running has changed due to this book. Sarah's takes on "smile while you run", "greet others fellow runners" and "take what the trail gives you" has completely changed my approach to running. I felt joy, yes, but now I feel wonderful!

    Today on my 15 km run, there was a guy who closed the gap behind me. I could hear him gasping and loud knocking with his feet, trying to keep up to my pace. If this was months ago, before I'd read this book, I would just speed up more and "showing him who is the boss". However, today I just followed along and waited for him to fatigue to failure. When he reduced his pace and open the gap, I just slowed too and told him to keep up, helping him to get the most out of him. He kept pushing with me for few miles and thanked me for the support. You could see his "I don't believe this guys just help me" face. It made his and my day.

    Thanks, Sarah, for putting this book out there.
    Report
  • Catherine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful information
    Reviewed in Canada on May 28, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This book is great. The author gives a lot of useful information and I learned a lot.
    Report
  • John W
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good practical tips for trail running
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Bought this book for tips on how to put together a trail running training program as I found that difficult to get from other books. It was very useful in that regard as it gives you the essential sessions to include and some examples but leaves a lot of room for tailoring to your own circumstances.
    Report