The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running, 2nd: Everything You Need to Know About Equipment * Finding Trails * Nutrition * Hill Strategy * Racing * Avoiding Injury * Training * Weather * Safety

I'm oversimplyfying - trail running is different in many ways but I'm not sure there is enough that is different to warrant an entire book on the subject. I can see a general running book covering all the differences in 3-4 chapters. If you've read a running book or if you've been running for awhile you'll already be familiar with most of what you read here.Having said that, I enjoyed the book because I enjoy reading about running even if some of it is a repeat. The highlights for me were the chapters on the different types of trail racing, trail running technique and equipment.

This book was incredibly helpful to me.It covers just about anything a beginner trail runner would want to know.My favorite part was all the considerations and suggestions the author made. For example, he mentions jogging strollers for parents who want to trail run.In the section about shoes, the author discusses what to do if you wear orthotics. That comment made me go from thinking about taking up the sport to doing it. The way he addressed other people's challenges and provided solutions made me feel like this sport is right for me... special considerations and all.

I thought this was a helpful introduction to trail running. I recently became interested in running trails after completing my first marathon, and deciding later to delve into ultramarathons and trails. I only gave it four stars because I found some of the information to be repetitive of so many running books on the market. However, if you do not have many running books and are interested in what it takes, and what you need, to get started on trails, this is a good book.

I won't say that I didn't like the book, but it just didn't give me what I was looking for. It had good information in it but it was just a little to general for me. I guess I was hoping for illustrations and stories of ultra runners. There was some illustrations but I guess I was looking for the authors perspective and their personal experience. I didn't like the comparisons to road runners and trail runners. I am a road runner looking to get into trail running and just wanted information. The book is still worth the price.

While the book does have a lot of good information, I found it all to be overwhelming, almost like they were writing the book for people who already ran trails. It made me want to give up because I felt like I could never be as good as these other people the book was referring to.

Good book for beginners who don't know much about trail running. It covers all of the bases from techniques, clothing, dealing with weather changes, hydration,and encounters with wild animals.

Really good practical tips..especially in helping to run downhill more confidently.

This was a gift so I had to ask the recipient how he liked it and he said that it was everything that he'd hoped it would be.

Excellent book!!! Really slanted for the other side of the pond (USA) but still filled lots of useful hints, tips and training help - and written in a style that makes it easy to pick up and get in to...Reccomended for anyone who likes heir running but wants to get off the beaten tracks...

Excellent book for trail runners, starting out

Although reasonable for a beginner it mainly looks at running in USA and their races. It says little about European trail running eg Fell running or up hill races on mainland Europe which is why I personally gave it a low score.

I can't say enough good things about this book: thorough, well-organized, motivating, fun to flip through or read sequentially, and makes me eager to get back out on the trails. It is a great book for the beginner who has recently turned from running on roads to hilly trails (like me) and probably also suitable for an intermediate-level trail runner. In short, if you have ever thought of taking to the trails for fitness and a break from regular running, buy this book! I really liked the stories/opinions written by or about various trail runners on everything from form, to wildlife experiences, to eating habits, which is surprising because I am often annoyed but such "anecdotal bits" in other books. Due to the extremley varied nature of trails and trail running (in terms of terrain, elevation changes, distances, personal abilities), don't expect specific and detailed training schedules or nutritional plans, but do expect some well-explained guidelines and examples of basic routines for these subjects. Also provides quite thorough discussions on equipment as well. I have only two suggestions for improvement: 1) I really wish there were some drawings or photos to show proper form (and common mistakes) for ascents, descents, stride, footfall placement, etc. 2) The section on "Racing and Directing a Race" was really only written for race directors, with a mere two paragraphs about being a competitor. That was quite disapointing since I have only been in two trail races and quickly realized that I have a lot to learn about pacing myself on a trail I've never tried, and about passing other people on hills (down or up, both seem tricky), as well the pre-race prep, etc. However, I imagine that this section, as it is currently written, would be invaluable to anyone directing a race.

Good book. In a good state. Good price. Thank you very much.