Hal Koerner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning: Training for an Ultramarathon, from 50K to 100 Miles and Beyond Kindle Edition

As other readers have commented, this isn't the most informative ultrarunning how-to book out there. Nevertheless, it's an easy read and has some useful advice. If nothing else, it might serve as a companion to better training books like "Relentless Forward Progress." The subtitle of Koerner's book is a bit misleading. It seems the entire guide is geared toward the 100-mile distance. Koerner focuses a lot on bonking, foot care, hiking, nutrition, night running and headlamps--many things that aren't of great concern if you're running a 50K or maybe even a 50-mile event. In a 200-page book, the author repeats himself a few times, such as when and when not to wear cotton. Koerner seems to forget that when most people decide to tackle the ultra distance, they already have significant running experience and know not to wear cotton t-shirts. I think this book was a way for Koerner to give back to the sport and, less charitably, capitalize on his name as one of the greats of ultrarunning. I'd be doing the same if I were him. What ultimately disappointed me about this book is that the tone is so generic, like it's been sanitized. All I know of Koerner is what I've seen on YouTube, but he seems like a great guy with a big personality. I think readers would've benefited much more from a memoir of Koerner's own triumphs and mistakes as an ultrarunner. We see glimpses of this, as when he talks about wearing women's capris at UTMB and the chafing that resulted. But then he'll slip back into a dull recitation of advice. The advice is never bad, but Koerner seems to realize--and, to his credit, acknowledge--that over 100 miles different things are going to work for different people. Nutrition is going to be entirely different, along with preferences for gear, trekking poles, light sources... Again, this is why I wish there had been more about what worked for the author, not bland prescriptive do's and don'ts. The writing is fine; I would call it "workmanlike." All the rough edges have been sanded smooth. Hopefully Koerner will someday write the memoir and keep the rough edges in, because I'd love to hear the dirt on his own life as a trail runner.

This book is very, very basic. If you know nothing about Ultras or trail running, it might be good for you. If you are already a trail runner who knows anything at all about Ultras, it won't do much for you. Most of the book is terminology followed by, "Do whatever works for you." It is nice to read some of what Hal does during races and when issues arise. The actual training plans are from pages 179 - 188. This isn't really a book on training for an Ultra. It's more like, understanding trail/ultra running.

Couldn't ask for a better FAQ guidebook to answer questions about the insights, process and preparation for getting into ultra running. Excellent for beginners and experts alike with specific topics covered in table of contents to go directly to answer specific questions. I'd say the only draw back are the training programs which I assume are directed for runners who have a high mileage base or have previous half or marathon training (not going to go from couch to 50km or 50 miles with these plans).

Although the writting is smooth and Hal's tips for training and ultra days are pretty straight forward and great, I thought the training plans could have more details in it, how to increase fartlek sessions (speed or time or less rest?), how to increase hill training difficulty (more inclined, more time, more speed?). I do not know if it is easy to know how to make it more difficult, but since I am going for my second ultrarun, I am still quite a newbie at this.Any how, the book makes you really want to start running as soon as possible and just enjoy the run and not give a rats ass if you are first or last, but enjoy. great work

Competently written with the assistance of Adam Chase, the guide is well organized from preparation to gear, from training to racing. For those looking for an exciting read into the world of trail ultras, this book will disappoint. At no point does it wax poetic about the trails. Instead, Koerner focused on getting you there, and safely, so you can do the poetic bit yourself. Also, the less romantic bits like eating on the run, handling mud, and where to pee.One thing that might be misleading to some - this guide is exclusively oriented to trail unltrarunning. Wait, that's not right. It's exclusively oriented to trail racing.It does not include any ultra road races or 12/24/48 hour events and the unique challenges they pose. If you are intending to try one of those events, you'll need to seek some advice outside the scope of the Field Guide to Ultrarunning.The book is geared towards ultra-racing more than simply ultrarunning but the principles remain. The cool part about ultrarunning is you really don't need permission or a race entry to go someplace awesome to run. If you've built out the body to handle it and learned how to handle the trails, you have all you need to do an ultra-run, even if you never do an ultra-race.One pleasant element of the book was Koerner's willingness to use his mistakes as object lessons for the rest of us to learn from. I've maintained that the guy or woman who wins the race isn't always the best runner but the one who makes the least mistakes.Using the real life examples, Koerner does a nice job of showing the results of bad decision-making and, sometimes, just plain bad luck. He offers good advice on how to handle it. When you get to that part of the book, listen. It may save your ultrarunning career.If you're a marathoner looking to move up, this is a book that should land on your book shelf and be referred to frequently. If you never conceive of doing anything so foolish as an ultra, it's probably not for you.If you're on the fence, though, get the book. Hal Koerner will lead you through the process, show you it's achievable, and put the tools in your hand to get there.Once you have the tools, it's up to you to go out and find the poetry on the trail.

I liked the book, it was a good ready BUT for me the mileage he is suggesting is way too high for the average runner looking to engage in ultra running for the first time. I don't know many who cover 70-80 miles per week without suffering injury or exhaustion so although I enjoyed it I will take away what I want from it and ignore the huge mileage suggested

I've been running for years but doing my own thing. This book was recommended by so many other runners I thought I would give it a go. It is the first book I have read in years and would recommend it. It shares tips and advice whilst not passing judgement and giving validation to finding your own way.

Its okay, some good points but for any time crunched runner the training plans are no good. I have completed a few ultra (top 20 finishes) on far less milage. I much better book is 'training essentials for ultra running' by Jason Koop.

Hal Koerner provides an honest, utterly readable and captivating blend of knowledge, experience and informed opinion to answer your every question and more . I have read and re read his book and treat it as therapy, education and a source of inspiration when I'm training and competing. A go-to reference that won't disappoint but will inspire. Together with Scott Jurek's book 'Eat and Run', this is all you will ever need to live in the world of Planet ULTRA.

If you are new to trail running and or long distance running this guide covers pretty much everything you could need to know and more. However if you are experienced or well read on the subject you may not find much here you don't already know. None the less it is still a good read and as the title states it is a field guide and makes a great go-to book for reference. It is well written with plenty of stories from Hal's many races to illustrate his points.