Trail Running Illustrated: The Art of Running Free

“A great reference for anyone that enjoys or wants to enjoy the trail.” ― Trail Runner Nation

Everything a trail runner needs to know, from training to racingPassionate authors and experienced trail runnersIntroduction by Brendan Leonard, creator of Semi-Rad.com
Running through pastures and forests, hopping over rocks, and splashing through streams: trail running is humanity’s original form of play―an activity we’ve been doing for millions of years. Adventurous runners of all ages, shapes, and sizes are leaving the pavement behind and seeking new challenges. More popular than ever, trail running is growing rapidly around the world.

Trail Running Illustrated offers clear, concise advice on how to get started. Created by two longtime trail runners with a passion for the sport, this book is your key to unlocking a lifetime of exploration and challenges, whether you’re running in your local park or through some of the world’s most remote regions.

From the Publisher

Sample Chapters

Chapter 3: Gearing Up

Unlike many outdoor sports, trail running doesn’t need to be gear intensive. You can head out on a short trail run with as little as a good pair of shoes, a pair of shorts, and a T-shirt.

Many trail runners will eventually become “gear geeks,” ob- sessed with the latest shoes, apparel, hydration packs, and more. However, there’s no need to max out your credit card just yet. Not everyone needs to be a trail running nerd with a truckload of gear.

The longer and farther you go, though, the more you’ll want gear to help make the journey comfortable and safe. Let’s take a look at some of the key items you’ll want to consider.

Chapter 5: Getting Fit for the Trail

The first time you go for a trail run, even if you’re a seasoned road runner with a high level of fitness, you might find it to be more challenging than you expected. The hills, rugged terrain, and all of the twisting trails can seem downright relentless, making you feel:

light-headed, dead-legged, and gasping for air;discouraged, distraught, and dejected;curious as to why you left the pavement in the first place; and/orconfused about why a sport that is so popular can be so damned hard.

The good news is that those feelings and thoughts are temporary. (We prom- ise!) Trail running will get easier as you gain trail running–specific fitness.

Chapter 9: Help – Something Hurts!

Even if you train well, get the right gear, and are extra careful out on the trails, you’re still not going to avoid injuries entirely. Maybe you trip and fall, or your training adds a bit too much stress and some part of your body begins to ache. Run enough, and sooner or later something will hurt. You’ll have your first trail running injury.

Almost all trail running injuries fall into one of two general categories: traumatic injuries or overuse injuries.

Chapter 10: Women on the Trails

In years past, trail running was an overwhelmingly a male sport. In subtle and not-so-subtle ways, there were barriers to entry and equal participation. Trail running gear was designed for men, race prizes were unequal, and women’s needs—as such managing their period—were often ignored.

All that’s changing, thanks to race directors, coaches, other leaders and groups like Trail Sisters and Free to Run, who are working to break down barriers and right past wrongs. In 2001, women made up 26% of participants in trail races. Today, they are 42%. That’s progress, but more is needed.

Sample Pages

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mountaineers Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 20, 2021
Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1680515667
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1680515664
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.62 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.75 x 1 x 9.25 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #384,992 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #357 in Mountain Climbing #454 in Running & Jogging (Books)
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