Book

If you are just getting started with trail running, or want to start, this book is invaluable. For the intermediate trail runner wanting to boost their knowledge and performance, this is a great handbook for impmrovement and motivation. For every level of trail runner, Trail Running: From Novice to Master serves as an unbeatable quick reference.

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Trail Running: From Novice to Master is truly a book for every runner's library. From a thorough introduction to trail running through to a useful guide to ultrarunning, this book covers, in some detail, almost every aspect of this great sport. It also includes pictures and descriptions of some great running-specific stretches, information for support crews and pacers, and important information about technique and training. My favorite part of the book, and what makes it really indispensible, are the chapters Recovery; Environmental Factors, Navigation, and Safety; and Injury Prevention and Treatment. Recovery covers warming up and cooling down, stretching, massage and icing, sleep, rehydration, and nutrition. Some of the Environmetal Factors, Navigation, and Safety surveyed are trail ettiquette, bathroom ettiquette, weather, animals, and plants. The Injury Prevention and Treatment chapter covers common injuries, like blisters, animal- and plant-related health problems, and many other possible injuries or sickness that can occur during trail running. These are three of the most useful chapters I've ever come across in a running-related book. The sections on navigation, animals, plants, and injuries could easily safe your life.