Hilditch - Trail running : from start to finish

CONTENTS<<

NOTE

While every effort has been made to ensure that the content of this book is as technically accurate and as sound as possible, neither the author nor the publishers can accept responsibility for any injury or loss sustained as a result of the use of this material.

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

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Bloomsbury is a trademark of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

First edition 2014

This electronic edition published in 2014 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Copyright 2014 Graeme Hilditch

ISBN (print): 978-1-4081-7998-7

ISBN (epdf): 978-1-4729-0804-9

ISBN (epub): 978-1-4729-0803-2

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Acknowledgements

Cover photograph Getty Images

Illustrations by Dave Gardner

For inside picture credits please see

Commissioning Editor: Charlotte Croft

Editor: Sarah Cole

Design: James Watson

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Dont fight the trail. Take what it gives you. Think easy, light, smooth and fast.

You start with easy, because if thats all you get, thats not so bad. Then work on light. Make it effortless, like you dont [care] how high the hill is or how far youve got to go.

When youve practised that so long that you forget youre practising, you work on making it smooooooth. You wont have to worry about the last one you get those three, and youll be fast.

Micah True, 19542012

The passing of any iconic sporting hero is always sad, but the sudden and unexpected death of one of the worlds most iconic trail runners was as much of a shock as it was a tragedy.

An outcast, an enigma and very much a legend of his sport, Micah Trues way of life intrigued thousands of runners and seduced many more to take up the sport of trail running and explore remote parts of countryside. Although he took trail running to the extreme, often running over 50 miles of Mexicos most remote and unexplored trails without rest, Micahs passion for the beauty and serenity of the land has inspired many road runners to turn to off-road running and get a taste of the trails, Micahs lifeblood.

Sadly, it was Micahs unfailing obsession with extreme trail running that is believed to have ultimately lead to his passing. Although the exact cause is still a mystery, it is believed that a cardiomyopathy, a disease that results in the left ventricle of the heart becoming enlarged, may well have contributed to his death.

Micah set off on a routine 12-mile run from Mexico to Arizona to visit his girlfriend, but never returned from the trail. After a major mountain rescue search his body was eventually discovered, his feet dangling in a stream. One of the people who found him stated there was no obvious sign of injury and that his lifeless body looked at peace, as though he had lain down for a nap and never woken up.

Although the trail-running community will grieve his loss for years to come, many will also be tempted to smile as they look back on his life, his legacy and one particular phrase he will now be remembered for: If I get hurt or die, its my own damn fault.

Although youd be forgiven for thinking that this book is one long obituary to Micah True, this snapshot of his life serves to highlight the passion and freedom that trail running has to offer. The rawness and unparalleled freedom of running along a remote hillside or forest trail has the ability to lift your spirits more than any other running discipline, and its this legacy that Micah True would have wanted to pass on to the rest of the running world. Micah True took trail running to its extremes, but the past decade has seen the sport of trail running change and change very much for the better. Just a decade ago, when the popularity of recreational running began to skyrocket, the term 'trail running' was more closely associated with the likes of Micah a hardcore brethren of runners who indulged in ultra-long distance, high-altitude running adventures, often in adverse weather conditions. In recent years, however, trail running has evolved into a far more accessible and less extreme form than it was once perceived.

Naturally, trail running purists maintain youre not a true trail runner until youve at least completed your first high altitude, rocky and rugged half marathon (at least) on a trail, but there is now a realisation among event organisers and health-conscious recreational runners that trail running neednt be extreme just exhilarating and liberating.

Consequently, trail running has opened its arms to a new market and captured the hearts of new and seasoned road runners, all seeking a fresh endorphin rush from the challenges that off-road running presents. As a spritely 18-year-old, I discovered trail runnings magic for myself and one particular experience will stay with me forever: a trail run in outback Australia as the sun is setting is beautiful in itself, but then I was joined by a dozen kangaroos hopping by my side as the landscape turned deep red, which became something special. I have learnt to really appreciate the memories this form of running can create.

Whatever type of runner you are fast, slow, frequent or sporadic youll never regret leaving the asphalt and turning to the trails. Although trail running is best enjoyed when you have reached a level of fitness where you think nothing of running for a couple of hours plus, the trails are there to be explored and enjoyed by runners of all abilities.

This book has been written in such a way that you can dip in and out of it as you wish and flip to whichever chapter you need for inspiration and advice. Naturally there are similarities to conventional road running, but youd be amazed at how just a few specific training and injury prevention tips can enhance your enjoyment of running on remote trail routes.

Trail running is there for every runner to enjoy and irrespective of whether you are new to running or already a seasoned trail runner, I hope this book will inspire you to continue enjoying trail running in nature for many years to come.

TRAIL
AND ERROR

Taking your first intrepid steps into the world of trail running is an incredibly exciting time. Leaving the tarmac behind you, the trail paths and landscapes that off-road running can offer are as invigorating to the soul as running is itself. Take your time to embrace your surroundings and learn to appreciate what the trails have to offer.