Claire Maxted - The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook

BLOOMSBURY SPORT

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP, UK

This electronic edition published in 2021 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

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First published in Great Britain 2021

Copyright Claire Maxted, 2021

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The information contained in this book is provided by way of general guidance in relation to the specific subject matters addressed herein, but it is not a substitute for specialist advice. It should not be relied on for medical, health-care, pharmaceutical or other professional advice on specific dietary or health needs. This book is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering medical, health or any other kind of personal or professional services. The reader should consult a competent medical or health professional before adopting any of the suggestions in this book or drawing inferences from it. The author and publisher specifically disclaim, as far as the law allows, any responsibility from any liability, loss or risk (personal or otherwise) which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and applications of any of the contents of this book.

ISBN: 978-1-4729-7484-6 (PB)
ISBN: 978-1-4729-7483-9 (eBook)
ISBN: 978-1-4729-7481-5 (ePDF)

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CONTENTS

TRAIL RUNS ARENT JUST ABOUT THE POWER IN YOUR LEGS,
THEY ALSO REVEAL THE SIZE OF YOUR HEART
AND THE STRENGTH OF YOUR MIND.

TRAIL RUNNING HELPS ORDINARY PEOPLE
DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

KEEP RUNNING OFF-ROAD
KEEP BUILDING A BETTER YOU

By Alistair Jones @RunningMrJones

FOREWORD

Claire Maxted is ace. Ive got a lot to thank her for. And, seeing as youve got this book in your hands, so do you. Well get onto you in a moment. But if you wouldnt mind, lets start with me...

I first met Claire in the Lake District Id just completed my first ever trail race and she was on the other side of a camera asking me about it. Fair to say, even at that early stage, the trails had me smitten.

I arrived in Keswick fresh from a lengthy quest to break three hours in a road marathon. Theres certainly pleasure and satisfaction to be gleaned training for and achieving a longstanding goal like that. But after many years with my head buried in a Garmin, suddenly I found myself cresting a magnificent fell on a glorious spring morning, the sublime radiance of the Lake District unfolding below me, soft earth underfoot, thighs burning, nostrils gasping fresh, unpolluted air... and I was blissfully unaware of trivialities like time and pace. Quite simply, in that moment, there was nowhere Id rather be, nothing Id rather be doing.

When she interviewed me afterwards, Claire sensed my nascent enthusiasm and over the next few months set about helping to mould, direct and strengthen it. Soon I was gleefully spending weekends running in the Surrey Hills, Dorset Downs or Brecon Beacons, anywhere there was nature crying out to be explored. I started signing up for fell races, trail marathons, a 100-mile run along the length of the South Downs Way, even the notorious Berghaus Dragons Back Race, a multi-day mountain ultra over every peak in Wales. I loved every lung-busting second.

These days, whenever I see a big hill, I have a strange yearning to run up it. Thats partly Claires fault. Like I say I have lots to thank her for.

So, where does all of this leave you? It leaves you about to embark on the most magnificent journey you could possibly imagine. Trail running is a wonderful sport, as welcoming and inclusive as it is spectacular.

Its going to leave you sweaty and muddy and a little smelly. Its going to leave you with wet trainers, new friends and a bucket load of unforgettable experiences. Its going to leave you fitter than youve ever been.

Its going to leave you cresting a magnificent fell on a glorious spring morning, the sublime radiance of the Lake District unfolding below you, soft earth underfoot, thighs burning, nostrils gasping fresh, unpolluted air...

There is no more authentic trail running messenger than Claire. So take her tips, appreciate her advice.

And get stuck in!

Vassos Alexander

Radio Sports Reporter

I remember the first time I met Claire, it was during the first edition of The Salomon Glen Coe Skyline, and her happiness for trail running was shining so bright. Its always fun to do interviews, but even more with someone who is really passionate and has a lot of knowledge about the subject. And that I can tell you, Claire is and has!

I cant remember now whether Claire was running the race or if she was just all over the course following the runners, but from many of the races Ive done, she is there to report and to write about either the race, specific runners, topics, destination, etc.

From reading her book I can see how so much knowledge and happiness transmits through her writing if you are in the slightest bit interested in trail running this book is for you!

It has a bit of everything. Like the exercises that can be very good for all the small muscles trail runners need to use for maximum strength. It also has good recovery tips, tips on nutrition, races, training and everything in-between. The content lives up to the name, that is for sure.

Even though I might be considered an experienced trail runner, I still enjoyed this book. I think if you like the subject its always interesting to read about it and you might find new ways, to look at things, new thoughts and inspiration.

Hope to see you on the trails!

Emelie Forsberg

Record-breaking trail and ultra runner