This book covers all the topics including nutrition, hydration, racing tactics, selecting your first ultramarathon, etc.  Heck, it even covers trail etiquette when, err, answering nature’s call during a run.  Face the direction that runner’s are coming from, folks.  Much better to see your embarrassed face than the alternative.  My point is, Powell attempts to leave no stone unturned, even the less commonly discussed stones.  While a lot of it is common sense, it still helps to have it all down in writing.

My favorite section is the training schedules.  Powell provides training schedules for 50k through 100 mile events. I am going to try to stick to one of the 50k schedules while I train from The Palo Duro Trail Run 50k in October (or maybe the Wild Hare Trail Run 50k in November, not sure yet).  If that goes well (i.e. I survive) I might even try my hand at a 50 miler.  OK, I’ll say it.  My ultimate dream is to someday complete a 100 miler.  There, it’s out.  Don’t worry Mom and Dad, I’ll probably be on to my next obsession before I make it to the starting line of a 100 mile race.

To start with, I ordered these beauties.

They are Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra trail running shoes.  They are my first pair of trail shoes ever purchased which I selected by googling “best trail running shoes” and reading a slew of reviews.  I make all my big decisions based on google searches.  I see nothing wrong with that – if it’s on the internet, it must be true.  Anyhow, they came the other day and I have worn them around a bit and I must say, trail running shoes will take a little getting used to.  They are a little heavier and stiffer than I am accustomed to, but I can already tell that they will protect my feet from the rocks that litter every trail here in Central Texas.  My only real complaint about them is that there is not a trace of pink anywhere on this shoe!  Just kidding… no, I’m actually not, I like pink… like… a lot.  So, to add a little pink flair to my running gear, I went ahead and order this little guy.

Hydration is very important Seriously though, this is one area of trail running that I am little overwhelmed by.  There are so many hydration options: handheld water bottles, hydration belts, and hydration vests.  What works best? Anybody?  I would LOVE some advice on this topic.  I am starting with a single handheld because I don’t run very far right now and because it is the cheapest of the above options, but I would like to know what other people use in long trail races and training runs. I’ll try to add updates as I figure out what works best for me.

Well, that’s about it for me.  In conclusion, road running: meh, trail running: cool, trail running gear shopping: addictive.  OK, carry on.