The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running and Ultramarathons: Expert Advice, and Some Humor, on Training, Competing, Gummy Bears, Snot Rockets, and More

by Jason Robillard

Jason Robillard has been doing ultramarathons for many years, and started advocating for barefoot running before it was cool and is considered an authority on it.

In this guide, he teaches trail-running newbies and experienced marathoners essential survival skills and tips for running long how to run in snow, ice, and mud; how to cross large streams of water; what to do when you have to go number 2 on mile 30 of a 50-mile run; preparing for trouble (building a fire, surviving in the heat and cold); running in thunderstorms.

The book is written with an irreverent sense of humor and touches on topics that many running books don’t get into.

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352 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

Jason is a writer, podcaster, semi-retired ultrarunner, recreational pro MMA fighter, occasional teacher, and running coach living in the San Diego area. Jason's goal in life is to seek out interesting adventures, push boundaries, and help others do the same. Jason is a serial hobbyist with a wide range of interests.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was great for some of the technical training advice, some parts of it were researched, some parts were anecdotal. Kind of floored to see a trail runner into the barefoot movement, it boggles my mind how one would not get seriously injured that way. But maybe the PNW trails are rockier and sharper than out east? I like less supportive shoes, because I like to build the stability of my own feet and leg muscles, but I would never run on the north shore without shoes.

The reason I docked this book two stars was because I found the humour frequently crude and juvenile (and I’m a nurse, so making me roll my eyes at erection puns is a feat, let me tell you.) It seems like the jokes were written by a twelve year old boy. Would really love to read a book about ultra running where the narrator does not sound childish, because that’s been my experience with the two read so far. In awe of the authors’ ultra experiences and successes, put off by the lack of editing and writing guidance.

[Trung Nguyen Dang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and enjoyable adventure and experiments of the author. The writing is quite funny and casual, like blog posts. He also shared a lot on private matters (eg sex).
I actually read it in kinda one-go, only take sleep or meal break.
It's mainly a book for newbie, not for seasoned ultra runners. There are some but not a lot of useful advices. Seasoned ultra runners can just read for fun, eg like race reports.

[Andrew Luce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and inspiring look at ultramarathons. The author includes lots of personal stories along with strategies and tips for running long. Part of the fun is the amateurish writing style and oversharing of private subjects. The honesty of diificulties, waning interest and poor choices make the information come to life.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light hearted casual read. Loved how he worked in so me subtle but cheesey jokes. Good basic advise from someone who has tested it all and been thru it all.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most enjoyable if for some, irreverent read. Maybe because Robillard seems to be writing in hindsight he treats the subject more as an enjoyable pastime than a holy grail. Like most sport this is an activity that people make a choice to participate in for various reasons but not usually for the benefit of others let alone mankind in general. The contents are reasonably down to earth and fundamental, its easy to read and in a way the author is happy to admit to his hedonistic leanings. He is doing what he wants for his own enjoyment. He admits to making short term decisions for short term gain resulting in failed run and trail attempts and I imagine that if you needed a quiet nights kip before a long run his would not be the tent I would want to be camping next to. But information supplied is realistic and useful and written for a fun read.