Claire Maxted has spent the better part of her media career in and around Trail Running. First as an editor for a popular Trail Running Magazine, and later as the host of her own YouTube Channel "Wild Ginger Running." She is a person who naturally attracts some of the finest people involved in the sport of trail running, as well as most of it's finest performers. One could have said about Ms. Maxted, "She wrote the book on Trail Running." So I imagine, one day last year perhaps with the opportunity provided by the covid-19 restrictions, she apparently decided to ACTUALLY write the book on Trail Running!
She herself has run a wide variety of races primarily in UK and Europe. Not always successful (read and watch her experience in the "Cape Wrath Ultra"), and a self-confessed "middle of the pack" runner, this is far from just another elite athlete story. This is a handbook for real, average people just like you and me. Five years ago, before I started my trail running, I weighed 250 lbs (almost 18 stone). Today I weigh 198 pounds (almost 14 stone), and although I discovered "The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook," after this initial weight loss, I am counting on it for help with my next goal to lose another 20 pounds (1.5 stone).
In this book, Ms. Maxted shares nearly everything anyone could possibly want to know about trail running. With her wonderful values, extensive experience, and powerful skills as a communicator, she has published a book that is visually appealing with lovely graphic variety, and it's just fun to read.
I have completed four different 50K races, and I aspire to a 50 mile someday. Five years ago, I NEVER would have imagined that I'd be an ultra trail runner. I struggled through short runs and five miler only occurred when I locked myself out of the car after a three miler! But gradually, with patience, a love for being outdoors, music in my headphones, a modest sense of humor laughing at myself, I slowly built up my endurance. If I can squeeze it in, I LOVE to run 6-9 miles on the local trails after work, alone, or with friends of all ages, both genders, and all skill levels.
I cannot imagine a better book to have had when I started my trail journey. I am not fast. Because of this, I chose trail running (vs. road running) because trail running frees me from the pressure of comparing times and pace. If there is a fundamental message in Claire's "Ultimate Trail Running Handbook," it is a value for enjoying the experience itself.
I believe as humans we were all born to run. So start walking. Buy this book. And enjoy the journey!!
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently bought together
$24.00
Get it as soon as Monday, May 20
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
Paul Musson
Claire Maxted Author A Brilliant Read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2024Nick Hallissey
Informative, inspiring and inclusive
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2021
Nick Hallissey
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2021
I love the variety of the content: it leaps from easy-to-understand diagrams to minutely detailed training plans, but it all comes together smoothly. I also like the panelled format which means that pretty much everything is a quick (but deceptively detailed) read.
But maybe best of all is the range of voices, not just Claire's own (she clearly loves trail running with genuine passion) but loads of contributions from athletes, scientists, nutritionists, physios - and (perhaps most importantly of all) real people, telling stories of challenges they faced and how they overcame them. It just feels like you're in a community of people who know exactly what you're looking for and why you love this crazy activity. I particularly love the 'your opinions' panels, which multiple viewpoints on stuff like compression clothing, bumbag vs running pack, and barefoot running. (Many books seem to take the view that the author is the only expert you need to hear from, when in fact everyone has different experiences, interests or values. This book actively builds in those points of difference.)
Technique, training, diet (wow - the food!), recovery, tech, injury treatment, race listings and REAL love for the sport - this really is a one-stop shop for all aspects of trail running.
Images in this review
