If you read my last post, then you know that my latest obsession is trail running.  More specifically, ultra trail running.  I am intrigued with ultrarunners and ultrarunning and would really like to try my hand at an ultramarathon.  I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know the first thing about training for or running an ultramarathon.  That’s where Bryon Powell’s book Relentless Forward Progress comes in.  I purchased it hoping that it would have a few useful tidbits, and I was pleasantly surprised to find the entire book chock full of valuable information and motivating stories.

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.