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GREAT READS
If the big bearded man in the red and white outfit was kind enough to bestow you with a fistful of gift vouchers this Christmas, then consider the next four pages your essential shopping list. Trail Running’s editor, Paul Larkins, has locked himself in his spare room for the past two months (well, we think his wife took the key away, but that’s another story) to work his way through a backlog of books, and these are the page-turners he recommends. So, whether you’re propping up the Bezos empire, or would rather support your local independent bookshop, if you’re looking for a tale of the trails that will inspire and amaze, you could do a lot worse than spend your vouchers – or indeed your hard-earned cash – on any of these books.
Out of Thin Air
Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award, this is a superb account of how Michael spent just over a year training in Ethiopia. As every runner knows, there are a fair few fast
Ethiopians around, so it was a fascinating 15 months for the 2:20 marathon runner learning all about what it takes to be the best. We love it, partly because we’ve trained with Michael in the past – when he was an up-andcoming teenager – but mostly because it opened his eyes to what we all know: trail running builds amazing strength. Most of his adventures in Ethiopia involved running on rough paths and testing terrain, building that power and mobility he later translated so superbly on the road to fast-paced running.
It’s a fun read and, given most of us perhaps won’t head to Ethiopia, and even if we did probably wouldn’t train with any world record holders, it’s very a useful addition to your library.
In it for the Long Run
UTMB supremo and conqueror of all things ultra, Damian is actually just like you and I. He got into running late, but then unlike most of us he discovered an amazing ability to run and run at a pace you cannot believe. This book provides a wonderful insight into the man and the races he enjoys. That’s right, enjoys – madness, right? He loves nothing more than to inflict pain on himself and emerge triumphant, be that by winning a race or more likely by discovering something new about himself.
This is a real ‘no excuses ever again’ kind of book that really does inspire. And, we say, if Damian Hall can, well then anyone can.
Joss Naylor’s Lakes, Meres and Waters of the Lake District
This is a great read on all fronts; the legendary Joss Naylor talking about some of the best routes in the Lakes. What’s not to like? If Joss says it’s amazing, well you better get your trail shoes on.
Joss, as if we needed any reminding, was probably the greatest fell runner of all time, conquering every mountain you can imagine after finishin
