Introduction to Trail and Fell Running

Scottish Hill Runners Association Newsletter September 2007

says:

This is an excellent book which, whilst designed, as its title suggests, to guide the newcomer to the sport through the basics, will also appeal to the more experienced hill runner who wants to revisit the fundamentals of their chosen activity. It covers a range of off-road activities, from trail running through to hill races and mountain marathons. There are chapters on progressing from running off-road to racing, different types of training, technical aspects (including equipment, clothing, safety and navigation) and a final section which takes the runner through a typical race day.
The sub-text throughout is to encourage you to enjoy training off-road, at the same time as having the ambition and inspiration to improve fitness and progress with care to the challenge of racing further and faster. Author Kev Shevels is an experienced runner, coach and race organiser. The guide is the first in a series, with others looking in greater detail at specifics such as uphill and downhill techniques, long and ultra races, and mountain marathons.

Newsletter of the Welsh Fell Runner's Association April 2007

says:

This booklet is very much aimed at the runner wishing to take up trail or fell running for the first time. In an easy to read style Kevin describes the different types of terrain you may expect to experience when participating in trail, fell and mountain running. He also, includes a brief summary of the nature of each of the different types of off-road events (eg. Fell, trail, long distance walking, mountain marathons and orienteering ) so that you can familiarize yourself with what to expect in each type of event. He goes on to consider the different running styles required for the various types of terrain; identifying the limbs and muscles used and the impact on these as a consequence of running off-road. The importance of stretching is emphasized giving examples with diagrams of some of the basic exercises which will need to be done. A more detailed analysis can be found in a sister booklet ‘Strength and Conditioning for Off-Road Runners’. Basic details of specific training, encompassing Endurance, Uphill, Downhill, Speed, Terrain and Strength work are described and an example of a four week training schedule is included as a general guide, together with diagrams of basic circuit training exercises.
The technical aspects such as types of footwear and clothing to be worn, kit requirements, survival bags, navigational aids and safety considerations
are covered in some depth. The importance of ensuring that you do not stray off course and lose your way is explained, as is the need for navigational skills in some races. However, for more detailed information on navigation and map reading see a sister publication ‘Navigation for Off-road Runners’.
This is a good comprehensive booklet, which should prove useful to anyone setting out on the wonderful and enjoyable journey of discovering off-road running.

The Fellrunner Magazine Spring 2007

says:

"In seven sections, split into concise chapters, it guides the newcomer through all aspects of off-road running" "Advice on training and racing, the equipment needs of the runner, the terrain encountered and its demands on the body - its all covered." "Particularly useful are the sections on the physical aspects of and training required for trail and fell running. Not only will these sections prove useful to the newly converted road runner, but they can also be of use to those of use who have already discovered the magic of mud, rock and forest paths, but have not yet considered a structured approach to our improvement." "An Introduction to Trail and Fell Running does offer a really good overview - "just what it says on the tin" so to speak."

Newsletter of the Trail Runner's Association Spring 2007.

says:

"While this book seems to me to be aimed at the beginner trail or fell runner it is also aimed at this beginner who wants to do well. The narrative is a mixture of basic advice and more specific training methods for those who have no real experience of running off-road." "So, a very useful book, aimed at a runner who wants to know how to progress into the trail running scene and how to train for it. Other books in the series, either already out, or in production, will take you further but, along with "Long and Ultra Distance Off-Road Running" a perfect compliment to those just wanting to get out there."