RESOURCES

In this section, we aim to create a repository of information about trail and ultra running to assist people prepare and train for Glasshouse and similar events. As well as featuring interviews as podcasts, you will be able to download articles on training, nutrition, equipment selection, trail skills and some some plain old good yarns! If you would like to contribute, please email Alun Davies. Please be patient - we will be uploading these files as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can download "Ultra Trail Running Made Easy" by endurance legend Nigel Aylott (RIP) and Paul Ashton. It's a great read and many thanks to Paul for making it available to the running community.

Glasshouse Trail Runs Director, Ian Javes, has put together a comprehensive race booklet for ultra competitors. The information is aimed at 100 mile entrants but is applicable to all trails runners regardless of distance. Download it here in Word format.

Interesting notes on trail running from wikipedia

Trail running is growing in popularity and is enjoyed throughout the United States and around the world. As of 2006, there are over 6.7 million regular trail runners in the United States, and over 40 million worldwide.

Trail running takes place in both organized trail races, and as a recreational activity. Trail running is usually an individual sport, although training is commonly done in groups. Common distances in races are 10 km, 20 km, 30 km, Marathon (42km), 50 km, and 50 miles. Anything over Marathon distance is considered an Ultramarathon, and many "ultras" range beyond 100 mile mark. The quintessential 100 mile trail run is the Western States Endurance Run, also known as the Western States 100. There are also many Trail Running Series that combine multiple races over the course of the season. There is also a New England Trail Racing circuit called the "Grand Tree".

Trail races differ considerably from other races, since runners enjoy the solitude of nature for the bulk of these runs. In addition due to the smaller number of participants, the odds of running with no other participants in sight are very good. Similarly, runners in these events must rely on their own inner resolve, since crowd support is very limited given the inaccessibility of the courses. Trail races are commonly equipped with aid stations supplying food and beverages every 5 to 10 kilometers. Nevertheless, runners in trail races, particularly longer ones, usually carry their own water and food along the course.

During training runs, carrying one's own beverages is a necessity. Additionally, navigational skills are much more important during training runs, where one invents the course oneself, compared to organized races where the courses are very well marked. Carrying maps when training in unfamiliar areas is highly recommended, as runners cover large distances and veering off course is not uncommon, especially in areas where signage is limited.

More at Wikipedia >