How To

How to Buy a Guide for Trail Running

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Whether you're new to an area or new to the sport of trail running, a guide to local trails is exactly what you need to get your feet moving. Here's how to pick the right book.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Running Clothes
  • Trail Running Shorts
  • Trail Running Socks
  • Trail-running Shoes
  • Local Guidebooks
  1. Step 1

    Ask other experienced trail runners or hikers for their recommendations.

  2. Step 2

    Go to your local running-shoe store or outdoor outfitter. Ask the salesperson if she can recommend an appropriate guide.

  3. Step 3

    Visit your local bookstore, and see what's available. If there are no guides specifically devoted to trail running, see if there are any on local hiking, mountain biking or cross-country skiing trails.

  4. Step 4

    Flip through books that look promising.

  5. Step 5

    Look for a guide that includes maps and directions to trailheads and discuss trail mileage, high and low elevations, the availability of water and trail conditions.

  6. Step 6

    Check to see if the author or publisher maintains a Web site posting the latest trail closures or conditions. Such up-to-date information can be very helpful come running time.

  7. Step 7

    Cross-reference a couple of different guides to make sure you choose the best one.

  8. Step 8

    Buy the latest edition.

Tips & Warnings
  • Never assume that everything you find in a trail guide is correct. Before trying a new trail, call ahead to appropriate land-management agencies to ensure it's still safe and open to the public.
  • Guides written by locals are quite often more helpful than those that are not. If faced with a choice, assume that local knowledge is better than that of an outsider.

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