Learning the Trails

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Advice for New Trail and Ultra Runners

​When Terry and I created The Next Loop Endurance Series alongside The 40M/50M Challenge, we had several goals in mind.

We wanted to help grow the trail and ultra running community by making the sport more accessible to runners who were curious about it but maybe a little intimidated by it.

 

Our goals were simple.

1. Introduce 200 runners to trail running this year. Give runners a chance to experience the trails in a format that isn't overwhelming. Create an environment where new trail runners can experiment. Gear, shoes, fueling, hydration, pacing, and technique are all things you learn best through experience—not just from reading about them.

2. Help runners move beyond the 5K or 10K distance. Many runners want to try longer distances but worry about failing far from the finish line. Our format allows runners to push their limits while always staying close to the start/finish area.

3. Help 200 runners complete their first ultra. For runners ready to take that step, our format allows them to tackle an ultra one loop at a time.

4. Introduce runners to the trail and ultra community. One of the best parts of trail running is the people. At our events, runners have the opportunity to interact with, compete with, and learn from experienced trail runners and ultra athletes.

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Why We Created This Resource

As these events have grown, I’ve started getting more and more questions about trail running.

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Most of them are about:

• Shoes

• Gear

• Fueling and hydration

• Trail technique

• Preparing for longer distances

 

Terry and I each have about 40 years of trail and ultra running experience, but the real strength of this community comes from the athletes, coaches, and race directors we’ve met along the way.

We've been lucky to train with them, race with them, travel with them, and sit around campfires laughing with them after long runs.

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And one thing is consistent with this community: People are willing to share what they’ve learned.

So we’ve decided to create a section of the EverFurther website dedicated to helping new trail runners learn the sport.

 

This will be a living resource that grows over time.

• I’ll share my thoughts and experiences, but we’ll also invite input from other athletes, coaches, and experienced runners. Their insights will be added here as well.

• Some questions may have multiple opinions.

• Some topics may spark debate.

 

That’s part of how we all learn. So don’t hesitate to ask questions, share advice, offer a different approach, or contribute your experience.

 

Just remember one rule: Be helpful. Be respectful. Be part of the community.

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