The book offers guidance to both trail newcomers and experienced runners, with information on technique, training, equipment, nutrition, injuries, environmental ethics and race organization. But it goes beyond the nuts and bolts of the sport, said Chase, a top competitor in ultra-marathons. Trail running is not as much an athletic endeavor as an experience. Brian Metzler, editor of the Boulder-based Trail Runner magazine, said in addition to being an elite athlete, Chase is very involved in promotion of the sport.
Trail runners are an elusive group to count or describe.
Some of the best rarely compete, Chase said. You have trail access most places. Although an authority on the topic, Chase, who with Hobbs heads the All American Trail Running Association, struggles to define trail running. Chase describes it as an unpaved surface where scenic viewpoints outnumber cars. Sometimes it is a lot faster to walk.