Book Review: Never Wipe Your Ass with a Squirrel by Jason Robillard

I just finished reading this really entertaining and educational book by Jason Robillard, author of The Barefoot Running Book (Plume 2012). It's a no-bullshit approach to introducing ultra-trail running to the trail running novice. It contains a lot of good information, mostly from Jason's own experiences and experimentation. The book covers everything from trail running nutrition to how to shave your balls (seriously). There are sections of the book dedicated to the nuances of selecting pacers and some of the problems that might arise while running a 100 miler.  One of the major take-home points for me was covered in a section about a 34 mile training run that Jason and his friend Jesse went on. Essentially, he explains a method of training called "speed-up when tired." In these sessions, when he was tired and felt like walking, he didn't. Instead he sped-up to a sprint for a short distance, then resumed his normal pace. He claims that your body actually adjusts better to this than if you start walking for a period, then resume running.  I'm gonna try it on my next long run. In all, I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about running their first ultra, there is a lot of information in the book that only an experienced runner would be able to explain. Additionally, I have to recommend this book simply based on the fact that he is a fellow Michigander. You can find the book on Amazon for around 13 bucks (new). Buy it here!

-Matt