'Go outside and run' : Buzz Burrell's six-point advice to a newbie ultra trail runner

I loved the advice Buzz Burrell has just handed out to a newbie runner on the Boulder TrailRunners list.

Buzz is a legend in trail running and ultra circles -- although I've heard him dispute the description on the grounds that it makes him feel like he died and nobody told him. He specialises in tackling long, hard, wet, cold, extreme runs that "normal" people would only attempt as part of a ten-person team with sherpas. He runs wearing normal trail running gear plus an extra bottle if conditions are really bad.

"Keep it simple"? He invented the phrase. We don't know what "harrach9" was expecting when he wrote...

"I am new to running and would like to run an ultra trail run in May. I have been following Hal Higdon training routine for the marathon distance and now following the ultra routine. Does anyone have any suggestions to a better way to train?"

...but what he got was classic Buzz.

It's brilliant. It needs printing on a tee-shirt (at leeast). We quote the reply here with Buzz's permission. Enjoy!

"I haven't the slightest idea what Hal Higdon's ultra training routine
is, so I probably don't know a "better way to train", but here are my
entirely personal, off-hand, un-official suggestions:

1. Go outside and run. Do this frequently.

2. Run shorter on workdays, and longer on weekends when you have more
time.

3. Eat and drink while you are doing this. Especially recommended
are things that taste good.

4. Enjoy the views, appreciate the clean air, learn the names of at
least three types of birds, trees, flowers or rocks, and get excited
when you discover a new trail.

5. Breathe a heck of a lot, enjoy the pounding of your heart, and
(literally) thank God that you are alive.

6. Share this experience with as many friends as possible.

My apologies for being so un-professional, but hope this helps!"

* See more about Buzz at www.buzzburrell.com