Sarah Lavender Smith

About the Author

Sarah Lavender Smith is an acclaimed author, ultrarunner, and journalist whose passion for the trails infuses her writing with authenticity and inspiration. With over two decades of experience pounding rugged paths from the Sierra Nevada to the French Alps, she has transformed her adventures into accessible wisdom for runners at every level. Her book, The Trail Runner's Companion: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trail Running and Racing, from 5Ks to Ultras, demystifies the sport, offering practical training plans, gear recommendations, and mental strategies to conquer distances from short jaunts to grueling 100-mile epics. A former collegiate track athlete and contributor to Runner's World and Ultrarunning Magazine, Sarah resides in Oakland, California, where she continues to explore new trails and empower aspiring runners to find their stride on the wild side.