Training and Racing

Over the last four years, we have seen a noticeable increase of fast times in elite ultrarunning. What’s behind these improvements? Are there key factors that could help all runners …

Experience, athleticism, age, fitness and a host of other factors play a role in how well runners can execute the various demands of running downhill fast. If you’re looking to …

A pair of strategically deployed collapsible carbon fiber poles might just save your next “A” goal and place you in a pole position you never dreamed of.

There are a lot of different reasons why a well-rounded strength program in the gym is important for an ultrarunner. Gone are the days when runners stayed away from the …

As athletes gear up and recalibrate their training during the fall and winter months, it’s a good time to use physiological testing as a window into your strengths and weaknesses …

Wrapped into every challenge exists an opportunity—even when the hurdle is repeatedly running the same routes every week.

Autumn marks the transition from summer to winter, along with the end of race season. Consider leaving your watch at home or resist pushing the start button on the activity …

Running 100 miles isn’t just a test of physical endurance; it’s also one of mental endurance. In the build-up to my first 100-mile race at the Leadville 100, I prepared …

Poles add the power of your arms to your forward motion for greater success, aid in stability, and off-load your quads on a steep downhill, which every runner knows can …

We all struggle with the moment in a race when the wheels come off and the pain and suffering seem unbearable. As the saying goes, “Pain is inevitable, but suffering …

Success at ultras depends in part on striking an appropriate mental balance between ambivalence and obsession, between not caring enough and too much. You should feel invested in the race …

I’ve got four three-ring binders that sit on my bookshelf, each representing one year of high school cross country—the arena where my lifelong love for running was ignited. The fact…

Training independently—doing things your way, free of charge—is appealing. You can train more intuitively, like Courtney Dauwalter (who isn’t coached), less beholden to a coach’s workouts that might not fit …

Using a training plan is a good investment in yourself and your goals, no matter how large or small. So, where should you start?

While there is no single correct formula for mountain race preparation for athletes who have little or no access to outdoor hills and mountains in the winter, there are options …

There is a lot of time to think during ultramarathons. And that place can get dark when we’re sore, exhausted or simply not having the day we envisioned. For me, …

I’m finally standing at the top of Robinson Flat—an aid station around mile 30 of the Western States 100—after flying down dirt roads, hopping a shuttle, hoisting coolers over my …

Training for ultras can be a serious business. That does not mean that you can’t deviate from the plan every now and again. Adventure can fuel your goals, physically and …

Don’t miss the opportunities that fall brings. Being free from a formal training structure can be very liberating and should be unique to each athlete’s needs. Address areas that need …

There is a wealth of information on ultrarunning nutrition, what to eat in training and how to consume calories during your race. But not a lot is mentioned about how …

As we start to ramp up to race season, most trail and ultrarunners are increasing their training volume. Warm weather and long days beg for more time on the trails. …

I seem to have battled race week supervillains the Sleep Monster, the evil duo of Captain Anxiety & Dr. Doubt and the always annoying Sargent Stale Legs since I first …

Failure has a unique place in our lives. We do not want to fail. It is painful. It is embarrassing. And it is absolutely necessary if we are to accomplish …

Sometimes just finding where to run can be a chore. The mental ping-pong game between doing something easy or designing an elaborate route can derail even the best intended ultrarunners. …

While running far, climbing mountains and moving for hours on end are keys to success for ultramarathons, we should not overlook the benefits of running faster as we traipse over …

A high-level overview which aims to prepare runners for the specifics of dealing with high altitude races. In particular, I’ve used Leadville Trail 100-miler as an example since it’s one …

I’ve had some personal experiences running an ultramarathon with a spouse. I ran every step of a 100-miler with my wife, Mel. I also DNF’d a 100-miler with her. During …

I often get asked if there’s a secret to maintaining consistency. This question usually has the undertone of having your cake and eating it too, i.e. doing excessive training and …

Caffeine is all around us in the form of coffee, tea and chocolate, but most runners don’t have enough knowledge of the substance to maximize its effectiveness. This natural stimulant …

In part one of this series, we started with a home-based strength and coordination program to lay the platform for a stronger and more capable runner. In part two, we …