A lot of the ways athletes train have little to no basis in sports science. They are traditions rather than evidence-based practices. Most are harmless, like a 7-day training cycle or Sunday long runs, but there are a few run training traditions that you should do away with. I’ve been coaching trail and ultramarathon …
Technology continues to profoundly impact training methods across the spectrum of endurance sports. However, a stubbornly low-tech assessment of effort and exercise intensity stands the test of time. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is about as simple as it gets: “On a scale of X to Y, where X is as easy as possible …
Trail running poles are increasingly popular in ultramarathon events. Once largely confined to European races, ultrarunning-specific trekking poles are common in nearly every mountainous ultra in the United States. Advancements in materials and construction have helped to make trail running poles lighter and easier to carry and stow. Used correctly, they can aid propulsion, …
Ultramarathons are challenging, unpredictable, and ultimately rewarding. That’s why we keep coming back for more! No matter how many ultras you’ve run, each race is a unique experience. Training obviously plays a role in ultramarathon success, but that’s just one part of the process. Logistical preparations, adequate fueling and hydration plans, and gear selection all …
Running can be hard on an athlete’s feet and blisters can happen to novice and experienced runners. Many runners rightfully focus on their footwear and making sure they have the right traction and support. However, it is also important to consider how your feet move in the shoes, the surface you’ll be running on, and …
(Written with guidance from CTS Ultrarunning Coach Cliff Pittman) Endurance runners like a challenge, which is why there is a progression of competition distances that starts with five kilometers and goes all the way to multi-day ultramarathons. Runners who conquer the road marathon often look to the trail 50K as the introductory distance for ultrarunning. …
Ultrarunning isn’t typically considered a “speedy” sport, so incorporating speedwork into your ultramarathon training program may seem counterintuitive. After all, you’re unlikely to run at a maximal intensity much or at all during races that take 5 hours to 3+ days, except perhaps that sprint to the finish line or for the last oatmeal …
What do Formula 1 drivers, World Tour cyclists, Olympic athletes, and today’s top ultrarunners have in common? They don’t just train hard. They build high-performance teams around them. Gone are the days when elite ultrarunners trained in isolation, chasing podiums and FKTs with a DIY approach and little support. As ultrarunning grows more competitive and …
Running an ultramarathon is a huge accomplishment, but most athletes feel sore and exhausted the day after a 50k, 50-mile, or 100-mile trail race. How long does it take to recover after an ultramarathon? What should you do to recover more quickly after a running race? When can you expect to return to normal training, …
Training for an ultramarathon takes months or years of diligent and focused preparation. Most athletes are attracted to endurance sports because they have a love for the process. In the grand scheme of things, the race itself is a tiny amount of time compared to the hours, weeks, and months of preparation. A detailed …