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 …
Combining Zone 2 endurance rides with intervals is a powerful strategy, but timing matters. Should you incorporate high-intensity efforts right after warming up, schedule them mid-ride, or save them for the end when you’re already fatigued? It all depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. If watching or listening is more your speed, there …
(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 …
Interval training is a cornerstone of endurance training programs. But have you ever wondered if you actually need to do intervals to get faster or perform at your best? I dove into this topic in Episode 245 of “The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast”, but if you don’t have 30 minutes to watch the video or …
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 …
In recent weeks I’ve heard variations on the questions: “How do I get faster on the bike?” or “Why am I not getting faster at cycling?” When the question comes from more experienced athletes, it’s sometimes: “Why am I not getting faster anymore?” As the spring heats up, events ramp up, and you pile on …
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 …