CHOOSE YOUR FORMAT ►WATCH THE VIDEO ►LISTEN TO THE PODCAST ►READ THE ARTICLE Perceived Exertion: How To Run And Train By Feel 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) …
One of the most common questions cyclists ask me is: What’s the shortest Zone 2 ride I can do and still see results? The answer depends on your fitness level, training history, and overall goals. Based on how I’ve worked with cyclists, from beginners to pros, over the past two decades, I’ll break down …
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, …
Peak form is that magic stretch when an athlete’s body feels strong and their mind is sharp. Everything just clicks. You’re able to ride hard, recover fast, crush Strava segments, and win races or the local group ride. But just like a perfectly ripe piece of fruit, form takes time to grow and the …
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 …
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. A 26.2-mile marathon is 42.2 kilometers, so on paper …
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 …