strength training for ultrarunners

Year-Round Strength Training Exercises for Ultrarunners

For many runners, the season is wrapping up and athletes are starting to look forward to the next year and new adventures, challenges, and goals. As you take stock of the season and look ahead to what is next, you may wonder if strength training is for you and how to incorporate it into your …

ultrarunning training plan

Why and How to Create a 3-Year Ultrarunning Training Plan

Although ultramarathons are, by definition, very long events compared to traditional running events, athletes rarely extend their long-range training plans accordingly. Instead of considering one year for long-range planning purposes, ultrarunners are better off working from a 3-year plan. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ long range plan. However, athletes with a multi-year vision are often more …

heatstroke

One Ultrarunner’s Guide to Heatstroke and Heat Illness

As an experienced ultrarunner and a professional coach, I though heat illness was something that would never happen to me. Despite being fit, having a solid race plan, and knowing the warning signs, I suffered heatstroke during the Full Moon 50 Miler. I want to share my story so you can learn from my experience. …

downhill run training

How to Run Downhill Faster in Ultramarathons

The last time I raced Hardrock 100, it delivered a lesson on the value of downhill run training. The high-altitude race is notorious because it features an average elevation of over 11,000 feet and includes more than 32,000 feet of climbing and descending. Every race is a learning experience. The Hardrock Downhill Story To provide …

ultrarunning apps

Trail and Ultrarunning Apps for Mapping and Navigation

Knowing where you are and where you’re heading are keys to successful training runs and trail adventures. Multiple apps can support your real-time navigation efforts and help you find or design routes. Understanding the basics of navigation is key to staying on route. However, mapping apps can help you explore new trails in your area. …

ultrarunning injury

Ultrarunning Injury Recovery Lessons from a Year-Long Comeback

By Corrine Malcolm, CTS Expert Coach, Ultrarunning Host for the Trainright Podcast I broke my pelvis 15 months ago but only found out about it a month later. Twelve months ago I was told the healing process was taking longer than expected. Eight months ago I was managing 3- to 4-mile runs but couldn’t run three …

runner with blisters on foot

Blisters: Comprehensive Plan for Treating Running Blisters

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 …

motivated to train

How to Stay Motivated to Train for Ultrarunning

We all had at least one compelling reason to begin our trail running journey. Perhaps it was the finisher’s belt buckle or t-shirt, the inherent challenge of ultramarathon events, or health benefits. For most people, motivation evolves over time. Some original motivations may become more intense, or initial motives may fade and be replaced with …

heat and ergogenic aids

The Effect of Heat on Ergogenic Aids and Supplements

Ergogenic aids, or performance-enhancing substances, include any substances that enhance performance or recovery. The term encompasses legal substances like caffeine and prohibited substances like anabolic steroids. Interestingly, the research that determined just how ‘sports enhancing’ they could be, was done in controlled laboratory settings rather than real-world scenarios. While controlled settings leave less room for …