Going beyond the confines of the traditional marathon lies the realm of ultra marathons—an ultimate test of endurance that surpasses the standard 26.2 miles (42.1k). Spanning from single-day 50k (31 miles) sprints to grueling multi-stage races covering hundreds of miles, these events traverse challenging terrains, pushing athletes to their physical and mental limits.
In a pivotal endurance research gathering in England, Guillaume Millet presented a groundbreaking notion that challenged conventions: longer races might induce less muscle fatigue. His assertion that inefficiency could be strategic in certain contexts sheds light on the tactical role of walking within running strategies
Tackling races under scorching conditions might seem like an uphill battle, but with strategic preparation and prudent tactics on race day, it’s a challenge within reach. While soaring temperatures inevitably slow down all runners, the key lies in savvy readiness to navigate these conditions.
As winter blankets the northern hemisphere, trail and ultrarunners face a familiar dilemma: the absence of suitable hilly landscapes for training. Across diverse geographical regions, these athletes encounter trails buried under snow, icy patches, or muddy terrain, severely limiting their training options. For those eyeing mountainous events, this lack of terrain access poses a significant hurdle. Thankfully, experienced runners have devised effective strategies to maintain their mountain running prowess.
In the realm of trail running, we encounter a diverse spectrum that ranges from awe-inspiring achievements to the burgeoning community of enthusiasts venturing into the world of off-road running. At one extreme, we find the extraordinary Spanish athlete Kilian Jornet, who, in October, embarked on a breathtaking challenge: ascending to the summits of every peak higher than 3,000 meters in the Pyrenees. His remarkable feat saw him conquer all 177 peaks within a mere eight days, using a bicycle to traverse the distances between these majestic mountains.
Transitioning from road running to the captivating world of trail running is a transformational journey. It's a shift from the familiar territory of racing eight-minute miles on paved streets to the heart-pounding experience of tackling mountainous ski slopes at a more modest 15-minute mile pace. Trail running offers road runners an exhilarating and challenging change of pace by infusing climbs and rough terrain into their running routines. As Nancy Hobbs, the founder and Executive Director of the American Trail Running Association, aptly states, "While a road is just a road, trails continually evolve, providing a dynamic canvas that changes from start to finish and season to season, offering a perpetual source of empowerment."
Trail running is an exhilarating sport that demands endurance, agility, and strength. However, some misconceptions about strength training have left many trail runners hesitant to incorporate it into their routine. Let's shed light on five prevalent myths and reveal the truth behind them:
While the treadmill may lack the picturesque scenery of outdoor routes, it offers numerous advantages that make it a favorite among elite runners like Eilish McColgan. Inclement weather poses a safety risk on outdoor surfaces, making the treadmill a reliable alternative. Additionally, studies show that treadmill running can lead to adjustments in stride length and frequency, ultimately improving cadence and reducing impact forces on the body.
Lactate threshold plays a vital role in optimizing running performance, representing the exercise intensity at which blood lactate begins to accumulate. By delving into the significance of lactate threshold and adopting effective strategies to improve it, runners can train their bodies to endure high-intensity workouts with reduced fatigue. This article explores practical methods to elevate your lactate threshold, ultimately leading to enhanced endurance and speed.
Former American 800m runner Nick Symmonds has achieved an impressive athletic career, including a personal best of 1:42.95, a silver medal at the IAAF World Championship, fifth place at the London Olympics, and six American national 800m titles (five of which were consecutive). Following his retirement from professional track racing, Symmonds co-founded RunGum and now serves as its CEO. In his free time, he trains for the marathon.
