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."
If you're a runner, you've probably heard terms like "interval training," "speed work," and "repetitions" thrown around. But do you really understand what they mean and how to incorporate them into your training program? This article aims to provide a basic understanding of these concepts and the potential risks associated with them.
Courtney Dauwalter is a well-known name in the world of ultrarunning, and her recent win at the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) is a testament to her abilities. The UTMB is one of the most challenging races in the world, spanning 106 miles and covering the Alps of Switzerland, France, and Italy, with 32,940 feet of elevation gain. Dauwalter, a 34-year-old runner from the US, became the fourth American woman to win the race, finishing in an impressive time of 24 hours and 34 minutes. She placed 21st overall, with 144 women and 1,412 men completing the race.
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.
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.
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.
Preparing for mountain running during the winter can be a challenging task for trail and ultrarunners living in the northern hemisphere. Weather conditions such as snow, ice, and mud make running on hilly terrain difficult, if not impossible. However, there are ways to maintain mountain running skills and strength in preparation for upcoming mountainous events.
