In this extensive Runner’s Tribe series the world’s best ultra and trail runners share their training. Every few days we will be posting a new athletes’ weekly program during a peak training period. Next up we have Hillary Allen. Hillary has raced all over the world, racking up wins and course records, establishing herself as one of the best mountain ultra runners in the world. In 2017 she had a life threatening accident, where she fell 150 feet off of a ridge-line during a Skyrace in Tromsø, Norway. She was told she would never run again. After several years of rehab and recovery, Hillary made a full recovery and returned to elite level racing, racing some of her longest and most challenging events post-accident. She maintains the belief that ‘your best athletic days are ahead of you, if you’re willing to work hard for what you love.’ (read more about Hillary’s remarkable story here https://hillaryallen.com/).
Profile
- Home Town: Fort Collins, CO
- Favourite Trails: Lost creek wilderness
- Favourite Race: TDS or Mount Olympus Marathon.
- Best Result to Date:
- Sponsors: The North Face, Jaybird, Coros, Saris, Swiftwick, Komoot, Scratch labs
- Occupation (if not only a pro runner): Running Coach, Author, teacher (I have a masters degree in neuroscience and physiology)
- Instagram handle: @hillygoat_climbs
- Facebook handle: Hillary Allen (athlete page)
- Website: hillaryallen.com
View this post on Instagram
RT: 10 weeks out from a major race during your career. Can you please provide a detailed outline of a typical week of training?
- A typical training week for me consists of 2-3 times/week strength work (2 days heavy, one day core/mobility focused), 6 days of running with the 7th day cycling.
- I typically take a complete rest every 10-14 days. I do 1 x per week intensity (hill intervals or a specific workout relating to the event I’m training for), and one day of intensity on the bike.
- Usually on the weekends I’ll run longer (4-5 hour range one day, 2-3 hour range the next). A typical training week for me is 20-25 hours, including running, cycling and strength.
View this post on Instagram
RT: What shoes and gear are you rotating through currently and what’s your favourite piece of equipment?
Right now I’m really liking the Vectiv Enduris shoes. They provide a great amount of comfort and cushion for the long hours spent on the trail. My favorited piece of equipment right now is my Ventrix running vest. It’s cold here in Colorado, but it’s a perfect way to layer up while running, riding or skiing. It’s super versatile.
