Category: Trail & Ultra Running
Meeting the Great Outdoors— Trail and ultra running is the sport of running on unpaved surfaces and conquering distances beyond the marathon. It’s less about pace and more about grit, durability, self-sufficiency, and a deep connection to nature.
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Why Runners Fade in Trail Ultras
Runners fade in trail ultras largely due to limited durability — the ability to maintain performance as fatigue accumulates. This article introduces the concept and explains why traditional performance tests often fail to predict success in ultrarunning. READ MORE »
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How Far Should Your Longest Training Run Be Before a 50K?
When preparing for a 50K, the most important question isn’t how long your single longest run is—it’s how effectively you manage your overall training load. Instead of feeling pressure to complete one massive “hero run,” long-term success comes from building durability, distributing mileage intelligently, and using well-timed training camps. Those factors matter far more than… READ MORE »
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Durability in Endurance Exercise – My Recertification
I just got recertified as a UESCA Ultrarunning Coach. As part of the recertification process, I wrote and submitted a paper about durability. I’ve long considered durability a crucial element of trail running. As a coach, I apply training approaches such as multi-day camps and specialized workouts to help my runners become more durable. READ MORE »
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Poles: Are They Worth the Hype for Ultras?
Vert is your guide—when it comes to running poles. It’s all about the elevation profile and terrain. On rugged steep climbs, they’re your power boosters, helping you go faster. On technical descents, they become your shock absorbers and stability guardians, reducing impact and boosting confidence. But choose wisely: on flat, runnable terrain, poles are mostly… READ MORE »
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At 50 and Flying: Nee’s Mozart Ultra Success Story
At 50, Sutinee Rasp (Nee) is proving that age is definitely no barrier! This post takes you behind the scenes of her journey to success in the 92 km Mozart Ultra trail race in Salzburg, Austria. Balancing full-time work with focused training, Nee followed a plan tailored to her fitness level, life situation, and recovery… READ MORE »
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Final Prep for the Mozart Ultra: 12-Hour Hill Repeat Competition
We strategically chose a brutal 12-hour hill repeat challenge as a final preparation and readiness test. Our goal was to validate the runner’s training and mimic the conditions of the Mozart Ultra, the target race. It worked! The training clearly paid off, providing the runner with a solid boost in confidence. READ MORE »
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Getting Mountain-Ready: Khao Chalak 3-Day Ultra Training Camp
Just back from an epic 3-day mountain ultra training camp at Khao Chalak, near Bangkok, Thailand. We worked hard, racking up mileage and crazy elevation gains to prep for the challenging Mozart Ultra in Salzburg, Austria. Check out our approach to training for races in the Alps. READ MORE »
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What is Trail Running? An Introduction to This Exciting Sport
Trail running has become all the rage in recent years. It involves running on forest paths or unpaved roads, taking athletes through varied terrain with breathtaking views and often significant elevation changes. Trail running offers a unique blend of physical challenge and natural beauty. Check out this post to learn more! READ MORE »