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Training Articles

Race guides, training frameworks, and gear comparisons, written for runners who want to run smarter and go further.

From the editor

Training knowledge for runners who want to go further

Every article on Iron Miles is written for one kind of reader: someone serious about ultramarathon racing. You won't find beginner 5K advice here. What you will find are deep dives into 100-mile training methodology, honest gear comparisons tested over real miles, and race-specific guides that go beyond elevation profiles. The goal is the same as yours: to be better prepared on race day.

Runner in hot conditions
Training

Racing in the Heat: What Your Body Does and How to Fight Back

Heat does not slow every runner the same way. Here's the physiology behind cardiac drift and core temperature limits, and a practical framework for pacing, cooling, and staying out of the medical tent.

May 30, 2026 5 min read
Trail runner on mountain course
Racing

Western States 100 2026 Preview: Walmsley Returns, Deepest Field Ever

Jim Walmsley is back. Kilian Jornet is the top returning men's finisher. Every top-10 woman from 2025 is returning. The 2026 field is the deepest in the race's 50-year history.

May 22, 2026 7 min read
NNormal Kjerag 02 trail running shoe
Gear

Spring 2026 Gear Updates: NNormal, Inov-8, Osprey, and What's Coming from Garmin

New trail shoes from NNormal and Inov-8, Osprey's rebuilt vest lineup, and a look ahead at the Garmin Fenix 9. What to buy now, what to wait on.

May 8, 2026 6 min read
Trail runner on mountain trail
Training

Your Gut Will Quit Before Your Legs Do. Here's What to Do About It.

GI distress causes more DNFs than fitness failures. Here's what a race does to your gut bacteria, why heavy training blocks make it worse, and a research-backed 8-week protocol to fix it.

May 3, 2026 8 min read
Energy gels for ultramarathon fueling
Training

How Much to Eat During an Ultramarathon (Most Runners Get This Wrong)

Most ultra runners eat far less than they need. Research shows the average runner takes in only 37g of carbs per hour. The recommended amount is 60-90g. Here's what that gap costs you, and how to fix it.

Updated June 5, 2026 7 min read
Trail runner on mountain singletrack
Training

How to Train for Your First 50K Ultramarathon

A complete 16-week training plan for first-time 50K runners: base building, uphill intervals, back-to-back long runs, and a week-by-week breakdown you can download and follow.

April 3, 2026 10 min read
GPS running watch
Gear

Best GPS Watches for Ultramarathons (2026)

Fenix 8 Solar, Enduro 3, and Coros Vertix 2S compared: battery life, weight, training metrics, and a note on heart rate accuracy for serious training data.

Updated April 25, 2026 8 min read
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v15 running shoe
Gear

NB Fresh Foam X 1080 v15 + Currex RunPro: 46 Miles In

A personal review of the New Balance 1080 v15 paired with Currex RunPro High Profile insoles. 46 miles logged on wide, tall, high-arch feet. Honest take on cushion, fit, and whether the combo is worth it.

March 29, 2026 6 min read
Nike ACG Ultrafly 2 trail running shoe
Gear

New Trail Running Shoes for Spring 2026

Nine trail shoes for spring 2026: Nike ACG Ultrafly 2, On Cloudsoma, Brooks Cascadia Elite, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra 2, Topo Terraventure 5, Kiprun Kipsummit Max, Hoka Speedgoat 7, Hoka Zinal 3, and NNormal Cadi.

Updated April 25, 2026 12 min read
Runners in a trail ultramarathon race
Gear

Ultramarathon Drop Bags & Crew Support: The Complete Guide

What to pack in your drop bags, how to coordinate crew access, and how to use both systems together, organized by race segment from miles 25 through the night transition.

Updated April 25, 2026 9 min read
Salomon Active Skin 8 hydration vest
Gear

Best Hydration Vests for Ultramarathons (2026)

We compared the top hydration vests for ultrarunning based on fit, capacity, and real buyer data. Here's what actually works on long days in the mountains.

March 20, 2026 8 min read
Trail runner heading up a misty hillside
Training

How to Build Your First 100-Mile Training Plan

A practical framework for runners stepping up to the 100-mile distance: base building, long run structure, back-to-back weekends, and race selection by experience level.

March 20, 2026 10 min read