Training Articles

How to Pace a 100-Mile Race

GPS pace is meaningless on a mountain trail. Research confirms that at 160km, pacing discipline outweighs fitness as a performance predictor. Here's the framework: effort targets by segment, walk strategy, and how to manage the back 50.

You're Probably Tapering Wrong

The evidence supports a 2 to 3 week taper. Most runners execute it wrong by cutting intensity alongside volume, and arrive at the start line undertrained in the one dimension that matters most.

Why Your Legs Quit at Mile 60 (And How to Fix It)

A 2025 study found that twice-weekly heavy strength work improved late-race high-intensity performance by 35%. The exercises, the timing by phase, and the protocol that actually transfers to downhill running.

The Race That Breaks Half Its Starters. Here's Why, and How to Be the Other Half.

Roughly half of Leadville 100 starters don't finish. The reasons are specific and predictable: altitude timing, Hope Pass quad failure, conservative first-half pacing, night gear, and crew logistics. Here's what finishers do differently.

How I Planned My Race Day Crew for the Kettle Moraine 100K

A walkthrough of using the Iron Miles Race Planner for a real 100K. Garmin-calibrated aid station splits, crew briefing sheets with directions, and task lists for every stop.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.