Ultramarathons
The Secret to Running Faster and Longer: Don’t Contract Unnecessary Muscles
So you want to run faster for long distances, huh?
There’s a lot of theories that will help you reach that goal… but here’s an exceedingly simple tip that anyone can implement immediately and see results.
The secret?
Don’t waste energy.
Yup. That’s it.
Running involves muscle contractions to initiate and sustain movement. Muscles primarily use glucose and oxygen. Your body has a limited supply of glucose and a limited ability to supply Read More...
Five Useful Mountain Running Tips
A few months ago, I wrote a post about what I learned after spending several months running in the mountains of the Southwest. Here are a few more tips:
When running over mud, beware of the shiny stuff. That is usually an indicator that it’s either very slippery or soft enough to sink. Dull mud has less water content, and can usually be traversed safely. This is especially true if the mud covers a cambered surface.
Also beware of Read More...
Nine Bizarre Tips to Help You Finish an Ultramarathon
Running long distances can be difficult because you eventually hit a point where you will want to stop. If the distance is long enough, no amount of willpower or determination will get you to the finish line. However, there are a few tricks that can be used to help increase the odds.
Trick #1: Expect the pain. Ultras hurt. Acknowledging and expecting the pain is a good first step. It’s also useful to know the pain Read More...
The Allure of the 100 Miler: 12 Reasons it Should be on Your Bucket List
Ah, the 100 miler. It’s a distance unlike any other. Over the last two months or so, I’ve had the opportunity to run or crew/pace for three separate hundos. I ran the Bighorn 100, had a front-row seat to Jesse Scott’s first 100 mile finish at Tahoe Rim, and ran a little under 2/3 of the Grand Mesa 100 with Shelly and Jesse.
During that time, I’ve been reacquainted with the magic of this distance. Any race Read More...
Tahoe Rim Trail 100, Grand Mesa 100, Trans-Rockies Stage Race, and Upcoming Clinics
This has been a busy week, hence the shortage of posts. My message in boxes are piling up quickly and the chores are falling by the wayside.
In the news:
Shelly and I, along with our awesome friends Krista Cavender, Jon Sanregret, paced and crewed Jesse Scott to his first 100 miler at Tahoe Rim this last weekend. Jesse kicked ass! I’ll try to write a crew report as soon as possible, though Read More...
Simple Hydration Water Bottle Review
How to carry water- it’s one of the biggest logistical issues ultrarunners face. Some people (including me) prefer handheld water bottles. Others prefer hydration packs with bladders. Still others prefer a pack that carries bottles.
The Simple Hydration water bottle is a versatile 13 ounce bottle that could feasibly work with any of these solutions. How? The bottle has a unique “hook” shape that allows the bottle to be carried in places that are impossible with a traditional bottle.
Are We Increasing Cancer Risk by Covering Up?
You know the warnings: If you’re going outside, cover up. Slather yourself with sunscreen. Avoid midday hours. If you have kids, treat them like vampires.
We’ve been hearing this advice for years. But is it really beneficial? Are we (runners) hurting ourselves by avoiding sunlight? Is our sun phobia causing more problems that it solves?
According to this US News story, we may be. This published article by Dr. Gordy Ainsleigh is even Read More...
The Thermal Chimney Hat: The World’s Greatest Hat for Ultrarunning?
Hats. Most runners wear them at least some of the time. My preferred hat has been a desert camo boonie hat, which has performed admirably. Could there be a better solution, though?
My recent discovery and subsequent discussions on moisture-wicking materials and thermoregulation piqued my interest in hats. Specifically, a discussion on Barefoot Ted’s Google Group led me to try a stray sun hat. That same discussion also led me to consider modifications that would make Read More...
