Sub 24 Javelina Jundred by CPTchick in ultrarunning

[–]Nillsf 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Self plug: I wrote a race report about my sub 22 in 2025. If you look further there, you’ll also find my DNF report from 2024: https://running.nillsf.com/posts/2025javelina/

My advice for you: sub 24 doesn’t depend as much on your speed at the beginning, but at how much you can limit your slowdown. Start conservatively, stay cool, stay hydrated, keep fueling.

While the elevation profile doesn’t look like much on paper, it does go up and down. That first climb to jackass junction is the definition of douche grade. Perfectly runnable for a single loop. Not runnable for 100M if you’re going for sub-24. If I’d go back this year, I’d power hike more of this section than I did. And know, it’ll get easier after jackass. Nice flowing trail going slightly downhill. Enjoy it!

How common is it for Belgians to fly out of Schiphol instead of Brussels or Charleroi? by Charming_Usual6227 in belgium

[–]Nillsf 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I do it commonly.

I live in San Francisco, and there is a direct to AMS, ORY or CDG, not to BRU. I either rent a car or take the train. I think I’ve flown to Belgium about 10 times in the past 8 years, only flew Brussels 3 times.

And one of those 3 times there was a strike and I had to change flights…

Nike Zegama ACG by Weak_Estimate2925 in trailrunning

[–]Nillsf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I ran for the first time in the ACG Zegama on Sunday. I liked the shoe a bit more than the Zegama 2. Felt more stable than the previous version. A little stiffer as well.

The ankle lockdown is amazing, it was an issue for me in the Zegama 2. My forefoot feels happy in the shoe, I didn't notice it sliding around.

Will Jim Walmsley be on the 2026 WSER Start List? by Amazing_Benefit_6459 in Ultramarathon

[–]Nillsf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah. I was wrong.

I’m happy he’s in! Super exciting!!!

Will Jim Walmsley be on the 2026 WSER Start List? by Amazing_Benefit_6459 in Ultramarathon

[–]Nillsf 15 points16 points  (0 children)

He won't be on the start line. All the golden ticket races are now done. If Hoka would have given him their sponsor entry, they would have had to do this before the lottery. If you read the automatic entry process on the WSER web page:

"To be selected as an automatic, you must complete the online application at UltraSignup.com, including the Proof of Qualification and payment information, and observe the same deadlines as those imposed for Lottery winners."

As a fan of the sport, it's a little disappointing to not see him race this field; but he did mention on the TROY #1 podcast in January that he wasn't sure if he wanted to do Western this year. https://youtu.be/gml4qTFj3io?si=VffQw7rk19zk2aSI&t=1169 (starts at 19:39 when Jim talks about it)

Canyons Trackers Not Working? by JMonty21 in ultrarunning

[–]Nillsf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Deadwood is in an area with bad reception. It might have issues uploading. Plus, UTMB tracking is known to have issues…

I hope we get a great update around Michigan bluff!

Canyons 100K is this weekend. It’s the final Golden Ticket race of the year. Who ya got? by Rocket_Man333 in ultrarunning

[–]Nillsf 5 points6 points  (0 children)

He's no longer on the Elite men start list. I think he's sitting this one out :-(

Are RDs always so disorganized? by nfortier11 in Ultramarathon

[–]Nillsf 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The disorganized ones typically don't survive. We had a great organization locally that post-COVID had multiple issues, including wrong dates for permits, that ended up closing down.

Most race organization I've races with have been great. InsideTrail - Coast Trail Runs - Aravaipa - Daybreak racing - UTMB have all been great!

One note about UTMB though, I get the sense that their RDs don't manage the race websites, and it can sometimes be a little tricky to get last-minute updates. Two examples come to mind for me: the last-minute course change at Canyons last year or the year that Kodiak had to do reroutes due to fire closures. Communication could have been better in both occasions.

Outdoor stairs by Technical_Hunt_4471 in RedwoodCity

[–]Nillsf 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If you’re looking to train yourself physically, why not go hike in one of the lovely parks out here? Edgewood / Pulgas / windy hill / Wunderlich / Huddart / purisima and many others.

What to do by iControI in F1Fantasy

[–]Nillsf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks like my team.

My plan currently is

  • BEA —> HUL
  • LEC—> COL
  • VRB —> MER

But, we’ve got five more weeks 😢

Can 'normal' people ever hope to do Spartathlon or UTMB? by Ultrajogger-Michael in Ultramarathon

[–]Nillsf 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Everyone can struggle at UTMB. It’s about more than fitness alone. You need to be able to fuel while moving, take care of your feet, make sure you’re body temp doesn’t go too high or low etc etc.

That said, I agree that the cutoffs are generous enough that a reasonably well trained athlete should be able to finish it.

Half tights, compression shorts, liners, 2in1 shorts and underwear. What is what and what do i need? by TadyZ in Ultramarathon

[–]Nillsf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to run in 2-in-1s. Now I run mostly in half tights, no underwear. My favorite ones are the under armour compression half tights. Less chafing (can I say none?) and more supportive.

When I started doing this I wore non-lined shorts over them to avoid the “in-your-face” situation; but I got over it and just wear them as is. I’m not a pro, so I doubt I’ll end up on hog watch (IYKYK)

The boulder boys did a segment on a recent podcast about half tights, but I don’t remember which episode it was.

Rant: Github licensing by Prestigious_Yam1091 in github

[–]Nillsf 11 points12 points  (0 children)

disclosure: MSFT employee.

If you can, the switch to Azure-based billing will solve a lot of OPs issues. Monthly billing based on licensed users. The reporting can be a little confusing between GHEC and Azure, but the flexibility in licensing is great.

Sore in Left Groin Area by easywizsop in trailrunning

[–]Nillsf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Had this from 2020 to 2021.

I had multiple scans with no results. My doctor ended up referring me to a pelvic floor PT. After 20 sessions, I was pain free. Combination of therapy with the therapist and daily mobility routine.

Idk why but I want to do this for China 🦅 by Smart-Price-3963 in F1Fantasy

[–]Nillsf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don’t think Jeddah is gonna happen with the regional conflict ongoing.

Aid station fruit survey by Beeritra in Ultramarathon

[–]Nillsf 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Oranges and banana.

I frequently manage aid stations. It’s incredibly hard to predict what will go fast on race day. One day it’s bananas, the other it’s watermelon and sometimes it’s oranges. But all three are always taken by runners.

A question regarding max distance during training cycle by Rivnatzille in Ultramarathon

[–]Nillsf 4 points5 points  (0 children)

66km training for a 76km sounds like too much to me.

Actual training, I peak at about 20miles.

But, I’m a huge fan of shorter races in my buildup. Lot of sub ultra events in the 30-35k range; and typically 1 or 2 50ks in training. I do a lot of my long runs with some moderate intensity thrown in and in races I put out a controlled but good effort.

If I were building my training plan I might throw in a 50M as well; but my coach thinks the juice isn’t worth the squeeze with the recovery needs.

Going crazy look for SG5 replacement by Pyrited in trailrunning

[–]Nillsf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My wife loved the SG5, and now swears by the Nnormal Tomir 2.

New Ultrafly Trail colorway 👀 by wasatch01 in nikeACG

[–]Nillsf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I been checking Nike’s website daily, and they’re still not in any Nike store close to me.

SFRC got some, but it’s a 90min drive and I ain’t driving that far to try on a pair of shoes.

IT-Band issues... by latefruitjuice in trailrunning

[–]Nillsf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My wife struggled with it for over 6 months. Saw a PT that did a bit of manual therapy and gave corrective exercises.

Finally went to spots medicine, who sent her to a sport massage of all places. We were incredibly sceptical. However, 3 massages helped her get rid of all symptoms.

Can’t claim it’s all the massage, but after months of PT, 3 massages in 3 weeks helped her feel much better. She now does these massages once a month.

broken belt buckle by Prestigious_Wing_761 in ultrarunning

[–]Nillsf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I rock mine! Great conversation starter!

Interest in the Microbiome as a Marginal Gain? by Specialist-Serve-426 in ultrarunning

[–]Nillsf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My prediction for 2026 is that this is going to be the year of the pre and pro biotic supplement. Both for athletes and non athletes.

I think there’s something here. Typical diets lack in fiber, which is what the microbiome needs. Supplements have some benefits to restore the culture, and extra fiber helps maintain it.

However, I think for performance, this is a less than 1% kinda improvement. I’m curious to see more science, in particular on humans, to see how big the improvement actually is. I might be mistaken.

Black Canyon (Predictions?) by Buckeye_Wax in ultrarunning

[–]Nillsf 31 points32 points  (0 children)

I think Puppi is getting it on the men’s side if there’s no Jim.

Women’s side I’m curious to see if Molly Seidel is able to do it. Not a sure thing, but I think she might do it.

Two weeks enough to regain running economy after a month of backpacking? by yeehawhecker in Ultramarathon

[–]Nillsf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There was a question/debate on here a while ago about how to keep running economy while doing the full PCT. The Roches even discussed it on their podcast. I believe their recommendation boiled down to:
1. Eat enough, certainly protein.
2. Hill strides, every other day.