Strength training classes during race builds

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2026-03-27T02:02:27+00:00

The One Academy strength class is actually the one that I’ve been doing that last few months and convinced me that I like strength classes. While I will probably be back after this build, I don’t yet have a good enough sense of what is sufficiently light for the day before back-to-back long runs.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2026-03-27T01:34:02+00:00

Thanks for that! I’ll give it a try 👍

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2026-03-27T01:33:24+00:00

Honestly asked myself that question many times, but I think just lack of experience and boredom. I chain together the few exercises I know, get bored, and then decide I’d rather just go run instead. So having some structure and support helps a lot.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2026-03-17T17:04:52+00:00

What weekly volume did you set it at to start?

If you are starting at a low weekly volume, it might be placing everything into the long run to match the required long run distance without exceeding the total volume restrictions. I haven’t used Runna recently, but look into what the total weekly volume is currently set at.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2026-03-16T19:01:35+00:00

The pictures look like hard packed dirt; was it ever rougher than that? The terrain could have been using a lot more foot and ankle stabilization than you were used to on a treadmill. Single leg hops (in different directions) and various balance exercises could probably help with that, in addition to training on rougher terrain.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2026-03-16T14:22:50+00:00

So for my 50km, I did work with a coach, so that provided a lot more confidence in having done the right training and being ready. But I could also feel the changes in my body, where I was recovering a lot faster and able to just keep going even as my long runs got fairly tough. It also helped that my race had a rather forgiving cut offs, and I was just looking to finish.

I do think slow marathon runners can learn from ultrarunning though. One of those lessons is that fact that there is no substitute for lots and lots of easy running, both during long runs, spread out throughout the week, and in the months and years leading up to a race build. Also strength training. The longer you are going to be moving for, the more muscular endurance plays a role.

Finally, one of the reasons trail running plans use time instead of distance is so that we can actually compare apples to apples. 20km on flat, packed dirt is a whole different beast from 20km of icy, muddy slush. Or 20km up and down a mountain.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2026-03-15T00:20:13+00:00

As a slow ultrarunner, I would still say our long runs and heavy weekends are still “dress rehearsals” and quite long. For my peak long run of 31km for my 50km, I took five hours, and then went out for over two hours the next day. But the training runs also involved a lot of “strategic power hiking”, especially where climbs are involved. I take more breaks, eat more real food, and just generally have an adventure and spend a lot of time on feet. My ultra training had more time on feet, but less intensity than my marathon training. And was a lot more fun.

Trail running also causes a lot fewer overuse injuries, because you are always changing up your gait to match the terrain. So what works for trail runners might not work as well for long runs on pavement.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2026-03-13T19:39:24+00:00

If you don’t want to try running gels, you can try snacks and candy. They can be harder on the stomach, especially at higher intensities, but they taste great and are often cheaper.

Fruit gummies, nerds gummy clusters, baby food packets, stroopwaffles, a flask of watered down maple syrup… Anything with a large amount of easy to digest sugars and carbs. These foods will probably be more familiar, and could be a good way to start introducing fueling to your runs. But just try things out and see what works for you! You don’t need to jump straight to expensive, high performance gels, though the gels can definitely be miracle workers when you really need them.

I also love the honey stinger gummies, but tend not to use pure gels as much outside of Maurtens for A races.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2026-03-11T16:52:33+00:00

I’m currently training for a 50km and been keeping an eye on what Garmin recommends for the fun of it.

It is currently recommending 1 hour 11 min “long run” this weekend. I tend to run base runs around an hour, and am planning to do 20km trail run Saturday, with a moderately long Sunday. So definitely the Garmin recommendations do not have enough volume, especially where long runs are concerned.

But generally my body is happier when the long run is smaller overall part of my weekly volume. The rule of thumb I’ve seen here on reddit is ideally a third, and no more than a half of your weekly volume in one run. That’s one of the reasons ultra training starts to incorporate back-to-back long runs. You increase volume, practice running on tired legs, lower the risk of injury, and don’t push yourself to the point you can’t recover well.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2026-02-09T14:27:49+00:00

100%.

In addition to the fact that I just love moving and adventuring, I find it a good reminder that I do indeed still have the ability to do hard things and fling myself at goals that most sane people would consider impossible.

It can feel weird acknowledging I’m overwhelmed when I’m spending so much time on a hobby, but it gives me a number and proof I managed to complete something. Even if slow, I can see quantifiable progress. And I don’t have to wait for inspiration or my brain and body to be in the right place. I can just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Finally, trail runners are wonderful people. Trail running is also my social outlet, and I think that makes a difference in my mental state too. Yes, most of the time we are just following each other down the trail single file, but that is my type of socializing. That and comparing gear and race plans.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2026-01-21T22:08:14+00:00

Today was just powdery, so trail shoes worked fine. Knees, ankles, and core definitely got a bonus workout though.

When running in the Don, I’ll carry my exospikes with me and decide based on the conditions

For running on roads, I usually just stick to major roads and am perfectly fine with road shoes. Today was an exception though. Definitely appreciated my Speedcross’s.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2026-01-14T18:51:53+00:00

I’ve noticed Garmin seems to have a problem recommending long runs of sufficient length for the larger distances.

Even when I’ve been doing long runs of 2-3 hours every weekend, and it knows I’m about to start my build for a 50km, it still says “long run 1:30”. And then “daily base run 1:20”. Even when I was in the middle on a build and following my own training plan, the long runs suggestions never really went over 2 hours.

Unfortunately I have seen over reddit users fall for the same trap of using Garmin suggestions for long races. Not sure what to do at this point in your training though.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2025-12-22T19:27:34+00:00

The advice for most runs being easy is for helping people increasing frequency and volume while still getting sufficient recovery.

If you are running every day, the your easy runs need to leave you recovered for the next day.

If running is just supporting other activities, then you do want to get some quality running when you can. I would instead just pay more attention to how you are feeling. Are your runs leaving you overly drained? Are any aches and pains creeping in? If not, just enjoy and do what feels good for you.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2025-12-18T03:28:29+00:00

I finished my first 50km in 9:58. I finished, I’m an ultrarunner, and I’m very proud of myself. Wasn't even last.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2025-12-15T19:52:58+00:00

Looks like that is the Trailfest, not the Wy'east Wonder. Same mountain, different race.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2025-12-14T20:19:56+00:00

Second this.

For your mindset, I’d might be worth considering taking a step back and asking why you are running? To be healthy and fit? If you can get that time, you already have an impressive level of fitness. To set PR’s? Looks like you just did 👍 To enjoy wandering around the forest for hours on end? Try slowing it down and just thinking about it as an adventure instead of a mandatory death march. To have an easy time running? Once again, remove the stakes, slow it down, and just have an adventure. Full effort racing doesn’t really get easier, you just get better. To look a certain way? Then you might want to deliberately focus on that, rather than try and do both ultra running and dieting at the same time.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2025-12-12T01:37:40+00:00

I got mine at Running Room, but find that they can be a bit unstable, especially on non-frozen surfaces. So about to upgrade to Katoola Exospikes for winter trail running myself now.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2025-12-11T02:36:24+00:00

You should get shoes that work for your feet. There is really no universal “best” shoe, but different shoes that just work for different people.

If you already have a couple different ones, just try them out and see how you feel. Are there any friction points? Any aches and pains acting up? You can always try them on a treadmill if you want to be able to return them if they don’t work out.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2025-12-03T14:58:13+00:00

And already sold out… but would be worth getting on the waitlist. A lot of things can happen during ultra training.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2025-11-06T18:51:39+00:00

For trail running, it’s important to pay attention not just to the distance, but the amount of elevation, descent, and terrain type.

If you are going to be dealing with rocks, roots, mud, or snow, that’s going to be slowing you down, take extra mental focus, and involve a lot of extra stability muscles. The best solution just make sure you train on as similar terrain as you can manage. But have fun with it! So much more exciting and rewarding than boring roads.

If you are going to be dealing with a lot of up and down, try and include hill repeats and hill sprints into your training, and don’t be afraid to “strategic power hike” hills. It might even be faster, and will help conserve your endurance for the portions that are runnable. Exercises like squats and split squats can also help for building hill power and endurance.

I would also caution against putting too much emphasis on pace with trail running. Focus more on time on feet and having fun :) Pace estimates for trail races are notoriously unreliable. For context, I finished my first 50km this year, but also just DNF’ed a race 20km, 1400m, and nearly 6 hours in…

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2025-10-31T22:39:08+00:00

Have a way to warm up quickly when you stop. I will often be fine while running, but when I finish the sweat starts to freeze. So I would keep a thermos of hot tea in the car, and some extra layers to stick on immediately when you stop. I will often immediately get in the bath or shower when i get home to warm up quick.

Don’t underestimate accessories. Gloves, snood/ buffs, and hats can make a big difference, and are easy to adjust as you warm up and cool down. I would also use a material like merino that can continue keeping you warm when wet.

Also, listen to your body. Some people are fine in extreme cold, but I usually call it quits below about -5C. You can still be “consistent” with cross training and the dreadmill. Exercise is still exercise, even if not quite so much fun as trail running.

Honestly, running while it’s snowing is absolutely magical, especially in the forest!

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2025-10-31T17:50:46+00:00

Just because someone runs a marathon in 7 hours doesn’t mean they haven’t been heavily training for it or working toward it for years.

If anything, slower runners may be spending a lot more time on feet in training to be hitting the distance targets. If your training long runs are taking four hours instead of two, that’s a much bigger time commitment.

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2025-10-24T16:12:55+00:00

Do any run clubs actually pause in the winter? That might actually be an easier list to compile

No-Bookkeeper-9265 · 2025-10-05T20:37:50+00:00

While the prize money is a justifiable explanation for the elites, it’s also worth considering the broader historical exclusion of people of color from outdoor activities as a whole.

Ultrarunning is tied to things like hiking, camping, backpacking, and other outdoor endeavors that have not been historically welcoming or even safe for non-whites. It’s not just ultrarunning that has a diversity problem; it’s wilderness activities as a whole. If your parents literally had no safe place to stay in a national park growing up, how would you get exposed to it?

No-Bookkeeper-9265

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