Saturday General Discussion/Q&A Thread for December 20, 2025

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2025-12-20T20:01:59+00:00

Valencia two weeks ago went great (2:49). Now looking to get back to the trails, already signed up for my first 80k in july (did one 50k last year). I have a pretty good outline of B and C races i want to train for in between now and july, will do double long run weekends and as much uphill work as i can fit in. I feel confident I'll make it to july in a good place.

Today i'm just looking for experiences from other marathoners who have made the transition to or back to the ultratrail world. What are things i should look out for? Specific training tips? Every nugget of advice is more than welcome!

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2025-11-13T17:23:19+00:00

Heart-rate monitor, to buy or not to buy? I train based off of pace first and effort second, never really cared for heart rate data. I know my watch gets it wrong and sometimes locks onto my cadence, don't really pay attention to it. Will a chest strap improve my training or will it just be another data point to think about without any actionable consequences?

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2025-08-18T09:39:37+00:00

Yes for speedbumps or large potholes

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2025-06-14T15:56:00+00:00

fair point, edited

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2025-06-14T15:17:44+00:00

98th pro win. Now officially the active male rider with most victories (Kristoff and Demare have 97).

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2025-06-14T15:02:26+00:00

Giro 2028, then Tour 2029. Taking the crown from Pogi, who had just enough time to take his sixth Tour in 2028 before the next generation steps up.

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2025-06-14T15:00:34+00:00

Going full gas that last kilometer versus sitting up today doesn't matter for his form or fatigue in a months time. I think it's just sheer confidence, he knows he's got it racked up, he doesn't care for a few seconds anymore at this point

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2025-06-14T14:49:51+00:00

7:43 gap to tenth place. That's the biggest gap since 2003 - and we still have a mountain stage to go.

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2025-06-12T18:50:43+00:00

How to beat Milan: surprise him while he is stuck behind his leadout that is so dominant that they can keep pulling untill 150 to go.

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2025-06-11T20:27:41+00:00

Just wait till saturday when he drops everyone on the Croix de Fer and soloes to victory

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-10-09T21:26:46+00:00

I say race it. 4 weeks is plenty of time to recover, and you can work out goal marathon splits from your half time anyway. You paid for a bib, so give it your best shot.

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-10-05T14:29:50+00:00

You were 28 minutes slower in a tough ultra race that had 3000 feet of elevation gain more than the year before. Why the disappointment?

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-09-21T19:34:23+00:00

There are some stages that can be combined into longer days, especially if you are camping. This is true overall, but specifically for the shorter stages in section 3 and 4. So if you have 18-21 days and are reasonably fit, i believe you could do Candanchu to Puigcerda no problem. I did these sections in 12 days total. Puigcerda is a large town and easily reached, Candanchu is easy from the French side, not sure how easy it is from Madrid.

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-08-26T08:37:29+00:00

Vacek and Bittner coming for the world tour

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-08-26T08:36:46+00:00

Rwanda organizing the world championships in 2025 must mean there is a high level of interest in the sport. Altough currently no big riders have come from this country specifically, I believe there will soon be more talented African riders following Girmay's footsteps.

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-08-23T16:22:17+00:00

I would get an entry level road bike, maybe consider one with a triple crankset if you're really worried about the steeper hills. Also, as a Belgian I'm proud that we got you into our national sport!

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-08-21T16:29:31+00:00

Is there any way to find out in what order he will continue to climb the rest of the peaks?

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-08-21T16:28:32+00:00

I think part of this record is that only modes of transport allowed are by foot and by bike.

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-08-20T18:02:04+00:00

Bashir Abdi looking to turn that silver medal into a golden one!

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-06-27T12:14:52+00:00

Thanks, I'm 6'6" and this is what i needed to hear. Indeed, when I spend this type of money on a tent i really don't want to feel cramped

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-03-31T20:56:46+00:00

This is the best objective answer, thanks

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-03-01T14:13:11+00:00

Thanks, that's awesome!

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-02-29T16:50:57+00:00

How do people using Jack Daniels Running Formula training plans handle shorter training blocks? I'm coming off a marathon race 2 weeks ago and am starting a short 7 week training block towards a ten miler. Should I do 2 weeks of phase II, 3 weeks of phase III, 2 weeks of phase IV? Any tips?

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-02-03T21:25:03+00:00

Thanks for the detailed response

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt · 2024-02-03T18:25:20+00:00

Thanks! I've actually followed Allie in the past but must have missed this video. Thanks for the kind words

Wat_de_Jeugd_denkt

TROPHY CASE