“Roll with the punches.” As a former wrestler and Jiujitsu competitor, I’ve always been drawn to the tactical finesse of combat sports. It’s fascinating how two opponents can strategically play to their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses, much like a chess match within the confines of a ring. One of the defensive techniques in boxing is to “roll with the punches,” where fighters pivot and move to reduce the impact of incoming hits. It’s about quick thinking and quick moving, absorbing…
Some days are rough! Sunday morning, I had a rough run. My legs were heavy, my knee hurt, and I was just plain tired! Halfway through the slog, I remembered a quote, “There are no shortcuts to endurance. You have to train yourself to make peace with the long route…every day…and do it…and love where it is taking you.” I’m not sure where this quote came from, but when I heard it, I had to write it down. This powerful statement isn’t just about running; it’s a testament to the journey…
Don’t Skip Leg Day!
Now, I can almost hear some of you thinking, “Come on, David! Every day I hit the pavement, it’s leg day!” And hey, I get it – but hear me out. I’m talking about those crucial lower-body strength workouts that can take your running game to the next level!
If you’re like me, prepping for mountain races while stuck on flat roads presents a challenge. That’s where the leg work comes in! Currently, I’m gearing up for the High Lonesome 100 in Colorado, I’ve got altitude and…
Conquering the Mind: Train Your Brain
Ultrarunning isn’t just a physical test; it’s a mental odyssey. While your body carries you mile after mile, it’s your mind that pushes you through doubts, fatigue, and the whispers of “give up.” So, if you’re gearing up for an ultra, consider this your guide to building mental fortitude, the secret weapon in your arsenal.
Facing the Mental Monsters:
Ultras bring unique mental challenges. You can encounter self-doubt, exhaustion-induced hallucinations,…
Hey there!
Guess what time it is? Yep, it’s “Do the Speed Work” o’clock!
So, I’m diving into my 20-week build for the summer races, and after the thrilling “lottery” season (I was 1 for 2), it feels amazing to slap some races on the calendar and get down to some serious training. Now, my training looks like what I give the runners I coach; it starts with a fitness-building block, and you know what that means… INTERVALS!
I totally get it – when intervals show up on the schedule, there’s…
Hey there, my friends!
I hope you are doing well and enjoying life and running!
I was thinking this weekend about the coping mechanisms we use when things get tough during a race. One I’ve used often when the darkness overtakes me is a mantra. A mantra is “a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation” or “a statement or slogan repeated frequently.”
During one of my races where I was struggling deep into the race, a mantra I heard came to mind. Now, don’t make fun of me because…
Hey there, my friends!
Since Moab, I’ve been taking some significant time to let my body and mind recover. I’ve been active, but my running has been scaled back. As ultrarunners, we often find ourselves caught up in the thrill of racing, pushing our physical and mental limits in pursuit of new challenges. However, the importance of taking an off-season should not be underestimated. In this week’s newsletter, we’ll explore the benefits of embracing a well-deserved break from racing and…
Greetings, my friends!I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with food and good times with those you love. I was told that the calories don’t count on holidays, so we’ll just go with that and not worry about all the food we ate!
Things have been busy so on this week’s newsletter I just wanted to share a couple of quick things with you.
First, I mentioned that I was a guest on another podcast a few weeks ago. It’s been released and I think you’ll really enjoy it. It’s the…
Hey Reader,
I hope you are doing well and enjoying some cooler weather!
I had the chance to be a guest on another podcast recently, and I can’t wait to share it with you once it’s live! The conversation revolved around mindset, a topic close to my heart. Unsurprisingly, we spend some time delving deep into the power of gratitude – a theme that resonates strongly with me.
As we approach Thanksgiving week, it feels fitting to reflect on this. I genuinely believe that running with a heart full…
One Month Post-Moab 240: Time to Recover and Reflect
Hey Reader!
Wow, it’s hard to believe that a month has already passed since the Moab 240! My blisters are finally healing, and my body is getting back to its happy state. After the race, we had a much-needed afternoon and night of rest before embarking on the 14.5-hour drive back home. A massive shoutout to Jennifer, who drove the entire way while I sat in the passenger seat, a bit too tired to sleep. My legs were sore, my feet hurt, and my…