Learning From the Best

Have you ever looked at an Elite runner as if they were from another planet? The insane feats of endurance and strength can seem inhuman. But you don't have to be another elite runner to benefit from the wisdom acquired by their hard work and impressive accomplishments.

-Jim Walmsley set a new course record last Saturday, (breaking his own record by 20 minutes) at Western States Endurance Run. He ran 100 miles in 14:09:28. Earlier this year he broke the road 50 miler record at 4:51:25, and landed himself a spot in the Olympics marathon qualifier.

Tip for the ultra runner:"You have to stay adaptable" "I try not to have a routine, or to have a different routine before every race."No two races are the same, in ultra running you have to expect the unexpected!

-Courtney Dauwalter Known for her insane distances, basketball shorts, and winning out over men and woman alike. She won the Moab 240 in 2 days 9 hours and 59 minutes, and set the record for longest run in 24 hours at 155.3 miles in 2017.

Tip for the aspiring ultra runner:"you have to be pretty patient with yourself in building up your mileage over time." "You've got to build up the muscles in your legs." You won't be able to just jump right into running ultras, focus on building your weekly mileage and do it slowly to keep from injury.

-Desi Linden a two time Olympian, was the first American female to win the Boston marathon in 33 years! She finished in 2:39:54 through cold and wet conditions.

Tip for the runner:"We're putting more recovery days between hard sessions, which is allowing me to have great, quality sessions"Allow yourself enough time for rest. You can't fully recover off inadequate sleep, and if you have a tough session take it easy on the next one!

-Mo Farah, an Olympian, decorated with ten global titles, and was the first British athlete to win two gold medals at the same world championships.

Tip for an aspiring champion:"I just try and think about that moment during a race. “How am I going to win it? What do I need to do? How’s my pace?”You need to keep yourself engaged." When you are in the moment you can better keep the negative thoughts out, stay focused and reign in your fears.

Though the elites may seem lightyears away from where you are, there is always something to be learned.

-See you on the road