This article focusing on emotional fitness first appeared in ATRA’s winter 2023 quarterly newsletter Trail Times and was written by Samantha Pruitt. Part one in a series: How to train your mind and body for winning your life. As an athlete, coach, and business leader I have learned a few things — usually the hard… Read more »
Strength training is an increasingly popular cross training method for runners—especially among ultrarunners. Runners seeking to increase race distance (from 26.2 miles all the way up to 250-mile races and beyond!) while also staying durable, improving running efficiency, and reducing injury risk from high-volume running loads have put as much emphasis on hitting the gym… Read more »
As seasons change, there may also be a shift in where we focus our training. In this article, Stephen R. Santangelo shares some tips for interval training featuring a track workout for speed. Santangelo has been in the fitness industry since 1979, and created his own specialty exercises & programs based upon the anthropological movement… Read more »
This review was written by trail runner Sarah Barber who was provided a GiBoard by ATRA member Elliptigo at no charge to test and provide feedback. Defining Balance “balance [ ba len(t)s ] noun: physical equilibrium; stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis; mental and emotional steadiness…” If… Read more »
Cross training – also referred to as physical activity(ies) in which athletes participate in addition to their primary sport training – allows runners to supplement their running volume, increase strength and improve their fitness in new and different ways. Common cross training activities for runners include cycling, weight training, ElliptiGo rides, swimming, rock climbing, skimo… Read more »
Alex Willis, born and raised local from America’s highest incorporated town, Leadville, Colorado (situated at 10,200 feet), has made a name for himself as an accomplished athlete and endurance coach in a variety of sporting disciplines. Willis is a former USA Triathlon Team Member, collegiate runner and currently competes at the elite level in many… Read more »
New Year’s resolutions often bring a renewed commitment to training plans, but not all training plans are created equal. Organized training plans can be a great way to establish race goals and improve running performance, but there are also a few common “pitfalls” to be aware of when amping up your training routine. In this… Read more »
Traction devices are essential accessories for many trail runners during chilly winter months. Icy and snowy conditions often make it difficult to run on trails without slipping or falling, even when wearing shoes with grippy tread. Traction devices, which come in a variety of forms such as removable or built-in cleats, metal studs or screws,… Read more »
This past Fall, the elliptical bike community descended on the epicenter of all-things ElliptiGO–Southern California’s headquarters in Solana Beach–for the 12th Annual ElliptiGO World Championships and Rally Weekend. The three-day gathering in late October included a competition, group rides, social gatherings, and an awards ceremony which showcased ElliptiGO enthusiasts from all over the world. The marquee… Read more »
One of the great attributes of the trail running community is the advice available to help a newbie improve their skills and confidence with every step and at every turn. As well, expert tips can be a good reminder for the seasoned veteran who may become stuck in a routine and simply needs a pick-me-up… Read more »
Understanding heart rate “zone training” can help you gauge your efforts and get the most out of your trail running training. Many trail runners may already be familiar with the concept of measuring heart rate during or after runs, but may not know the more complicated science behind what differentiates each heart rate “zone” and… Read more »
Written by Andrew Simmons for the Summer 2021 edition of our Trail Times newsletter. Simmons is an avid trail runner and the Head Coach for Lifelong Endurance. Photo above: a youth mountain running race in Ambleside, UK – image by Jumpy James. Track and cross country are probably the two dynamics of running that high… Read more »
Written by Randy Philpotts for Snowshoe Magazine and republished here with permission. Photos: Randy Philpotts. To learn more about snowshoeing check out ATRA’s dedicated snowshoe page with a calendar of events, news and information about the U.S. Snowshoe National Championships at: https://trailrunner.com/snowshoe To stay in incredible physical form during the snowshoeing off-season, you need to… Read more »
Written by Stephen R. Santangelo for the Summer 2021 edition of our Trail Times newsletter. Stephen has been in the fitness industry since 1979 and created his own specialty exercises & programs based upon the anthropological movement of the human body. Metabolic training is the most common and the most emphasized for any trail runner…. Read more »
The Feldenkrais Method® founded by Ukranian-Israeli physicist, Moshé Feldenkrais in the mid-20th century, is a form of exercise therapy that uses awareness of body movements to improve your physical and mental functioning. According to The Feldenkrais Educational Foundational of North America (FEFNA), “The Feldenkrais Method of somatic education uses gentle movement and directed attention to… Read more »
Training article written by Stephen R. Santangelo for the Spring 2021 edition of our Trail Times newsletter. Stephen has been in the fitness industry since 1979 and created his own specialty exercises & programs based upon the anthropological movement of the human body. Winter training is time to develop “aerobic capacity” (AC) which is a… Read more »
Written by 2019 World Mountain Running Champion and Saucony sponsored trail runner Grayson Murphy. I grew up playing competitive soccer but after my freshman year of college I found that my passion for the sport had died out. After transferring to a new school, I decided at the age of 19 to walk-on to my… Read more »
Earlier this month the Active at Altitude Fall Trail Running Camp was held in Estes Park, Colorado. This camp was six days focused on trail running, with expert coaching, interactive group trail runs, workshops on physiological training and mental training, floor or yoga session, video of running form, great food, camaraderie, and more. For newbies… Read more »
Written by Hillary Osborne for the Fall 2020 issue of our Trail Times newsletter. Hillary is a NSCA certified personal trainer and strength coach with Lifelong Endurance. She is a Colorado resident and ultrarunner who runs for The Adrenalin Project. Running is the best, right? You can spend hours grooving on that smooth single track…. Read more »
Written by Andrew Simmons for the fall 2020 edition of our Trail Times newsletter. Andrew is the Head Coach for Lifelong Endurance. Working with a coach might seem like a privilege reserved for professional trail runners whose paychecks depend on their next performance, and an “over the top” purchase for runners that fall in the… Read more »
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