Articles by Nick Tiller, PhD

Running in the Cold, Respiratory Heath & Raynaud's

Many of us contend with training in cold weather, some of us even in polar climates. In these regions, where very cold temperatures (-22 degrees), snowstorms and strong winds are commonplace, just setting foot out the do...

The Ultra Lean, Retro Running & Treadmill Training

What causes the ultramarathon “side lean” and what can be done to prevent and/or correct it? – Beth M. Lateral trunk lean—when a runner leans to one side while running—is often observed during ultramaratho...

Training Intensity, Train for Altitude & Does Beer Help?

I try to build endurance during the winter by increasing my mileage and then running ultras in the spring. How much slow running should I do, and how do I determine training intensity? @talehorunner This training sched...

Ice Baths, Walking 50K and Treadmill Training

Can you clarify whether ice baths are worth the trouble and whether they help with recovery from training? I have heard mixed reports. @royjonesruns Ice baths have been popular with athletes for...

50k After Your First Marathon, K-Tape & How Short Should Your Longest Run Be?

After my first marathon, would it be right to continue with a 50k ultra in three months? @asafmiller It wouldn’t be wrong. But whether you should run a 50k just three months after your fir...

Heart Recovery, Hyponatremia and Too Big to Run Ultras?

How long does it take for the heart to recover after a 100-miler? @droliviaaffuso This is an important and timely question, but it’s a very difficult one to answer directly. It depends how we define “recover” and w...

Calories, Counterpace System & Strength Training

How do I ensure I eat sufficient calories for my needs? (@jmbarbit) There are numerous challenges to overcome as an ultrarunner and one of the greatest, at least from a nutritional perspective, is consuming enough calor...

Cramps and DOMS, NSAID Use and Exercise Physiology

We asked readers to send us questions for an exercise physiologist. Here are a few of the questions and the answers that follow. When cramps and DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) come knocking at the door after an...