I had an unorthodox but interesting mix of questions this month, so I’ll start by indulging one reader’s request for speculation on the one factor most predictive of ultrarunning performance. I then will give some pointe...
Articles by Nick Tiller, PhD
If you could get runners to do one strength/conditioning routine what would it be? @moorendurance With two competing goals in ultrarunning and weightlifting, how would you optimize we...
What training is better for getting into ultra distances: muscles or miles? –@kerriwbrady Endurance sports like ultrarunning, adventure racing and obstacle course racing place considerabl...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...