Covering a lot of distance on foot is what ultrarunning is all about. And one of the best ways to do it is to just set aside a full day and pick an audacious route that traverses beautiful natural places. Recently som...

Dear Ann: I have had a good year of racing ultras, with some satisfying “A” races over the summer. I have been resting and recovering pretty much the last few months, but I’m not ready to call it a year quite yet. Did...

Unless you’ve only run a couple of races, the odds are that you’ve suffered a DNF (“Did Not Finish”) before. There are many potential reasons for a DNF, but with smart planning and tactics most are avoidable. Some ult...

Some ultrarunners like to think of themselves as in tune with nature, at one with their natural surroundings. We get to disconnect from technology, escape the stresses of modern life and embrace wilderness spaces that ca...

With the holidays rapidly approaching, an increase in social engagements, parties and an intake of sweets and treats can occur. Due to extra snacking and eating of desserts, the possibility that one may gain some weight...

I have this image in my mind that I think of as the GPS Olympics. Runners take their places along the curved starting line for the 1500 meters on the track awaiting the starting gun, just the same as they always have....

When you first signed up to be an ultrarunner, you know, at your local ultrarunning recruitment center at the mall, I hope you paid attention to the fine print on the contract. It said in no uncertain terms, “You are now...

As winter approaches the idea of heat adaptation seems premature and somewhat unnecessary. Sure as temperatures dip outside an occasional bout in the sauna is nice, but can it help you in your next race? Recent research...

The build-up to an ultrarun provides a phenomenal – and even life-changing – experience. The mission gives us purpose, structures our days, connects us to our tribe, and fans the flames of our dreams. And that’s just the...

Tony Rossmann has always had a distinct advantage over the rest of us, something I’ve marveled at during the close to 20 years I’ve known him, and the more than 13 years we’ve served together on the Board of Trustees for...

The River Road is a lovely period novel about becoming a runner in 1972. The story revolves around Lenny, a middle school student who discovers running when it becomes clear to him that he will never become a successful...

Until recently, if you wanted to run through the night, you needed a big, bulky headlamp with an external battery pack to light your way. Advanced technology has enabled compact lights to improve in brightness without a...

Folks often comment on how wonderful it must be to be married to a fellow ultrarunner. I’ll admit, it’s a pretty sweet deal – beyond being married to an amazingly kind and sweet guy (Brian Rusiecki), we also share this t...

I’ve been waiting for a good opportunity to tell you about my wife Mel. It is fair to say that Mel has a love/hate relationship with running. Approximately 3% is love. And the other 97% is hate. So you can imagine my sur...

Man came out of darkness and into the light, and that was my experience during the 2003 Angles Crest 100. Not a lot of planning went into the race. The prior couple weeks had been a hectic whirlwind of travel and there w...

If you pound the dirt for long enough three things will probably happen. You will probably get off course and lost a time or two; you will run out of steam at one time or another (aka, a massive race-ending bonk); and th...

“Unafraid” – the official motto of the Donner Party Mountain Runners (DPMR) and my feeling just prior to pushing the “Register” button for the 2017 Castle Peak 100K. Unafraid? Really? I had been warned: “It will destr...

Many of you have heard the saying, “200 is the new 100.” I kind of think that’s true. We ultrarunners are constantly trying to push our limits and see what we are capable of. I’m glad that there is an outlet for people l...

The Bigfoot 100K winds through the stark yet vibrant expanse of Mount St. Helens National Monument. It is a place indelibly shaped by the devastating 1980 eruption and by the tireless resilience of life. Just before race...

Heepwah is a Native American word that means “all is good.” It also happens to be the buzzword at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, IL, home of the new Shawnee Hills 100, replacing everything from “yay” or “huzzah” to “oh cool” o...

It was destined to be a phenomenal event. Excited chatter started even before December’s online registration (aka “the Hunger Games”). The 2017 edition of Sinister7 100 Mile was celebrating its 10th anniversary so I knew...

Bad weather seems in vogue this year, and true to form, Colorado served runners of the inaugural running of the High Lonesome 100 with challenging conditions. Endless rain, driving winds, blinding fog and cold temps batt...

This year’s Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run celebrated both its 30th Anniversary and the life of Hal Winton, who passed away on May 24, 2017 with his family at his side. Hal co-directed the Angeles Crest 100 for 30...

A surprise email arrived the Wednesday before the Saturday start of the 19th Cascade Crest Classic 100 held in the heart of the Central Cascades area of Washington State. Bad news: The Jolly Mountain fire was threatening...

From beer miles to barbecues to running 100 miles, The Leadville 100 attracts many of the best people and best runners in the sport, who come together and celebrate one of Colorado’s richest and proudest traditions. The...

Joe Creighton (aka Shoeless Joe) interviews two-time White River 50-mile champ Olin Berger of Seattle, WA. SJ: Was it fun to repeat as the White River 50-mile champ? OB: It’s been my go-to party conversation topic...

Since 2003, me and my trail running friends have joyfully watched hordes of male American elite runners take a pounding at what has now undoubtedly become the most famous ultra trail rendezvous of all. American women, on...

“I don’t mean to freak anyone out,” says Lakes Sky Ultra (LSU) race director Charlie Sproson at the pre-race briefing. “But, in places, this is an extremely technical course. If you don’t feel safe, connect with other pe...