On Saturday, November 1st, about 200 runners gathered in the middle of nowhere Texas on Bare Ranch to take on the night.
As dramatic as that sounds… it’s accurate.
Bare Performance Nutrition’s 50-mile ultra started at 6 p.m. and gave us 12 hours to get it done. Since this race came just three short weeks after my Devils Den 12-hour ultra, my only real expectation was to survive the event. Nothing heroic. Nothing spicy. Just get it done.
And I did.
Read MoreI ended up running right at my training pace—around 7:30 per mile—comfortably finishing without emptying the tank. On paper, it looks like a win. But looking back, I realize I could have squeezed more value out of this race if I had paid closer attention to one piece of the puzzle: nutrition.
Read MoreTraining for my first 10K as part of the Vermont Triple Crown was a rewarding challenge and key step toward my 2026 ultramarathon goal. Over five weeks, I followed a strategic 10K training plan that included MAF runs, speed intervals, hill work, and mobility-focused strength training. I also made a major shoe switch that improved comfort and performance. In this post, I share my full preparation process, training schedule, gear insights, and tips for runners tackling their first 10K. Whether you're racing in Vermont or anywhere else, this guide will help you train smarter and show up strong on race day.
Read MoreWhen starting out as a runner, understanding your Maximum Aerobic Function (MAF) heart rate is crucial. MAF is the highest heart rate you can maintain while still staying in an aerobic zone. This zone helps build endurance, improve fat-burning capacity, and prevent overtraining. For new runners, training at or below the MAF allows your body to adapt to running without straining the cardiovascular system.
Needless to say, it was a mistake I made during the first two months of my SAP run build. I was just running, not really looking at my heart rate.
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