Some Work, All Play 298. Ultra Training Philosophy, What Shorter Distances Can Learn from Ultras, Black Canyon 100k Records, a Weird Brain Study, and Metabolic Flexibility!
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Feb 17, 2026 Race highlights and course records from a dramatic 100k that pushed ultrarunning forward. A practical ultra training philosophy and what shorter-distance runners can steal from it. Fueling tactics focused on carbs and eating real food during workouts. Strange neuroscience and incentive studies that challenge how endurance adapts. Debates on pacing, downhill strength, and metabolic flexibility.
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Uphill Treadmill Built Speed Postpartum
- Megan moved from consistent 8% uphill treadmill sessions to 4% and immediately showed speed gains without traditional speed work.
- David credits uphill treadmill training for stealthy aerobic and muscular endurance improvements that translated to faster paces.
Hans Troyer’s Breakthrough Run
- David and Megan discuss Hans Troyer's rapid rise and course-record Black Canyon performance after rhabdo and focused training.
- They credit his brain, high-carb fueling, targeted strength, and uphill treadmill work for the breakthrough.
Schedule Weekly Downhill Exposure
- Include one downhill-focused session per week to build eccentric strength and protect against rhabdo and nervous-system breakdown.
- Use long runs with high vert and frequent downhill exposure rather than constant heavy-vert volume.