Scott Johnston

Scott Johnston, a world-class mountain and endurance coach and author of 'Training for the Uphill Athlete', shares his insights on building fatigue resistance. He explains the difference between local and global fatigue and emphasizes the role of the nervous system. Scott discusses effective workouts like high-intensity intervals and resistance training, as well as the importance of fueling and running economy. With practical tips and training priorities, he reveals how to convert marathoners to ultra-capable athletes and why speed on roads doesn't guarantee success in the mountains.

In this conversation, Scott Johnston, the founder of Evoke Endurance and coach to trail running champions Tom Evans and Ruth Croft, shares insights from their incredible journey to UTMB victories. He discusses the critical aspect of fatigue resistance and the differences between local and global fatigue. Scott highlights innovative training techniques and the importance of quality gear, continuous communication, and teamwork in achieving peak performance. His enthusiasm for coaching shines through as he reflects on the emotional highs of their success.

Scott Johnston, coach of both the men’s and women’s winners of UTMB, dives into his personalized training philosophy. He stresses the importance of disciplined, science-based approaches tailored to each athlete’s needs, like Ruth Croft and Tom Evans. Johnston shares insights on balancing speed and endurance, utilizing steep treadmill workouts for fatigue resistance, and the necessity of effective communication between athlete and coach. He also highlights how life changes can reshape training focus and the value of adaptability in challenging conditions.