Stories
Why Hydration Testing Matters Before a Hot RaceHot-weather racing punishes improvised hydration. A plan that worked in a cool Sydney winter can leave an athlete overheated, depleted or carrying too much…
Preventing and Treating Blisters on Long Trail RunsBlisters are a common trail-running problem, but they need not end a long effort. They form when repeated sliding between skin and footwear creates shear,…
Gear review: best nutrition bars and gels for real food alternativesI wanted to know whether I could rely on ordinary food for long trail sessions, instead of treating every gel as the default. This gear review compares the…
My first 24-hour ultra and the lessons on pacingUntil I entered this event, my longest continuous effort was a 50-kilometre trail race, which felt more like a respectable limit than a training target. The…
Negative splits for a stronger finish in long eventsA negative split means running faster in the second half than in the first. In a road marathon, that might mean running the first half at 4:30 per kilometre…
Treadmill hill training for flat Australian citiesFlat country can make it easy to settle for endless easy kilometres on the same level path. Yet trail ultras, coastal routes and triathlon courses often demand…
Post-race blues: understanding the emotional dipFinishing an ultra can feel like stepping out of a storm. The race noise stops, the medal lands, and the finish-line photographs are sent to friends. Then an…
Gear review: best arm sleeves and sun protection for long hoursAustralian race days put UV exposure and heat management on the same checklist. Melbourne can shift from cold drizzle to glaring afternoon sun; Brisbane adds…
Choosing shoes for a rocky, rooty trailLearning how to choose the right shoes for a rocky, rooty trail comes down to matching the shoe to the surface, the run and your feet. A shoe that feels quick…
Strength training for trail runners over 40The benefits of strength training for trail runners over 40 extend well beyond race speed. The body must absorb thousands of uneven steps, hold a rhythm on…