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The Running for Real Podcast


Jun 18, 2021

Joining this episode is Zach Bitter, an ultra-marathoner, endurance athlete, and coach. We dive into human performance during long stretches of endurance sports, how to wrap our heads around discomfort and touch distances, and the science behind gear like arm sleeves and their benefits doing long ultras. 
 
Zach is the 100 Mile World Record Holder (11 hours 19 minutes 13 seconds), 12 Hour World Record Holder(104.88miles), has 9th Fastest Time Recorded on the JFK 50 Mile Course, and is a three time National Champion (50mile x2 and 100km).
 
We deep dive into the inner mind of Zach and how he is able to take extremely long distance races and break them down into manageable training plans and mindset training. 
 
In this episode we cover…
  • Different types of fatigue: mental and physical
  • Training for a road race vs trail race and how pacing works with each, as well differences in recovery for each. 
  • How your body handles hard surfaces during road races compared to the uneven terrain of trails and how your body mechanics are different. 
  • Training cycles throughout the seasons (from extreme cold to extreme heat) and how you transition between them and begin anew with each season. 
  • Training gear- learning about shoes like Altras which have zero drop and toe boxes, to hearing about how arm sleeves generate a cooling effect (for hot runs) and a warming effect (for cold runs)
 

Resources:

 
 
 
 

Thank you to Momentous, Tracksmith, and Picky Bars for sponsoring this episode.

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Tracksmith is a Boston based running clothing company that truly cares about the quality and care of their running clothes. Running can be a demanding lifestyle for our clothes, they definitely go through the wear and tear to where we may be purchasing new clothes constantly. Tracksmith designers truly work with the finest materials and think of you as a runner in mind with spots for your keys, phone, and fuel. You can go here to check out my favorites!

You can get $15 off your purchase of $75 or more, click here and enter code TINA15.

 

I am thrilled to be sponsored by Picky Bars now! I have had a few people on the podcast who are from the Picky Bar Company and I am happy to say that their ideals are right in line with what Running for Real stands for. These bars are not only delicious but made of real food and are made for sport, imagine that…. It’s gluten, soy, gmo, and dairy free with even some vegan options. 

Click here for 20% off AND you can also get an additional 20% off your order, if you purchase a Picky Club membership. A membership entitles you to hand pick your own Picky Bars products and you will be getting a box every month of your picks.

 

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Thank you to Zach, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.