Training & Nutrition

This is how runners actually get ready, whether they are running 5K or 100 miles. Trailhead’s Training & Nutrition section covers the work that happens between race weekends — advice and training insights from coaches, fueling strategies, hydration science, recovery protocols, and Q&A guides on tapering, heat acclimation, and stepping up from 50K to 100 miles.

Built with coaches, dietitians, and elite runners who do this for a living. Brought to you by UltraSignup, the world’s leading trail running registration platform.

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You should run a dress rehearsal at a small race before your big goal race

Here are some insights about why you should run a dress rehearsal race as you prepare for your next big trail running race.

Allison Mercer

August 18, 2026

What Should I Eat? Solving Real-Life Fueling Dilemmas

We face plenty of fueling dilemmas out on the trails, but here’s how to approach the ones that crop up in everyday life.

Jane Maus

August 16, 2026

Becoming an Ultrarunner: How to Survive (and Thrive) in Your First 50K Race

Welcome to the world of ultrarunning. Sign up for a 50K, start training and come join the fun!

Meghan Canfield

August 9, 2026

6 Smart Tips to Successfully Navigate Aid Stations

Follow these 6 tips to make the most of aid stations and help you run the next section of a course as best possible.

Dan England

July 27, 2026

10 Tips to Beat the Heat: A Guide to Summer Survival

I woke up before the sun rose again today and got my 8-mile run in early, both because I had a busy day planned and also because I knew it was going to be blistering hot. Again. This summer has been a scorcher throughout North America. When the thermometer starts pushing above 80 degrees at…

Brian Metzler

July 27, 2026

Race Through the Night: Stay Awake, Alert + Mostly Sane

Running through the night can be strange, but it’s navigable, physiologically, psychologically, and logistically, once you understand what’s going on.

Zoë Rom

July 27, 2026

Train for Unfamiliar Terrain: How to Get Through a Challenging Race Even if You Train for It Remotely

Here's how you can train to get through a challenging trail running race even when the terrain you'll be racing on doesn't exist where you live.

Dan England

July 19, 2026

When A Race Crumbles: What’s Solvable and What Isn’t?

Molly Seidel might have dropped out of Western States if it had not been for her crew addressing solvable problems that gave her the ability to keep going. You can benefit from the same kind of help from your crew.

Cliff Pittman

July 17, 2026