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.

Ready to put a plan to work?

Pick a goal race — 5K, trail half marathon, 50K, 100K, or 100-mile ultra — at ultrasignup.com.

3 Things I Learned from Coming Back From Injury

3 Things I Learned from Coming Back From Injury

I had Achilles tendinitis and all I got was this lousy realization that life is bigger than running.
Zoë Rom
October 1, 2026
How to Keep Running Ultras as You Age

How to Keep Running Ultras as You Age

Ultramarathons may be a safe space for older runners, but you still need to make concessions when running ultras as you age.
Dan England
September 30, 2026
Why Volume is King When Training for Ultras

Why Volume is King When Training for Ultras

Here is why volume is king when it comes to training for your next ultra-distance race.
Cliff Pittman
September 15, 2026
Hit Me Where It Hurts: How Ultrarunners Navigate Physical and Mental Pain

Hit Me Where It Hurts: How Ultrarunners Navigate Physical and Mental Pain

Physical and mental pain are part of the ultrarunning experience. Here's how four runners have learned to manage it.
Jessica Blatt
September 1, 2026
What Causes a UTMB DNF? Here’s What The Data Says

What Causes a UTMB DNF? Here’s What The Data Says

Running more may make you faster at 100 miles. But it doesn’t guarantee that you will be permitted to express that fitness for all 100 of them.
Zoë Rom
August 27, 2026
You should run a dress rehearsal at a small race before your big goal race

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

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

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

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

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

Get the Weekly Newsletter!

Epic stories, race results, gear finds, rad videos and more. Every Tuesday.
Close this Window