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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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
You Might Be Running Your Easy Miles Too Fast
Seriously. Easy running is your secret weapon for ultrarunning resilience and trail speed.
Zoë Rom
July 15, 2026
Avoid These 5 Common Fueling and Hydration Mistakes
Why preventing these fueling and hydration mistakes some trail runners make can help improve your training, racing, and recovery.
Jane Maus
July 6, 2026
Are You Getting Fitter? How to Know for Sure
Here are three tiers of training benchmarks that will help you understand if you are getting fitter.
Cliff Pittman
June 19, 2026
How to Train for Western States, According to Data and Coaches
Prepping for the big run from Olympic Valley to Auburn? Here’s what trends emerge in training data, and how coaches interpret it.
Zoë Rom
June 17, 2026
Strength Training For Trail Running Durability
Strength training can be a key factor in improving endurance and durability for trail runners.
Zoë Rom
June 5, 2026
A Practical Guide to Hydration for Trail Runners
A practical guide to hydration for several common trail racing scenarios along with input to adapt your hydration strategy to the conditions.
Jane Maus
May 29, 2026
Fueling for Ultras Can Be Complicated: Here’s How I Finally Made it Work for Me
I was underfueling for years, which led to me struggle in training, bonk in races, and DNF races. Here's how I finally figured out my fueling strategy.
Ashley Arnold
April 30, 2026