How to Train for Mountain Ultramarathons (Even If You Don’t Live in the Mountains)
Everyday Ultra
High-level training structure for mountain races
Christie explains 16–18 week structure: early intensity, hill repeats, then building elevation in long runs.
Mountain races demand more than just “more vert.”
In this coaches roundtable episode, Joe sits down with Everyday Ultra coaches Christie Brinker and Andrew Redden to break down what it really takes to prepare for mountainous ultramarathons — from runnable alpine climbs to soul-crushing descents — whether you live at sea level, the Midwest, or the mountains themselves.
Between Leadville 100, Kodiak 100, Cruel Jewel, and hundreds of athletes coached to mountain races, this conversation cuts through the noise and gets brutally practical about what works, what doesn’t, and what most runners get wrong.
You’ll learn:
Why most runners sabotage their mountain training before it even starts
How to train for steep climbs without blowing up your legs or fitness
The biggest downhill mistakes that destroy quads on race day
How treadmill training can actually make you stronger for mountain races
What power hiking should really feel like (and why it’s not “giving up”)
How to prepare for altitude when you don’t live at elevation
When a training camp is worth it — and how to structure one correctly
Whether you’re eyeing your first mountain ultra or trying to stop getting wrecked late in hilly races, this episode will change how you approach mountain training — and help you show up stronger, smarter, and more confident on race day.
SHOW LINKS:
Register for our race, The Desert Peak Ultra 100K + 50K at desertpeakultra.com
Want to work with me to crush your next ultramarathon in our group coaching program? Sign up for our group coaching program here: https://www.theeverydayultra.com/group-coaching
Want to be coached by me and my team to crush your next ultramarathon in our 1:1 coaching program? Book a free call here with one of our coaches to see if we are a good fit!
Book a free consult call with Christie for ultramarathon coaching: https://calendly.com/cbrinkercoaching/inquiry?month=2025-12
Book a free consult call with Andrew for ultramarathon coaching: https://calendly.com/andrew-redden-94/30min?back=1&month=2025-12
Follow Joe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joecorcione/
Everyday Ultra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUelKGeptWZivD6yRIDiupg
Try HYPERLYTE Liquid Performance running nutrition and get 15% off your order when you use code EVERYDAYULTRA at www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com
Try CurraNZ to boost recovery and performance and get 15% off your first order with code EVERYDAYULTRAPOD at www.curranzusa.com
Get your FREE TrainingPeaks account to track, plan, and analyze your training easier at trainingpeaks.com/everydayultra
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