How to Plan When Your A-Race Is Uncertain

If you’re training for a big race and unsure how to structure your training block, this episode gives you a repeatable framework you can use for any A-race, at any distance.

I’m using my preparation for the Western States 100 as the real-world example — not to list workouts or weekly mileage, but to show you how to think about training so you can build a plan that actually moves the needle.

In this episode, we cover:
• How to set goals that force real growth (without selling yourself short)
• The 5 pillars of ultra performance and how to identify your biggest limiter
• How to decide whether durability, speed, fueling, mindset, or execution deserves priority
• Why most runners train hard but still miss their potential
• The mistake athletes make when they plan too early — or too late
• How to structure training when your race isn’t guaranteed yet (lotteries, waitlists, life)
• Why aiming bigger almost always leads to better outcomes, even if you miss the goal
• How to avoid building a plan that looks good on paper but fails on race day
• The difference between “being fit” and being race-ready
• How to think in training blocks instead of workouts
• How to balance ambition with sustainability so you don’t burn out
• Why your biggest gains often come from fixing one key weakness — not doing more
• How to design a flexible plan that adapts as your life and training load change

This isn’t a “here’s my Western States training” episode.
It’s a blueprint for building smarter training blocks — with Western States as the case study.

SHOW LINKS:

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