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The Strength Running Podcast

The Endurance Episode: Zach Bitter on How to Push the Boundaries of Endurance

Jan 25, 2024
Former 100-mile world record holder Zach Bitter shares his journey and strategies for pushing the boundaries of endurance. He discusses maximizing benefits from zone 2 running, training in zone 3, and preparing for fast 100-milers. He also talks about incorporating cross-training, advice for new runners, and building a strong aerobic engine. Listen to Zach's insights on building massive endurance!
01:11:14

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Zach Bitter's training approach for building a massive aerobic engine involves establishing a strong base with high volume easy runs and gradually incorporating speed work and long intervals.
  • Zach Bitter employs a unique pacing strategy for ultra marathons, focusing on even splits and avoiding going beyond his aerobic threshold to maintain a sustainable pace throughout the race.

Deep dives

Zach Bitter's Approach to Ultra Running

Zach Bitter, American record holder in the 100 mile and 12-hour events, shares his training approach to building a massive aerobic engine for ultra running. He starts by establishing a strong base with a high volume of easy runs, aiming to train in zone two at a heart rate around 150. He gradually increases his mileage and then moves into a speed work development phase, focusing on short intervals that he can sustain for about 12 minutes. After that, he transitions to long intervals based on a target intensity he could sustain for 60 minutes on race day. During his specific training phase for a 100-mile event, he emphasizes long runs at race pace, sometimes reaching up to 150+ miles per week. He also incorporates strength training, mobility work, and occasionally aerobic cross-training to supplement his running.

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