Everyday Ultra

Dr. Alyssa Olenick on Ultramarathon Training Tips, Why Speedwork Matters, and Balancing Life and Training

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Nov 19, 2025
Dr. Alyssa Olenick, an exercise physiologist and 17-time ultramarathon finisher, shares her expertise on ultramarathon training. She discusses how speedwork can significantly enhance performance, the importance of balancing life with intense training, and lessons learned from her ultrarunning journey. Alyssa emphasizes understanding life-load versus training load to avoid burnout. She also offers practical strategies for efficient training and designing a race season that promotes fitness without overwhelm. A must-listen for those seeking to optimize their ultramarathon experience!
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ANECDOTE

Year Off Ultras To Rebuild Speed

  • After injury and losing fitness, Alyssa paused ultras to rebuild speed and mechanics via a marathon-focused year.
  • She intentionally periodized speed and threshold work to translate gains back to ultras.
INSIGHT

Base Volume Amplifies Speed Gains

  • A strong runnable base makes speed training more effective because volume builds durability.
  • Shifting between high-volume base phases and targeted speed phases creates a pendulum effect that compounds fitness.
ADVICE

Periodize Speed To Boost Ultra Performance

  • Include speed and intensity periods in ultra plans to raise your lactate threshold and VO2 max.
  • Periodize seasons: build pure speed blocks, then longer threshold work to translate gains to ultras.
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