Endurance Unlimited Scott Johnston's Winning Formula for Ruth Croft and Tom Evans at UTMB — Season 7 Ep 10
Sep 4, 2025
Scott Johnston, coach of both the men’s and women’s winners of UTMB, dives into his personalized training philosophy. He stresses the importance of disciplined, science-based approaches tailored to each athlete’s needs, like Ruth Croft and Tom Evans. Johnston shares insights on balancing speed and endurance, utilizing steep treadmill workouts for fatigue resistance, and the necessity of effective communication between athlete and coach. He also highlights how life changes can reshape training focus and the value of adaptability in challenging conditions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Coaching Two Champions
- Scott Johnston coached both the men's and women's winners at UTMB and found it overwhelming and emotional.
- He knew Ruth and Tom were prepared but acknowledged many race variables can derail a 20-hour event.
Trusting The Pacing Plan
- Ruth stuck to a conservative pacing plan and stayed within a minute of planned times at early checkpoints.
- That trusting the plan built confidence and let her execute rather than get swept up in race excitement.
Hypothermia Taught A Tough Lesson
- Ruth had a prior DNF at Transvulcania due to hypothermia from not having a jacket.
- That experience changed her race behavior and she immediately used jackets when rain began at UTMB.