The Running Channel Podcast 135: Training Cycles Explained – Base, Build, Peak, Taper…
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Aug 30, 2025 Tom Dunn, Sarah Hartley's fiancé and running enthusiast, joins the discussion on training cycles, detailing the phases of base, build, peak, and taper. The hosts highlight personal stories while emphasizing the importance of structured training and mental recovery. They explore the nuances of hitting personal bests in sprinting and the psychological aspects of tapering. Plus, get an insider peek from Sarah covering the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc, discussing its rigorous standards and the stunning backdrop of Chamonix.
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Rick's Brutal 5K With An Olympian
- Rick trained with Olympian Steph Kessel for a 5K PB and completely emptied himself, collapsing afterwards.
- The pacer used clever half-kilometre pulls to keep him motivated and recover pace.
Tom's Half-Marathon Breakthrough
- Tom unexpectedly enjoyed training and ran a big half-marathon PB after improved fueling and tapering.
- He credits simple race breakfasts and consistent preparation for his performance.
Time Your Carbs For Performance
- Do fuel timing smartly: prefer white bread/bagels pre-run and reserve wholemeal/protein for recovery.
- Use simple options (toast, honey, banana) that sit well before racing or hard sessions.