The Running Public Episode 642: 6 Hours or Less of Training Per Week
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Sep 12, 2026 How do you prepare for an ultramarathon with six hours or less to train each week? The discussion explores daily consistency versus strategic big sessions, why long runs still matter, efficient workouts, hill-based leg builders, quality training, downhill practice, fueling, and occasional extended training days.
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Back-To-Back Climbing Without Running Every Rep
- Bracken Crocker used back-to-back aerobic days to prepare for mountain ultras without overloading his Achilles.
- He combined a 10-mile aerobic run, 1,000 feet of treadmill climbing, and next-day climbing with resisted backpedaling and monster walks.
Why Kirk Cut A Tempo Short
- Kirk DeWint shortened an eight-mile tempo to six miles when heat, humidity, and elevated heart rate made continuing unwise.
- He preserved quality by adding six 60-second repetitions and finished feeling better than he would have after forcing the original plan.
Short Daily Runs Miss Ultra-Specific Fatigue
- For athletes limited to six hours, training time matters more than mileage because terrain, hiking, and cross-training change what mileage represents.
- Greasing the groove with daily short runs develops consistency, but may not prepare runners for the fatigue and damage after hour three of an ultra.