'I always try to get back to that flow feeling' - interview with all-conquering British trail runner Jon Albon
Dec 20, 2023
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World trail running champion Jon Albon talks about finding flow state, benefits of cross training, joy of Coke, and why he hopes trail running never makes it into the Olympics.
Cross-training and finding a balance between training and recovery are crucial for maintaining consistent performance in trail running.
Developing mental resilience and fearlessness through obstacle racing can greatly benefit a runner's performance in technical trail running.
Testing different fueling strategies, including the use of Coca-Cola, and being adaptable in training approaches can lead to improved race performance.
Deep dives
John Albon's Accomplishments in Skyrunning and Obstacle Racing
John Albon, a British runner, has achieved great success in both Skyrunning and obstacle racing. He has won multiple Skyrunner World Series titles and the CCC, one of the largest trail ultra races in the world. Albon's achievements in obstacle racing include winning the Spartan World Championships twice and numerous other obstacle races. His dominance in these sports led to curiosity about his potential in trail ultra running.
Training and Finding Balance
Albon emphasizes the importance of cross-training during the off-season. Ski touring and ski mountaineering are his preferred activities, which allow for prolonged training without excessive impact on his body. He believes that finding a balance between training and recovery is crucial in order to maintain consistency in performance. He also highlights the significance of focusing on running efficiently rather than solely relying on heart rate or pace measurements.
Technical Trail Running and Mental Resilience
Albon's experience in obstacle racing helped him develop confidence and fearlessness when it comes to technical trail running. He advises looking ahead on the trail and planning moves in advance to maintain efficiency and momentum. In challenging moments during races, Albon's mental resilience allows him to push through and keep going. He believes in testing his limits and finding satisfaction in overcoming physical and mental barriers.
John Albin's Races and Prizes
John Albin recounts his experiences in obstacle racing and shares his journey towards winning various races and prizes. He talks about participating in the $1 million obstacle race, not winning it, but later winning the Spartan World Championship. He also discusses his preference for races with technical terrain and highlights the importance of not getting too focused on winning but enjoying the experience.
Training, Fueling, and Coaching
John Albin shares insights into his training and fueling strategies for races, emphasizing the importance of testing different approaches and finding the right balance. He mentions the significance of fueling during races, including the benefits of Coca-Cola as a quick energy source. He also discusses coaching himself and the value of being adaptable and making decisions based on how he feels. Additionally, he mentions his involvement in developing a training app to help athletes coach themselves.
Author Adharanand Finn chats with world trail running champion, multiple world Skyrunning champion and obstacle racing superstar Jon Albon. Despite hailing from the flatlands of Essex, Albon has won some of the world’s biggest mountain races and has his eyes set on even bigger goals. Here he talks about finding a flow state, the benefits of cross training, the joy of Coke, and why he hopes that trail running never makes it into the Olympics.
Adharanand Finn is the author of three award-winning books, Running with the Kenyans (2012), The Way of the Runner (2014), and the Rise of the Ultra Runners (2019). Follow The Way of the Runner podcast on Instagram: @thewayoftherunner or find it at thewayoftherunner.com
The Way of the Runner podcast is sponsored by Veloforte, who make the best-tasting running fuel around. Visit veloforte.com
The podcast is also supported by Adharanand’s Patreon page, which is full of original and exclusive material: patreon.com/adharanandfinn
Music by Starfrosch
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