Human Performance Outliers Podcast Episode 439: Ultra Running Success - Alyssa Clark
May 13, 2025
Alyssa Clark, a professional ultramarathon runner with impressive wins at events like Moab 240, shares her journey from athlete to coach. She opens up about managing ulcerative colitis while fueling for endurance runs, highlighting the importance of personalized nutrition strategies. Their conversation dives into the latest trends in ultraracing, the evolution of race formats, and the significance of balance in off-season training. Alyssa's insights on adapting fueling methods and embracing diverse race experiences offer a fresh perspective on ultra running challenges.
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Freedom Found in Running
- Alyssa Clark hated running as a child but found freedom in it after her ulcerative colitis diagnosis at 11. - This pivotal moment sparked a lifelong passion for long-distance running, skipping marathons for ultras.
Cognitive Demand in Ultramarathoning
- Ultra running requires intellectual engagement beyond physical training due to race complexity and logistics. - This cognitive demand enhances performance and helps manage the sport's numerous unpredictable variables.
Race Fewer, Focus More
- Prioritize a few key races annually to optimize training and recovery for peak performance. - Avoid racing too frequently to reduce injury risk and ensure readiness for major events.