Arlen Glick, an ultramarathon runner specializing in the 100 mile distance, discusses his start in running, his unique approach to ultramarathon, sponsorships in the sport, and the importance of volume and consistency in training. He also shares insights on strategizing double races and future race options.
Arlen Glick emphasizes the value of experience and experimentation in training, focusing on incremental steps and gradual increases in distance and performance.
Arlen reflects on the unpredictability of race outcomes and the importance of embracing unfamiliar challenges in his ultra running career.
The guest highlights the advantages of specializing in the 100-mile distance, including more race opportunities and prioritizing volume in training over specific speed work.
Deep dives
Arlen Glick's Rise to Ultra Running Fame
Arlen Glick, an ultra runner based in Ohio, made a surprising rise to fame in the ultra running community, often dominated by runners from the Western US. Despite his lack of engagement on social media, Arlen gained recognition due to his impressive podium finishes and solid resume. In this podcast episode, he discusses his journey into ultra running, his training and racing strategies, and the support he receives from his large family. Arlen's unique story and success in the sport make for an interesting conversation.
Arlen's Approach to Training and Racing
Arlen Glick approaches training and racing with a focus on incremental steps and gradual increases in distance and performance. He emphasizes the value of experience and experimentation in finding what works for each individual athlete. Arlen highlights the importance of listening to your body and making adjustments based on feel, rather than strictly adhering to set training plans. He also discusses the balance between volume and speed work, acknowledging that different runners respond differently to these training approaches. Through his own experiences, Arlen is continually learning and refining his training methods.
Umstead 100 Mile and Arlen's Perspective on Western States and Hard Rock
Arlen Glick's performance at the Umstead 100 Mile race was a milestone in his ultra running career, breaking the course record and finishing in under 13 hours. While this achievement drew attention, Arlen's focus shifted towards his participation in the Western States 100 and Hard Rock 100, two iconic races closely scheduled. Despite the hype surrounding the Western States-Hard Rock double, Arlen's performance at Western States did not meet his expectations. However, he found surprising success at Hard Rock, feeling more prepared and in the right mindset for the race. Arlen reflects on the unpredictability of race outcomes and the importance of embracing unfamiliar challenges.
Finding a balance between work and running
The podcast episode explores the challenge of balancing a career with professional running. The guest, an experienced ultra runner, discusses his experience of working part-time in his family's excavating business while pursuing his running career. He highlights the challenge of finding the right balance between work and training, especially since structure and regularity are crucial for proper training. However, he also expresses his contentment with running alone and admits that if he lived in a mountainous area, he may not feel the need for external work. He contemplates the future of his running career, acknowledging the need for an exit strategy but also expressing the possibility of finding career opportunities within the running world even after retiring from racing.
Specializing in the 100-mile distance and the benefits of racing doubles
The guest emphasizes his specialization in the 100-mile distance and the advantages of focusing on a specific race distance. He explains that sticking to one distance allows for more races to be fit into the calendar compared to athletes who switch between various distances. He also discusses the importance of volume in training for 100-milers, often prioritizing volume over specific speed work. The guest also explores the benefits of racing doubles, where two races are completed within a close timeframe. While acknowledging the physical challenges and blistering that can arise from doubles, he believes that the training and racing benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks, allowing for more efficient use of training blocks and enhancing performance.
Arlen Glick is an ultramarathon runner who specializes in the 100 mile distance. He popped onto the scene when he went on a streak of frequent racing and podium finishes near his home in Ohio. He then headed West and performed well on some big stages, including the Javelina 100 and WSER 100. Arlen is one of nine siblings, doesn't believe in social media, and has a unique approach to ultramarathon.
