Training Essentials for Ultrarunning

Coach Jason Koop argues that ultramarathons are not simply longer marathons, so piling on miles will not adequately prepare a runner to race one. His program uses a structured, periodized plan, grounded in research and years of coaching elite ultrarunners, to build an athlete's energy systems for long efforts. Koop explains the science behind ultramarathon performance, common failure points and their fixes, interval training, fueling and hydration, and season planning. His A.D.A.P.T. method guides decisions during a race-day crisis. Course-by-course guides cover iconic U.S. races including Western States 100, Hardrock 100, Badwater 135 and Leadville 100. The approach is meant for runners who want to race an ultramarathon rather than merely survive to the finish.

Robert Hajnal, founder of Trail Running Academy, named it among the books with the biggest impact on him in 2017, saying it completely changed his approach to training.