Training gets you fit.
But execution?
Execution is what decides if the day goes your way… or falls apart by mile 10.
This season — across
Leadville Trail Marathon,
Canyonlands Ultra,
Dead Horse Ultra, and
Arches Ultra —
…I’m not showing up hoping for a good race.
I’m showing up with a plan.
The Rule: Start Easier Than You Think
Every time.
No exceptions.
Because the fastest way to ruin an ultra is:
- Going out too hard
- Letting adrenaline take over
- Racing the first half like it’s the last
My approach:
- Controlled start
- Settle into effort, not pace
- Let people go early
They usually come back later.
Pacing Strategy: Effort Over Ego
Forget pace charts.
These races don’t care about your road PR.
I run by:
- Effort
- Breathing
- Terrain
If it’s steep? I hike.
If it’s runnable? I stay controlled.
The goal isn’t to look strong early.
It’s to still be moving strong late.
Fueling Plan: Non-Negotiable
Covered in Post 3 — but on race day, it becomes law.
My baseline:
- Eat every 20–30 minutes
- Drink consistently
- Stay ahead of hunger
If I don’t feel like eating?
That’s exactly when I need to.
Gear Strategy: Keep It Simple
No overpacking. No unnecessary weight.
What I carry:
- Hydration vest
- Real food + quick carbs
- Electrolytes
- Layers (especially for Arches Ultra)
- Headlamp if needed
Everything has a purpose.
If it doesn’t — it stays behind.
Race-Specific Execution
Each race in this season has its own rules.
🏔️ Leadville Trail Marathon
Strategy: Respect the altitude
- Go out slow — slower than feels necessary
- Power hike early climbs
- Control breathing
- Stay fueled even when appetite drops
If you go too hard here, you don’t recover.
🏜️ Canyonlands Ultra
Strategy: Settle in and stay steady
- Find a sustainable rhythm early
- Don’t fight the sand
- Adjust effort constantly
This race rewards patience.
🪨 Dead Horse Ultra
Strategy: Manage fatigue
- Expect heavy legs
- Stick to fueling schedule
- Break the race into sections
Late-season races are about durability, not speed.
❄️ Arches Ultra
Strategy: Stay ahead of the cold
- Layer early, not late
- Keep moving
- Eat even when you’re not hungry
Cold races are sneaky.
They drain you quietly.
The Adjustment Mindset
Something will go wrong.
It always does.
When it happens:
- Don’t panic
- Don’t spiral
- Adjust and keep moving
Missed a fuel? Fix it.
Bad mile? Let it go.
Feeling off? Slow down and reset.
The race isn’t over unless you decide it is.
Aid Stations: Don’t Waste Them
These are not rest stops.
They’re pit stops.
My approach:
- In with purpose
- Grab what I need
- Out quickly
Lingering kills momentum.
The Late-Race Strategy
This is where it matters.
When:
- Legs are shot
- Mind is tired
- Everything hurts
My focus:
- Keep moving forward
- Break it into small sections
- Stay consistent with fueling
No hero moves.
Just steady effort.
What I’m Not Doing
I’m not:
- Racing other people
- Chasing splits that don’t match the terrain
- Letting one bad moment define the race
Because ultras reward discipline — not emotion.
What Success Looks Like This Season
Not just finishing.
Not just times.
Success is:
- Executing the plan
- Staying consistent
- Finishing strong — mentally and physically
What’s Coming Next
➡️ Post 6: Lessons I’m Carrying Into This Season
- What last year taught me
- Mistakes I won’t repeat
- How I’ve evolved as a runner and athlete
Closing — Fed Diabetic Runner Style
Race day isn’t where the magic happens.
It’s where the work shows.
So I’ll show up:
- Prepared
- Controlled
- Ready to adjust
Because I’m not chasing perfect races.
I’m chasing disciplined ones.
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