The Ascent Journal

80/20 training is a staple in endurance training circles. The risk is, with all of the focus on optimized methods, that we forget how to adapt in a way that preserves good fundamentals when our situation doesn’t allow for “optimal.” A recent study by researchers in Italy set out to test how essential 80/20 training really is to making progress. Their results will probably surprise you.

"One thing I've always been able to do is find pleasure in discomfort. Again, that sounds like I'm trying to be a tough guy, but I think fun trumps tough... every time, especially in a race like this. So if I say to myself, you're a tough guy, push through it, push through it, it's not gonna work for me. This race is the pinnacle of ultra marathon. I'm so lucky to be doing stuff like this. Look at the scenery, look at the people you're meeting, look at the texts and calls flo

Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run is the penultimate one hundred mile trail running race in the United States. For non-elites, the WSER lottery can consume athletes’ hopes for close to a decade before their name is drawn. Once the hurdle of entry is cleared, suddenly runners are left with the burning question: “How am I going to finish this thing?” A new analysis examines more than 15 years of finisher data to help us understand how it’s done.

Early in my coaching career, I came across this idea that has sort of lurked in the shadows of the coaching world for decades: while science is humming along providing rigorous data on what will move the needle on an athlete’s performance, coaches are the innovators. The narrative goes “Science will likely take 10-20 more years to explain why the practices coaches are using today are effective.” The first 2 months of my masters work involved recalibrating my understanding of

One of the things that drove me to coaching years ago was how the learning process has no end. New ideas, perspectives, and data are always emerging. Along that grain, I know it's been a good year when I feel like I see the world in a slightly different light than when the year started. I found that these titles added perspective. Perhaps next year one or two of them can widen yours as well. Here's our 2025 book list.

Race-Day perspectives from Shae Rhinehart, Robbe Reddinger, and Coach Greg illuminate the experience of JFK 50 for future runners

There are moments in life when you’re not sure how you’re going to take the next step. You feel broken—not metaphorically, but physically, emotionally, and spiritually—like your body has been through a meat grinder, and your soul is somewhere on the trail, questioning your life choices.

The books we read in 2024 that were near-impossible to put down.

How to use the end of competition season to gear up for a successful next-season.

The skill required for the development of all other skills and achievements.

What you should know and how to achieve weight loss that serves your ultimate goal.

Developing fitness is one part of achieving big things, but developing these skills might matter even more.

Read the the story by Head Coach Greg Marshall just published in Outside Magazine.

What athletes need to know about the new ingredients in the Awesome Sauce energy gel by Spring Energy.

This post is to better define how and what athletes can communicate to me as their coach.

I share my experience over this past year for anybody that has wondered about the influence of alcohol in their own life.

A glimpse into the reasons for early season racing by Treeline Athletes, and what we learned from them.

An explanation of how much road running and trail running fitness translate to one another.

What it is about is this: Living with purpose. Setting goals. Achieving success. Creating structure. Developing discipline. Knowing what you

What's fascinating about the 62-page manifesto by World Record Speed Skater, Nils van der Poel