EP 118: Why Time on Feet Beats Mileage for Trail Running

Should you train for trail and ultra races by time on feet or by mileage? If you come from road running, this might change how you train completely.

→ This video is a podcast version of a full YouTube video! Watch it here on Spotify (video edition) or YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tip41I5R6KQ

Get $20 off your first month with code PODCAST:

→ https://www.thelyssmethod.com/

So many of us get obsessed with hitting specific mileage numbers, especially coming from the road running world. But trail running is slower, the terrain is wildly variable, and not all miles are created equal. You can train for the same distance race twice, spend the same time on feet, and log completely different mileage. That isn't a problem. A lot of the time it's the whole point.

In this video I break down why time on feet belongs in your toolbox when training for a trail race or ultramarathon, how I use time caps instead of forcing arbitrary mileage, and real examples from training for my first 100 miler versus my first road marathon. I also get into why your total weekly and full training cycle volume matters more than any single long run, and why this is as much a pep talk about giving yourself grace as it is a training principle.

This one is especially for my middle and back of the pack runners. I'm one of you. Adjusting for the fitness you're at doesn't mean you won't cross that finish line just like everyone else. Time on feet, time on feet, time on feet.

If you want a program that blends time and mileage and adjusts to your race distance and fitness, check out our trail and ultra programs at The Lyss Method, linked below. Not sure what fits? Take the program quiz or reach out to our coaching team. And tell me in the comments: did this change how you think about mileage?

🤘🏻 TRAIN WITH ME HERE → https://www.thelyssmethod.com/programs

🤘🏻 FOLLOW ME ON IG → https://www.instagram.com/doclyssfitness/

🤘🏻 LEARN MORE + FREE RESOURCES → https://doclyssfitness.com/

0:00 Time on Feet vs Mileage

0:19 Why Trail Miles Aren't Road Miles

1:22 How We Program Time + Mileage for Clients

2:59 My 100 Miler vs My Road Marathon

4:11 What "Use Time as a Tool" Really Means

4:37 It All Counts: Hiking, Vert, Trail, Road

5:16 A Pep Talk for Middle & Back of Packers

5:39 Give Yourself Grace and Time Cap

6:02 Questions + Find Your Program