
Ep. 302 - How RPE Makes You a Stronger and Faster Trail Runner
About this episode
If you’ve ever tried using RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) and thought:
“Am I doing this right?”
“Why does this feel harder today than last week?”
“Is this even working?”
…this episode is for you!
Today we’re breaking down effort-based training — what it is, why it matters, and how it can totally change the way you approach running, especially if you're a woman in your 40s (and beyond) who wants to run longer, stronger, and yes… get faster on the trails.
Spoiler: RPE isn’t woo-woo.
It’s not guessing.
And it’s definitely not “slacking off.”
RPE is a training skill — one that helps you manage your energy, train smarter, reduce burnout, stay consistent, and build the kind of durability you actually need for ultras.
When you train by effort… speed finds you.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
🔹 Why so many midlife women struggle with RPE
🔹 What RPE actually is (and is NOT)
🔹 How effort-based training makes you a stronger ultrarunner
🔹 The surprising way RPE helps you get FASTER
🔹 How to start using RPE today
Whether you’re training for your first 50K, getting back into running after a layoff, or trying to feel more confident on the trails, this episode is going to give you the clarity and confidence you’ve been missing.
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