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Running long - A trail and ultra running talkAuthor: Vert.run
Vert is the home for every trail & ultra runner. On this podcast we host conversations with key members of our Trail & Ultra running community from all over the world. From professional world class athletes to our Vert.run members and community. Narrating captivating stories and learning from and about this amazing sport. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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184. Francesco Puppi, Moisés Jiménez & Max Keith | Francesco Puppi Black Canyon Preview
Thursday, 12 February, 2026
Days before lining up at Black Canyon 100K, Francesco Puppi sits down with Moisés Jiménez and Max Keith for a deep dive into training philosophy, double-threshold blocks, and what he learned from living and training alongside Jim Walmsley in Arizona.This conversation centers on performance — not hype.Francesco breaks down what he saw firsthand inside Jim’s preparation: Norwegian-style double threshold days, lactate testing between reps, treadmill precision at 7,000 feet, and the detailed charts mapping grade-adjusted pace to real-world effort. They unpack how controlled treadmill sessions can sharpen fitness — and where that approach may fall short when it comes to downhill durability and technical trail adaptation.They explore:What double-threshold training actually looks like (5x6min uphill + 10x3min controlled efforts)Why Jim measures lactate mid-workout — and what he’s looking forHow to build aerobic power without going “all out”The pros and limitations of treadmill-based performance blocksTranslating controlled lab-style fitness into chaotic desert terrainFrancesco also shares how his own training differs — why he prioritizes eccentric load, downhill strength, and trail specificity — and how he’s integrating lessons from Arizona without abandoning his system.The conversation shifts into race execution: sodium strategies, heat adaptation ahead of Western States, passive vs. active heat training, and the discomfort of Black Canyon’s rolling, relentless terrain. They discuss how early-season American racing forces athletes to sharpen fitness in January and February — and whether that’s sustainable long term.If you’re interested in the how behind elite performance — the data, the structure, the experimentation, and the honest doubts — this episode delivers a rare look inside high-level ultra preparation.What you’ll learnThe structure of Jim Walmsley’s double-threshold blockHow lactate testing shapes workout intensityWhy treadmill precision can accelerate aerobic gainsThe missing pieces when training indoors for trail ultrasHeat and sodium strategies for Western States-style racingHow to evolve your system without overhauling it🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.🏃♂️ Want to train smarter, not harder?Use code RUNNINGLONG30 for 30% off your first month of Vert.run training.📲 Follow @vert.runDownload the app and start your personalized training at Vert.runFrancesco’s links:Instagram | X | Strava | Website
