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UltraMental: An unconventional approach to training for endurance events on a few hours a week
This book is not intended to replace training that works. It is not designed to argue that tried and true methods of preparing for endurance events should be abandoned. It does not describe a shortcut to fitness, nor does it suggest an easy route to success in ultra-endurance efforts. What it does do is build a case for an idea that
application of consistent high intensity training can provide a level of fitness from which a mentally tough athlete can approach, succeed at, and enjoy endurance sports.
This claim is based on years of personal experience (with detailed training logs) as well as documented research into high intensity training. It is not science, however. The theories it contains rather attempt to connect the dots and offer a reasonable, logically derived explanation for the results of my N=1 experiment carried out over the past half decade.
During that time the author has competed in and finished in the top third of the field or better in more than a dozen major races including ultra-marathons, ultra-distance bike races, triathlons, and multi-day stage and adventure races. These 5 years have also seen a decrease in his weekly training hours from three down to a current
volume (at the time of publication) of only 30 minutes a week.
The success of this experiment has been startling and while it may not change the endurance training landscape, it does offer powerful encouragement to time strapped athletes to reconsider their belief that the number of training hours available is a critical consideration in a decision whether to participate in an endurance
event—regardless of its magnitude.
Put simply, it is possible to take on, finish, and do reasonably well in even the most difficult events on the planet on only a fraction of the training time that conventional wisdom demands, and this book elaborates on that possibility.
application of consistent high intensity training can provide a level of fitness from which a mentally tough athlete can approach, succeed at, and enjoy endurance sports.
This claim is based on years of personal experience (with detailed training logs) as well as documented research into high intensity training. It is not science, however. The theories it contains rather attempt to connect the dots and offer a reasonable, logically derived explanation for the results of my N=1 experiment carried out over the past half decade.
During that time the author has competed in and finished in the top third of the field or better in more than a dozen major races including ultra-marathons, ultra-distance bike races, triathlons, and multi-day stage and adventure races. These 5 years have also seen a decrease in his weekly training hours from three down to a current
volume (at the time of publication) of only 30 minutes a week.
The success of this experiment has been startling and while it may not change the endurance training landscape, it does offer powerful encouragement to time strapped athletes to reconsider their belief that the number of training hours available is a critical consideration in a decision whether to participate in an endurance
event—regardless of its magnitude.
Put simply, it is possible to take on, finish, and do reasonably well in even the most difficult events on the planet on only a fraction of the training time that conventional wisdom demands, and this book elaborates on that possibility.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2014
15 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 19, 2017
A great book for those looking to balance a competitive spirit with a busy life
As a mid-level elite ultra distance trail runner, I have made my way to consistent podium finishes with various training methods. My most successful year was on the lowest volume, but highest intensity training year. While I have yet to go to Andy's extreme is his low volume\ high intensity approach, I believe there is a lot of good wisdom here for those looking for an alternative training plan to the conventional high volume approach.
As a mid-level elite ultra distance trail runner, I have made my way to consistent podium finishes with various training methods. My most successful year was on the lowest volume, but highest intensity training year. While I have yet to go to Andy's extreme is his low volume\ high intensity approach, I believe there is a lot of good wisdom here for those looking for an alternative training plan to the conventional high volume approach.
July 28, 2015
Some great ideas on a different approach to running.
April 23, 2016
Great book, much needed advice
Highly recommended. Great book, much needed advice and well written and thought out. Its not the usual "train more" type of book.
Highly recommended. Great book, much needed advice and well written and thought out. Its not the usual "train more" type of book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews