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Hip Hinge Mastery: Why the Romanian Deadlift Is the Most Underrated Exercise for Trail Running
The Romanian deadlift is the cleanest, most direct way to train the hinge pattern, which is arguably more important for the specific demands of trail running, where eccentric control on descents and hip extension power on climbs are both posterior-chain dominant qualities.
Jul 36 min read


VO2max, RER, 1RM - Three Tests Every Endurance Athlete Should Get
Three tests that together paint a meaningfully complete picture of where one actually stands as an endurance athlete, and that generate specific, actionable data that no general health panel or 'feel' provides.
Jul 37 min read


Lifting Barefoot vs. With Shoes: What Trail Runners Need to Know
The question of whether to lift barefoot, in minimalist shoes, or in standard training shoes is worth examining carefully – particularly for trail runners, who have both specific foot mechanics and specific training goals that make the answer more nuanced than it might appear.
Jul 14 min read


Decoding Running Economy: What It Is and How Strength Training Improves It
A closer look into what running economy is, what it's beneficial for, and how to train for it.
Jun 285 min read


Bodyweight vs Dumbbell vs Barbell: What Actually Moves the Needle for Trail Runners?
There is no shortage of opinions on what kind of strength training trail runners should do. Some coaches prescribe heavy barbell work, while others advocate for dumbbell-based programmes. Many runners default to bodyweight because it's accessible and familiar, and a fair number cycle between all three without a clear rationale for why. The bodyweight vs dumbbell vs barbell debate, or the question of which modality is best, however, isn't quite the right question. Each modalit
Jun 255 min read


How Not to Get Overwhelmed by Low Heart Rate Training
In this article, we present tips on how to smartly strategise low heart rate training and ease the stress around endurance training.
Jun 30, 20248 min read


What is the Force-Velocity Curve and Does it Matter for Ultrarunning?
Understanding the force-velocity curve can enhance performance, prevent injuries, and optimise training strategies even in ultrarunning.
Jun 12, 20246 min read


Plyometrics for Trail and Mountain Runners
In this post, we analyse plyometrics as an effective tool for trail and mountain running.
Jun 6, 20245 min read


Busted: Three Most Common Strength Training Myths for Runners
In this blog post, we debunk three of the most common strength training myths for runners.
Jun 5, 20244 min read


Progressing Single-Leg Strength Training for Mountain Running
This article outlines the need for single-leg strength training for mountain running, how it should be periodised and exercises to include.
May 30, 20245 min read


Tapering Strength Training Before an Ultramarathon or Trail Race
Delve into the specific strategies for tapering strength training, and various approaches to optimise performance on race day.
May 29, 20243 min read


Beyond Heart Rate: Monitoring Training Using Intensity Factor (IF) and Training Stress Score (TSS)
Relying solely on HR data has its limitations. This is where metrics like Intensity Factor (IF) and Training Stress Score (TSS) come in.
May 24, 20246 min read


Why Ultrarunners Should Lift Heavy
Ultrarunners should lift heavy, and lifting heavy weights, as opposed to bodyweight, is the cornerstone of peak ultrarunning performance.
May 23, 20245 min read


Leveraging the Stretch-Shortening Cycle for Optimal Performance
This article delves into the science underpinning the SSC, its impact on running mechanics, and training strategies for maximising its effec
May 20, 20246 min read


Speed-Strength vs Strength-Speed: Understanding Differences and Strategies
While the terms sound similar, the difference between speed-strength and strength-speed is crucial for optimising any training programme.
May 20, 20244 min read
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