Professional Ultrarunner Arlen Glick Joins Dr. Leo Kormanik and Zach Goulet to Discuss His Career

Mind Body Marathon: Running, Health & Human Performance

In the latest episode of the MindBodyMarathon, ultramarathon runner Arlen Glick joins Dr. Leo Kormanik running specialist and Zach Goulet to discuss his unique journey into running, which began as a hobby to stay fit in his late teens and transformed into a passion after winning his first race at 21. He emphasizes the joy of running over competitive pressures often encountered by collegiate athletes, highlighting the importance of maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle by balancing his running with activities like fishing and his involvement in prison ministry. Arlen typically trains at high volumes, logging 130 to 150 miles a week and favoring back-to-back long runs for preparation, showcasing a thoughtful approach to balancing athletic performance and personal fulfillment.

In a recent discussion, an ultramarathon runner details their high-volume training approach, often logging 150 miles per week through a combination of morning and evening runs, with longer sessions on weekends, primarily on trails. They acknowledge the challenge of adapting their training philosophy when moving to mountainous terrain, noting that trail running can significantly increase the time spent on feet, affecting overall mileage. The runner also shares their experience of functioning with a torn ACL throughout their career, adapting to compensate for it by building strength and volume rather than focusing solely on speed work. Despite this injury, they explain how maintaining a high volume of training led to impressive race performances and discuss the physiological benefits of increased blood volume and capillarization that come from such extensive training, drawing parallels to traditional methods used by past elite runners.

In a recent conversation, an ultramarathon runner shared insights about their training journey, particularly the physiological changes that occur in tendons during high-volume training, emphasizing the increase in density that supports performance by attenuating ground reaction forces. The runner discussed their experience with a torn ACL, which they had lived without for years while still achieving impressive race results. Recently, they enlisted the help of a coach for the first time in their career, motivated by a desire to improve their speed work post-injury. They recounted a significant race they completed shortly before scheduling ACL surgery and mentioned an upcoming documentary titled "The Chase," which follows five athletes, including themselves, during an ultramarathon and explores the challenges and triumphs of the experience. Excited about the film's premiere in their hometown, they highlighted the depth of the story and its potential impact on the ultramarathon community.

The ultramarathon runner discussed the significance of their last race before undergoing ACL surgery, highlighting the depth of personal challenges they faced during that time, which the documentary "The Chase" captures but doesn't fully delve into. They chose not to disclose their torn ACL publicly to avoid scrutiny, focusing solely on their decision-making for their health. The film, which features five athletes including the runner, aims to showcase the multifaceted lives of competitors beyond their performances. Reflecting on memorable races, they recounted a breakout year where they significantly surpassed course records, eventually leading to a third-place finish at the prestigious Western States race, where they battled injuries without fully realizing their impact. Additionally, they shared insights on their flexible fueling strategies during races, emphasizing their unique ability to maintain gut health, which has contributed to their success in ultramarathon events. Overall, the conversation revealed the complexities of athletic performance intertwined with personal narratives and growth.

The ultramarathon runner shared their experiences experimenting with different fueling strategies during races, noting a time when they ran for nine hours without eating, proving their ability to efficiently burn fat. They emphasized the necessity of training with either carbohydrates or fats to optimize performance and mentioned their preference for flavorless carb sources like gels or liquid forms for convenience during long races. They also discussed their surgery recovery, which was aimed at addressing hip issues, and expressed determination to properly rehabilitate to avoid developing bad habits. Signing with the sports brand Craft was highlighted as a significant milestone, and they looked forward to an upcoming team event in Europe. Among their bucket list races, Badwater stood out due to its extreme conditions, unique history, and personal interest in heat training. Enthusiastic about tackling one of the toughest ultramarathons, they shared humorous thoughts on the challenges involved, including the notorious white line on the course where runners' shoes might melt.

The ultramarathon runner shared their experiences and thoughts on competing in extreme conditions, particularly discussing Badwater's intense heat and challenges, including the need for careful planning and training. They highlighted their love for desert environments and the psychological aspects of ultra running, especially during their first 250-mile race, Cocodona, where they discovered that their previous issues with chills and nausea after races were more mental than physical. They addressed the importance of preparing for fluctuations in temperature throughout long races and expressed an interest in both U.S. and international ultramarathons, emphasizing the tug-of-war between pursuing personal dreams versus professional commitments. The conversation also touched on an upcoming film about running, which they believe will resonate with both runners and the general public, showcasing the transformative experiences that come from such extreme challenges.

You can order the Dr. Leo Kormanik's book Faster Without Fail on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4eEsB7M.

Be sure to also check out Dr. Leo's Running Rehab YouTube page at www.YouTube.com/@RunningRehab.