Go Big

How larger runners can train better.

- Matt Pearce

When it comes to distance running, “heft” is not a physical attribute that many elite athletes display. In fact, the top men and women in our sport are typically slight of build and, hence, can handle the pounding of high-mileage weeks. But there is a whole class of huskier-built runners—aka Clydesdales—that aspire to run long distances, too.

I recently ran St Oswald’s Ultra, a challenging 103-mile race in the U.K., in under 23 hours. At over 200 pounds, I was the biggest guy in the race.

In training for past ultras I had followed standard plans designed for smaller runners, often injuring myself in the process. For St Oswald’s Ultra, I decided to draw on my experience as a strength coach to find a way to train that better suited my body type. I finished the race in a joint third place.

Here’s the dirt for larger runners wanting to go big.

Weekly Mileage

When it comes to endurance there’s no substitute for time on your feet. Most coaches agree that for typical runners training for a 100-miler, a peak week would be around 80 miles.