EPISODE · Dec 13, 2025 · 1H 20M
How I’m Designing My Western States 100 Miler Training — And How You Can Design Yours
from Everyday Ultra · host Joe Corcione
If you’re training for a big race and unsure how to structure your training block, this episode gives you a repeatable framework you can use for any A-race, at any distance.I’m using my preparation for the Western States 100 as the real-world example — not to list workouts or weekly mileage, but to show you how to think about training so you can build a plan that actually moves the needle.In this episode, we cover:• How to set goals that force real growth (without selling yourself short)• The 5 pillars of ultra performance and how to identify your biggest limiter• How to decide whether durability, speed, fueling, mindset, or execution deserves priority• Why most runners train hard but still miss their potential• The mistake athletes make when they plan too early — or too late• How to structure training when your race isn’t guaranteed yet (lotteries, waitlists, life)• Why aiming bigger almost always leads to better outcomes, even if you miss the goal• How to avoid building a plan that looks good on paper but fails on race day• The difference between “being fit” and being race-ready• How to think in training blocks instead of workouts• How to balance ambition with sustainability so you don’t burn out• Why your biggest gains often come from fixing one key weakness — not doing more• How to design a flexible plan that adapts as your life and training load changeThis isn’t a “here’s my Western States training” episode.It’s a blueprint for building smarter training blocks — with Western States as the case study.SHOW LINKS:Register for our race, The Desert Peak Ultra 100K + 50K at desertpeakultra.comWant to work with me to crush your next ultramarathon in our group coaching program? Sign up for our group coaching program here: https://www.theeverydayultra.com/group-coachingWant to be coached by me and my team to crush your next ultramarathon in our 1:1 coaching program? Book a free call here with one of our coaches to see if we are a good fit!Follow Joe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joecorcione/Everyday Ultra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUelKGeptWZivD6yRIDiupgTry CurraNZ to boost recovery and performance and get 15% off your first order with code EVERYDAYULTRAPOD at www.curranzusa.comGet your FREE TrainingPeaks account to track, plan, and analyze your training easier at trainingpeaks.com/everydayultraTry PlayOn Pain Relief Spray at playonrelief.comTry Bear Butt Wipes and get 10% off your order with code EVERYDAYULTRA at bearbuttwipes.comTry Janji apparel and get 10% off your order with code EVERYDAYULTRA at Janji.com
What this episode covers
If you’re training for a big race and unsure how to structure your training block, this episode gives you a repeatable framework you can use for any A-race, at any distance.I’m using my preparation for the Western States 100 as the real-world example — not to list workouts or weekly mileage, but to show you how to think about training so you can build a plan that actually moves the needle.In this episode, we cover:• How to set goals that force real growth (without selling yourself short)• The 5 pillars of ultra performance and how to identify your biggest limiter• How to decide whether durability, speed, fueling, mindset, or execution deserves priority• Why most runners train hard but still miss their potential• The mistake athletes make when they plan too early — or too late• How to structure training when your race isn’t guaranteed yet (lotteries, waitlists, life)• Why aiming bigger almost always leads to better outcomes, even if you miss the goal• How to avoid building a plan that looks good on paper but fails on race day• The difference between “being fit” and being race-ready• How to think in training blocks instead of workouts• How to balance ambition with sustainability so you don’t burn out• Why your biggest gains often come from fixing one key weakness — not doing more• How to design a flexible plan that adapts as your life and training load changeThis isn’t a “here’s my Western States training” episode.It’s a blueprint for building smarter training blocks — with Western States as the case study.SHOW LINKS:Register for our race, The Desert Peak Ultra 100K + 50K at desertpeakultra.comWant to work with me to crush your next ultramarathon in our group coaching program? Sign up for our group coaching program here: https://www.theeverydayultra.com/group-coachingWant to be coached by me and my team to crush your next ultramarathon in our 1:1 coaching program? Book a free call here with one of our coaches to see if we are a good fit!Follow Joe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joecorcione/Everyday Ultra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUelKGeptWZivD6yRIDiupgTry CurraNZ to boost recovery and performance and get 15% off your first order with code EVERYDAYULTRAPOD at www.curranzusa.comGet your FREE TrainingPeaks account to track, plan, and analyze your training easier at trainingpeaks.com/everydayultraTry PlayOn Pain Relief Spray at playonrelief.comTry Bear Butt Wipes and get 10% off your order with code EVERYDAYULTRA at bearbuttwipes.comTry Janji apparel and get 10% off your order with code EVERYDAYULTRA at Janji.com
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How I’m Designing My Western States 100 Miler Training — And How You Can Design Yours
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