It’s that time of year again. Kate Bush said it best, it’s about time we start running up that hill, because the race is approaching fast.  We’ve only got a few months left before the Pikes Peak Marathon, the Ascent, and the other races on the calendar. It’s time to lock in. Just wanted to give you some motivation, some ideas, and some training strategies to make sure you’re set up to have the best day possible out on the mountain.

Here are the types of workouts you should start incorporating to make sure you’re as ready as possible for race day.

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​At minimum, you want one pretty hard, specific uphill day a week. On top of that, an occasional second or even third easier aerobic uphill day is a great addition. That could be lighter uphill running on the treadmill or stair climber, or an easy ride outside on a really hilly course, but still low intensity. Mix that in with your one specific harder day.
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What do those harder, longer days actually look like? A couple options:

• A long run built around threshold-style uphill intervals (check out my article on long uphill trail intervals for the full breakdown on how to structure these)
• A split long run: 90 minutes outside on a really hilly route, followed by 90 minutes on a treadmill at 10% incline or on the stair climber, for a total of 3 hours

You want at least one hard vertical day a week, and ideally one easier one alongside it. If you didn’t have hard vertical work built into your training back in the spring, that’s fine. Now is when it needs to show up.

Could be as simple as Wednesday you’re doing 60 mins on the stair climber and Saturday you’re doing a hilly long run, 2-3 hours, with 6×4 mins HARD uphill (4-6 mins rest) worked into the long run. Blended into the rest of your week of strength and running.

The biggest mistake is not having very dedicated, intentional, inclined uphill days built around lengthy climbs similar in grade to the mountain. If you don’t have that kind of terrain outside, you’ve got to get on the stair climber or do some specific inclined treadmill work instead.
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These days are harder to commit to because they take more intentionality than just heading out for a run. You either have to specifically find those big, hilly climbs, set your treadmill up, or drive somewhere to get on a stair climber. Because it takes more planning, it’s easier to skip. But the race will punish you so much if you skip it. Your body will hurt, it will make you blow up way earlier, and you’ll feel so much stronger and more confident on race day when you’ve actually spent the time climbing.

​The second mistake is not practicing the fueling strategy you’re actually going to use on race day. When you mess this up, especially at altitude, you can run into some really serious bonks and blow-ups, and it slows your performance down so much. When you’re properly fueled, you actually get to utilize your fitness and see where your real limits are. That’s one of the beautiful things about this race, it will genuinely help you find your physical limits. But you can miss out on that entire experience if you’re just under-fueled out there. You don’t even get to see what your body is fully capable of.
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The third is not practicing your gear, all the stuff you’re going to bring, how you’re going to carry it, and what shoes you’re going to wear. Plan that stuff out well in advance, not a week or two before the race, but months in advance, so you’ve actually practiced it.

This is where those last two mistakes really get fixed. As you’re doing some of those long uphill runs, start treating them like an actual dress rehearsal for race day, not just a fitness-building session.

Start practicing your actual gear and fueling strategy. Figure out:

• What trail shoes do you want to race in?
• What’s your gel of choice?
• Are you rocking a belt or a vest
• etc etc etc and many other et ceteras

Practice the fueling strategy you’re actually going to use on race day, and figure out how you’re going to carry it all. The goal is that by the time you toe the line, none of this feels new. You’ve already rehearsed it, months in advance, on the exact kind of terrain you’ll be racing on.

​There is still time to make changes in the gym, and we can still target our weaknesses. Strength still matters this much at this point in the season because there’s still time for those adaptations to happen. This is far more of a strength-based race than people realize, given how vertical it is and the demands it puts on your body. It’s really hard to move well on this course without strength. As your strength goes up, you’re going to see real performance increases, and a lot more confidence and enjoyment out there on the course.
A few specific movements worth focusing on:

• Weighted step-ups
• Calf raises
• Single-leg squats

There’s still real time to make gains here. Don’t write off strength work as something you should have already locked in.

Here’s the honest truth: it’s hard to rehearse race pacing for Pikes Peak, because there’s nothing quite like the actual mountain unless you live there. If you don’t live there, it’s tough to know exactly what your pace numbers will be, or how you’re going to feel going from 7,000 feet to 14,000 feet on a steep, sustained grade.
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That said, you still need to do the long runs, especially the ones with quality built in. What you’re really building is the mind-body connection, understanding how long you can sustain a certain effort, and what that means for you personally. That’s the whole point of treating these long runs like a dress rehearsal.

Quality here means having some specific, intentional faster sections built into your climbing, the same way we’d build interval days into flat training, going to the track for specific race pace work, or running intervals faster than race pace. We want some of that same structure on the climbs, uphill trail intervals where you’re practicing running faster than you’re going to race, for short periods, attacking a section and building speed and strength on it. Basically, take those normal threshold workouts you’d do on the track or on flat ground for something like a road marathon, and bring that same structure to the long climbs.

​There is still a ton of time. If you feel like you’re behind right now, you’ve got plenty of runway to get some big uphill weekends in, to have fun grinding on the stair climber and uphill treadmill, and to make real changes in your body through strength work.
But this is the point in the season where you need to start being intentional and specific. Three months out is when it counts. Whether that means really attacking the stair climber or uphill treadmill and adding intensity there, or, if you’re lucky enough to have good long climbs in your area, starting to put real miles on those, now is the time to commit to it.

The start of a great footrace series is just weeks away, set to show off some of the most beautiful running routes in the Colorado Springs area.

On June 14, the Garden to Peak Challenge will kick off with the Garden of the Gods 10-Mile Run. Taking place in its namesake park, this race follows a hilly route along paved stretches of the park, including the road and various footpaths. It’s a unique opportunity to run the park without worrying about vehicles amid stunning scenery along a creative route that takes full advantage of the area’s climbs and descents. The last mile or so of the run offers an exciting trip to the finish line, dropping down into Rock Ledge Ranch.

The second race to take place is the Barr Trail Mountain Race – a 12.6 mile trail run that’s sure to test both the uphill and downhill running strength of competitors on July 19. The climb up to Barr Camp comes first – half the distance of the race and with an elevation gain of about 3,600 feet. Once Barr Camp is reached, runners turnaround for more than six miles of downhill running on the same trail followed by a short, but steep uphill finish. Be warned – while the uphill portion of the this race starts off with cool morning temperatures, the trail can heat up quickly, making the downhill return a true test of physical condition and endurance.

Barr Trail Mountain Race is a great gut check for the final race of the series – runners choose between the Pikes Peak Ascent or the Pikes Peak Marathon. Perhaps the most difficult foot race in the country, both races include a daunting 13.32-mile uphill charge up Barr Trail to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak with an elevation gain of 7,867 feet. While Pikes Peak Ascent runners are greeted with a shuttle that takes them back into Manitou Springs at the top of the mountain, Pikes Peak Marathon runners travel back down the same trail for a total distance of 26.2 miles. Expect the extreme elevation of the route and the lack of oxygen and potential for dangerous weather that comes with it to pose challenges.

Times from each race are tracked, with top competitors awarded at the end of the series. Find more information about the Garden to Peak Challenge and register for the various races here.
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Note from the Author: I’ve competed in this series before and it’s a collection of three of my favorite races. If you’re a serious runner in the Pikes Peak region and beyond, I highly recommend checking this one out. All three races are great, but I’d have to say my favorite is Barr Trail Mountain Race – it’s a great test of both uphill and downhill running strength and it’s short enough that long-distance runners can push the entire time, making it highly competitive. Then when it comes to the final race – either the Pikes Peak Ascent or the Pikes Peak Marathon, there’s nothing like it. You may have ran a marathon before, but running uphill on some of the steepest trail in the area is indeed extreme. Do not underestimate the impact of elevation – it plays a major factor and can be difficult to train for. You’ll want to make sure you’re knocking out plenty of fourteeners beforehand as part of your training.

​One of the ideas I’m exploring this year as I ramp up training is challenging my definition of minimally effective training. Years ago, before having kids, I had an unspoken rule: it wasn’t worth running unless it lasted at least an hour. No coach told me this. I didn’t read it in a book. It was just a subconscious assumption I carried around. A run had to be at least 60 minutes or it didn’t count. Looking back, that idea seems a little ridiculous. These days, with two kids under five and a lot more life complexity, holding myself to that standard would mean missing a lot of opportunities to run. What once felt motivating would now be incredibly limiting.

Most of my runs this time of year are under 60 minutes and they still hold tremendous value. If I can get out for 20 to 30 minutes before school drop-off for an easy recovery run or even a short speed workout, I’ll take it. Those small efforts add up.
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The most important thing right now isn’t perfection, it’s consistency and staying healthy.
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Signing up for the Pikes Peak Ascent or Marathon is a meaningful commitment even before you hit the registration button. You have to ask yourself whether it aligns with your goals for the year and whether it fits within your work, family, and personal life. Whether you’ve run the race before and are chasing a top finish or you’re lining up for the first time, the goal is the same: to arrive at the start line confident that this will be your day. A day where you push yourself, have fun, and create a memory you’ll carry with you long after the race is over.
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​This race is as much for the runner chasing the podium as it is for the runner chasing a personal dream. It attracts elite athletes, and average athletes who set extraordinary goals. Everyone will experience the mountain their own way, but will never feel alone.  

The camaraderie is like no other as runners make their way up and down Barr Trail. What starts out as a personal journey, ultimately becomes a unified experience. Runners check in with each other. Volunteers know runners by name, cheering them on with genuine excitement that turns a brutal climb into a shared effort. And then it clicks; you’re really going to make it. As the finish comes into view, emotion takes over: relief, pride, disbelief, joy. It ripples outward, felt just as deeply by the spectators and volunteers who helped carry runners there.
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“It’s an extraordinary experience and in my opinion, there is no better feeling than finishing this race" - Scott Gordan.

​The Pikes Peak Marathon isn’t about perfection. It’s about discovering what you’re capable of.  It’s about a running culture rooted in camaraderie, humility, and shared respect for the mountain. That’s why, year after year, the Pikes Peak Marathon is chosen as one of the best marathons in Colorado, not just for the challenge, but for the people who show up for it.
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Conquering Pikes Peak is nothing short of extraordinary. What once felt impossible becomes possible. We hope to see you in September!

​Trail running can be a sport filled with camaraderie and community, but it can also be a lonely one when you don’t know where to look. Oftentimes, you hear from runners when asked the question “What makes this sport special?” and their answer is “Community”. I agree, the community is such a special thing to be a part of, but I’ve also heard from runners who don’t feel as if they belong at all. Sometimes these gaps in belonging can stem from insecurities with pace, skill, social groups, or a variety of other reasons that we all cope with on any given day. Have you ever been to a group run where you instantly felt you didn’t belong? I have, it wasn’t fun, and I didn’t go back. In a world of social media overload, we often see elite running as the definition of the running community and then believe that if we aren’t “elite” that we don’t belong. So, what does building a basecamp of community mean to me?

A Place for Everyone to Land
What is Tava Lodge? It is an up and coming basecamp for outdoor-minded travelers looking to train and play in the Pikes Peak Region. Our vision is to create a space that brings together both our local community and those visiting to connect over a common love of the outdoors. This summer, we hosted two events including the Ultra Tava Tour and the Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent Camp which brought all levels of runners together to share the joys of our local mountain.

Expectations through Communication
No one likes to be blindsided by expectations that they weren’t aware of. In fact, I think my terrible group run experience could have been avoided if I knew ahead of time the route, pace and goals of the group. Listen, I don’t think every group run needs to be designed to include the elite runner and the back of the pack runner, but there needs to be clear guidance ahead of time as to what to expect. With our events and group runs, we always share the routes ahead of time and provide pace options for everyone who wants to attend so that we can create the best experience for all involved.

A Culture of Kindness
I do enough to embarrass myself daily that I don’t need to show up somewhere to have others embarrass me too. It can be really scary getting outside of your comfort zone to try something new or participate in something that seems a little beyond your level. Whenever we are pushing ourselves, it’s essential to be surrounded by a supportive environment of kindness and encouragement. The best runs I’ve been on are ones that I’m really struggling, but the people I’ve been with have pulled me through. Fostering a culture of kindness and mutual respect is where human connection can thrive.

Leave No Trace
We live in such a special place with a variety of outdoor spaces to play in. As a part of this community, we all have a responsibility to fight for these lands and preserve their natural state. Connecting over our love for the land through trail work, cleanups and advocacy is essential to building a sustainable basecamp for future generations. One thing I love about these types of community events is that we are all there for our love of the trails, but it has nothing to do with pace or performance. Last year, I worked alongside pro runner Zach Miller as we both did work on Barr Trail (though he may have still been better at swinging tools than me…).

Through these principles, we hope to build a place in the Pikes Peak region that can bring our running community together both near and far. To help bring our vision to life, Tava Lodge is actively seeking investors. If you or someone you know is interested in being a part of the Tava Lodge legacy and inspiring a community please contact us at
[email protected] or on Instagram @tavalodge. Please visit our website for more information: www.tavalodge.com.

Roots in the Outdoors

Bryan Willis didn’t start out as a trail runner, but he’s always been at home outside. Growing up in Tennessee, he spent his youth fishing, biking, and exploring the land. One favorite memory involves a day fishing with his sister—riding bikes home with bluegill strung along the handlebars until they collided and sent fish flying everywhere.
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The outdoors became a deeper part of him when he and his stepfather built a homestead on 14 acres of land. That land still remains in the family, a legacy that will be passed through generations.

Finding the Incline 
In 1978, Bryan enlisted in the Army and eventually settled in Colorado Springs where he started a family. Two decades later, in 1999, his cousin invited him and his daughter, Tiffani, to hike the infamous Manitou Incline. That first attempt left him sore for three days and lagging behind while his cousin teased, “C’mon, old man!”


But the challenge hooked him. Weekly hikes turned into a daily routine, and his stamina soared.  It wasn’t long before his cousin couldn’t keep up with him.  Eventually, his cousin stopped coming and Bryan found a bit of good humor in that.  Byran and his daughter, Tiffani, also recall going up the incline in the snow making fresh steps.  It was of no surprise to Tiffani that her dad began making snow angels at the top.

Flyin’ Bryan Takes Flight
With time, Bryan’s pace became legendary. His longest daily Incline streak stretched over four months, and he shaved nearly 40 minutes off his first time—eventually hitting a blazing 21:04.
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In 2000, he joined the Incline Running Club. By his early 40s, he had fallen in love with mountain running, completing the Pikes Peak Ascent multiple times, including a personal best of 2:58:12. His fun-loving spirit and habit of heckling friends while encouraging strangers earned him the nickname “Flyin’ Bryan.”

​Hike Early, Sip Often: How to Run Up (and maybe down) Pikes Peak
This race is easy to mess up. You can be in the best shape of your life and still totally blow up if you get pacing or fueling wrong. A lot of runners show up really fit but still struggle because they didn’t plan well enough. Let’s talk about how you can avoid these mistakes, pace smarter, fuel better, and actually have fun whether you’re running the Ascent or the full Marathon.

Pacing: Hike Early, Hike Often
​My buddy Eric Senseman always jokes, “hike early, hike often,” and he’s exactly right. Some runners think they’ll run until they absolutely can’t anymore, and then finally hike. There aren’t any rules like that. Just hike whenever it feels right.

Running Isn’t Always Faster (or Better)
Sometimes running makes zero sense on this mountain. There are sections where you’ll be jogging so slowly but still working way harder than if you were hiking. If you try forcing a run through those sections, you’ll waste energy and pay for it later.
There’s this mile or so around halfway up that’s really runnable. But if you’re already cooked from forcing the early miles, you’ll end up hiking right through that good, runnable section. That’s the exact opposite of what we want. Don’t do that.

Find Your “First Gear”
When I ran Pikes last year, I got caught up with a group early and realized a few miles in I was breathing way too hard. I literally stepped off the trail and let two groups go by me until I found a pace where I could climb comfortably. That’s what I call finding your “first gear.” It’s that slow jog or strong hike where you think, “okay, I can do this forever.”
Your goal is to find that pace right away. It’s better to hike too much at the start and feel strong later rather than redline early and suffer the rest of the race.

Be Ready to Move Between Groups
Something important I learned racing Pikes was that you’ve got to be willing to adjust groups early. If you notice the group you’re with is pushing you a little too hard, just back off, let them go, and drop into the next group behind. It’s much better to move back and run at your own pace than to get pulled along by a faster group and blow yourself up halfway.

Consistency Beats Erratic Pacing
One thing you’ll see a lot is runners who alternate between running way too hard and then hiking because they’re exhausted. They’re constantly switching back and forth. That’s a recipe for a miserable day. Find that pace you can hold steadily, even if it’s slower at first. You’ll cover more ground smoothly, save energy, and feel way better later in the race.

When you’re training, play around with hiking and running on your climbs. Do a minute running, then a minute hiking, and really pay attention. What’s your effort out of 10 when you’re hiking versus running? How fast are you actually moving? Sometimes you’ll realize you’re running really slow but your effort is an 8 or 9, and then you switch to hiking and realize your effort goes down to a 5 or 6, but you’re moving at almost the same speed. That tells you exactly what to do on race day. Practice that comparison on your long climbs, so you know precisely when hiking makes more sense than running.

Fueling: At Least 60 Grams of Carbs per Hour and Sip Constantly

Fueling at altitude is tricky. Mess it up and you’ll be curled up on the side of the trail, miserable. Here’s your minimum fueling targets for Pikes:

• Ascent: at least 60–70 grams of carbs per hour
• Marathon: at least 70–80 grams per hour (you’re out there way longer)

More carbs are usually better, as long as your gut can handle it. And you won’t know that unless you’ve practiced it in training.

My Personal Fueling Strategy
I love Skratch hydration. It’s got carbs, electrolytes, tastes good, and it just works. Having some type of carb mix in your bottles like Skratch, *Tailwind, Neversecond, etc is a smart way to get extra fuel to ensure you finish the race and run as fast as you’re capable of!
* Tailwind is the exclusive Pikes Peak Marathon+Ascent Hydration partner. Tailwind Endurance Fuel will be the electrolyte drink on course.

Every 30 minutes, I use Neversecond gels. I also like Huma and Untapped gels. And when I want real food, I’ll pack an Uncrustable or grab potato chips or perhaps a cookie or two from an aid station. Salty stuff is good when you’re sick of gels. Your stomach can get fatigued from eating the same thing, so it’s important to have different types of fuel to avoid palate fatigue.
*Näak is the exclusive Pikes Peak Marathon+Ascent Nutrition partner. Näak Energy Boost Gels will be on course along with the other sweet/salty snacks provide by PPM.

Try a Handheld Bottle
I avoided handheld bottles for years. Just didn’t want something in my hands. But I finally gave in, got a Nathan insulated soft flask, and it completely changed things for me. For whatever reason, having it in my hand makes me sip fluids way more often. Now I recommend everyone at least tries a handheld. Small sips throughout the race work way better than chugging fluids every half hour.
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Is Water Dangerous?
One of the most common mistakes I see is drinking mostly plain water for hours without any electrolytes or carbs. It might feel like you’re staying hydrated, but you’re only replacing part of what your body is losing. When you sweat, you’re not just losing water; you’re also losing a lot of minerals; like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. And if you don’t replace those, running can become extremely difficult in a hurry.
If you’re putting in lots of plain water but not replenishing electrolytes, you dilute the mineral balance in your body. That can lead to symptoms like nausea, cramping, headaches, confusion, and in more serious cases, hyponatremia — a dangerous drop in blood sodium levels that can be life-threatening.
The fix is pretty simple: make sure some of the fluid you’re drinking has electrolytes and carbs in it. Just don’t rely on plain water alone. You need to be rehydrating and that water NEEDS to have electrolytes in it. You get bonus points if your liquid has electrolytes and carbs.
If you get this right, you’ll run faster, you’ll feel better, it’s way safer, you’re less likely to bonk, and you’ll have a lot more fun out there.

Minimum Hydration: 500ml Per Hour
Aim for at least 500 ml (about 17 ounces) per hour. Some people need way more. Practice carrying your fluids on your long runs, learn how much you drink per hour, and then carry that amount on race day.

Train Your Gut in Training
Once you’re out there for more than 90 minutes, fueling stops being optional. It becomes crucial. The key is starting that process early in the race, not waiting until you’re already feeling drained. Practicing your fueling strategy in training is a big deal. It trains your stomach to handle fuel better, lowers the chances of GI issues, and gives you the confidence to actually stick to your plan on race day. Plus, fueling well doesn’t just help you during the run. It helps you bounce back and recover faster afterward.
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Salt and Real Food Can Save Your Race
Late in the race, having something salty or savory can totally change things for you mentally. I’ve grabbed potato chips or pretzels from an aid station and felt completely refreshed, especially when I was sick of gels. Practice some salty foods in your training because it’s a lifesaver late in the race.
Our stomachs often get tired of the sugary, processed gels and drink mixes after several hours. Have some real food options to break up that sugar. I love PB&Js, but pretzels, dried fruit, stroopwafels, bars, rice balls, a homemade cookie or muffin, or even a mini burrito etc. etc. etc. Play around with different options. Ask your friends what they’re trying!​

Gear and Strategy Tips

Practice Carrying All Your Gear
People underestimate how carrying all their race-day gear affects their climbing. You’ll have your hydration bottles, gels, jacket, maybe gloves or a hat, and all that weight adds up. Do some fully loaded gear hikes and runs so you know exactly how it feels. If you don’t practice, it can feel heavy and awkward carrying a bunch of gear you aren’t used to.

Bring Mandatory Gear, It’s Not Optional
Don’t try saving a few ounces by skipping mandatory gear. Weather on the mountain changes super fast, sunny at the start, and suddenly you’re in a blizzard or lightning storm up top. Respect this race and carry your gear. It could literally save your life, and honestly, we’re all going to be really upset if you freeze to death.
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Fitness Helps at Altitude, But Doesn’t Solve Everything
Yes, altitude is real. But the best way to handle it is just to get as fit as possible. I’ve coached plenty of runners who live at sea level and still have great races because they came into it really fit and prepared. Don’t stress too much about altitude; just get in your best possible shape, have a great fueling plan, and pace smart. That’s your best defense!

Good Flat Fitness Transfers to Climbing
If you’re coming off a strong marathon training cycle or just good flat running fitness, that transfers more than you think. Sure, climbing is specific, but don’t underestimate how helpful being overall fit can be. You might need to tweak your training and add specific climbs, but you’re already halfway there if you’re fit.

Final Thoughts: Fitness Isn’t Everything, Strategy Matters
Practice pacing and fueling in your training. Dial in your gear, nutrition, hydration, and hiking strategy long before race day. Show up prepared and you’ll not only finish stronger, you’ll actually enjoy your time out there on America’s toughest mountain race.

Quick Reminders for Race Day:

• Find first gear early
• Sip carbs and electrolytes constantly
• 60–70g carbs/hr (Ascent), 70–80g/hr (Marathon)
• At least 500 ml fluids/hour
• Practice everything beforehand
• Carry your mandatory gear!

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​Arkansas Pikes Peak Marathon Society

Fred Barr who was born in Arkansas, completed his burro trail to the summit of Pikes Peak in 1921. It seems only appropriate that 868 Arkansans have reached the summit competing in the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon. Max Hooper started all this adventure in 1979 on his first run up and down Pikes Peak. He recruited new Arkansas runners to join him on the trek each year. My Pikes Peak odyssey began when I filled in for an injured friend and ran the 1984 Pikes Peak Marathon. It was on the van ride home that the Arkansas Pikes Peak Marathon Society was born. Ken Ropp masterminded a recruitment system that swelled to as many as 156 Arkansas finishers in 1993. Three charter buses, team T-shirts, caps, gloves, and someone always carrying the Arkansas flag to the top. It was all about the comradery. The recruitment chain just kept expanding.

We’ve had every corner of the State represented; 85 hometowns in all. Some ran once and never returned. Others brought family and friends the next year. We’ve had marriage ceremonies on the summit, Brothers, Sisters, Father and Son, Sweet 16 Birthday parties on the bus ride out. The Silver Saddle Motel has been home base in Manitou Springs for the Society from the very beginning.

​We’ve had our share of award winners over the years. Eddie Mulkey holds the record for fastest Arkansan with a 4:12:02 back in 1987. It was good enough for 6th place overall. Pat Torvestad was Arkansas’ first woman to complete the Marathon in 1985. The Arkansas women’s record is held by Ann Smith who ran 5:41:23 in 1987. Only 8 Arkansans have ever run under 5 hours for the Marathon. Our overall numbers have decreased over the years, but we keep coming back. Blizzards, sleet, lightning and course closures will not deter us. We love this mountain and love this race!

​You don’t need to live at altitude or have access to big climbs outside your back door to train for Pikes Peak. Most race participants don’t! But with the right strategy, consistency, and a little creativity, you can effectively train for Pikes Peak from wherever you are!

I’m Coach Will Baldwin, from SunDog Running, the official coaching partner for the Pikes Peak Marathon. Every year we help road runners, trail runners, first timers, and returning athletes get ready for this brutal and beautiful challenge. From altitude, climbing, terrain and fueling, there’s a lot to consider. Let’s jump into how to train smart so you feel confident and ready when race day comes around. 

​When planning your training, remember to include long runs that simulate the terrain and challenges you’ll face as you train for Pikes Peak.

Timing of arrival: pros and cons

Incorporating climbing into your training program is essential for those who want to train for the Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent.
Another common question around altitude is “When is the best time to fly (or drive) in?”.

Many participants arrive close to race day due to logistical reasons. Some show up at this time hoping the effects of altitude don’t hit them until after the race. Although this may work for some, others feel the effects right away. 

Other participants come a week or two early to give themselves time to acclimate. Giving yourself time to do a few runs up high can improve your mental state and preparedness, but it can also wear you down if you don’t respond well to altitude. The extra time can provide logistical and scouting benefits, but likely won’t make a significant difference in adjusting to the altitude, as that generally takes a longer time period.
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Whether your strategy is to show up close to race day or arrive ahead of time, there are pros and cons. So don’t stress if one or the other works best with your schedule. 
Remember, the more specific your training to simulate the race, the better prepared you’ll be.
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Fueling for success

How you fuel your body before and during the race is another factor that can greatly impact how you handle the altitude. If you get behind on carbs, fluids, and electrolytes, everything starts to unravel. Create a fueling plan ahead of time that focuses on getting at least 60g of carbohydrates per hour and staying on top of hydration and electrolytes during the race.

Simulate the climb, even if you don’t have one

Pikes is steep, and it’s long. The grade averages around 11%, and most runners are climbing for several hours. It can be hard on your calves, achilles, lower back and hip flexors. Getting your body used to being in climbing position helps you stay relaxed, avoid injury, and move efficiently on race day. The biggest mistake I see is people hammering these sessions too hard early on. It’s better to go easy for a longer period than to destroy yourself in 20 minutes and be toast the rest of the week. You’re going to be climbing for hours on race day, so the goal is to accumulate time, consistently, week after week.

Equipment to use: treadmills and stair climbers

Start with one day per week to focus on vertical-specific training. If you have access to a stair climber or incline treadmill, either one will get the job done. As you progress in your training, work up to vertical training two or three days per week. 

Each of these movements prepares you for what you’ll face when you train for Pikes Peak.
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On the treadmill, the focus should be on incline, not pace. Increase the incline as steep as you can while still jogging — the goal is to accumulate minutes climbing. If you can hold a jog at 6-8% incline, that’s great. Over time, push the incline higher. Same idea on the stair climber: steady, consistent climbing with a zone 2 feel (about a 5 out of 10 effort). The more you can stack up 45–60 minute sessions, the better you’ll feel when the race hits.

Outdoor training: find the right grades to train on

The race has a mix of grades, mostly in the 7–14% range, so I always encourage runners to scout routes with sections that mimic that climb. Look for a trail or climb near you with that kind of steepness even if only for a short section. Hit it a couple times and repeat sections. Get creative with loops. Use Strava, AllTrails, and local running groups to find routes that have the kind of climbing you need. 

When you embrace the process, you’ll find joy in every step of your journey to train for Pikes Peak.

Strength and movement prep for Pikes Peak
Strength training is essential. Running up Pikes Peak is similar to doing a single-leg, weighted step-up workout for hours. If your back, calves, or hip flexors aren’t ready, you’re going to feel it — probably before you even get to treeline.
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The good news? You don’t need a gym membership or a complicated plan, just a few key movements and a little consistency.

You Don’t Need the Perfect Mountain — You Just Need a Plan
I’ve coached runners from sea level, flat cities, and treadmill-only setups who went on to crush Pikes — and not just finish it, but enjoy it. If you’re consistent and willing to get creative, you’ll get stronger, more comfortable on the climbs, and more confident heading into race day.
Use the below sample training plan when you’re already in the bulk of training but at least over a month away from race day. Stay consistent, listen to your body, and adapt workouts as needed. You’ve got this! 

Erosion-Resistant Memories
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There are moments in life that come without fanfare and leave without much recollection. Most of our days seem to slip quietly into memory—at least they do for me. My childhood is a blur of vague impressions. I remember adventuring in backyard creeks, but not the names of the streets nearby. I recall pickup basketball and roller hockey games, but the names of the neighbors I played with have long since faded.
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But then there are the memories that stick.

One of mine is the first time I learned about the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon.
It was 1997, and I was a teenager flipping through Runner’s World in western North Carolina—over a thousand miles away from America’s Mountain. A single photo stopped me. It showed a line of runners climbing the 16 Golden Stairs. The landscape was stark and surreal, with granite boulders and wind-bent determination.
The runners looked tiny, yet powerful. Some smiled, others grimaced, but they all moved forward with purpose. The image didn’t explain why they did so—but it didn’t need to. I felt it.

Since then, I’ve come to understand that mystery. Trail running is deeply personal. Most of us aren’t chasing podiums. We run to discover something inside ourselves. Those early morning miles, the juggling act between training and life, the quiet satisfaction of tired legs—it all prepares us for the climb of life.

I imagined what it must feel like to stand at 14,000 feet, looking down at where you came from, knowing you earned every step, and breathing in a deep sense of fulfillment. I wanted that feeling.

Years later, that same photograph inspired my move to Manitou Springs and eventually led me to the start line in 2011. During my own journey, I leaned heavily on the trail running community—formal and informal training groups, trail veterans sharing hard-won knowledge, and generous advice passed down over miles together.​

Running, Training and Community
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Trail running may seem solitary, but the community is anything but. And that spirit is what fuels the new Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent Training Camp this August.
From August 7–10, we’ll gather on the slopes of Pikes Peak to offer an immersive, all-inclusive weekend designed to prepare runners for the Ascent and Marathon in September. The camp is hosted by Tava Lodge—a dream-in-progress adventure lodge that one day hopes to become a permanent space for mountain community and connection.
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Here’s what campers can expect:

• An exploration of trails on the Pikes Peak Massif, broken into manageable, supported segments, with course review and bonus in-town shakeout runs.
• Six nourishing meals from Real Athlete Diets (RAD), plus Barr Camp’s legendary pancake breakfast and spaghetti dinner
• On-course gear shuttling so you can focus on running, not logistics
• Athletic recovery services 
• Inspiring talks from elite and veteran athletes who’ll be out on the trails with you, ready to share their experience and answer questions

​Whether you’re racing for the first time, looking to connect more deeply with the Pikes Peak community, or want to immerse yourself in world-class trail running, this weekend will be one to remember.
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Come run with us and make some erosion-resistant memories of your own!
[Register now – spots are limited.]