Race Tactics
4 articles
Race StrategyOctober 19, 2026 · 9 MIN
Aid Station Execution: Minimizing Time Lost in Ultra and Marathon
Poor aid station technique is one of the most overlooked sources of preventable time loss in endurance racing. Across 20+ aid station stops in an ultramarathon, inefficient technique can cost 10–30 minutes that never show up in a training log. This guide covers grab-and-go tactics, cup pinching, drop bag systems, and how to practise aid station skills before race day.
Race StrategyOctober 18, 2026 · 10 MIN
Racing in Heat: Real-Time Pace Adjustment Strategies
Racing in high temperatures without adjusting your pace is one of the most predictable ways to blow up in endurance events. Understanding the physiological cost of heat — and having a real-time decision framework — can save your race when conditions turn against you. This guide covers pace adjustment rules, RPE recalibration, pre-cooling protocols, and in-race cooling tactics backed by exercise physiology research.
Race StrategyOctober 17, 2026 · 10 MIN
Course Elevation Profile Reading for Smarter Pacing
Reading a course elevation profile accurately can save you minutes on race day by letting you allocate effort precisely rather than reacting blindly to terrain. The grade-adjusted pace formula — roughly 15 seconds per kilometre added for each 1% uphill gradient — gives runners a quantitative framework to pre-plan every segment. This guide teaches you to decode any elevation chart and build a pacing strategy that accounts for hills, fatigue, and course-specific quirks.
Race StrategyOctober 16, 2026 · 9 MIN
Drafting and Pack Running Tactics for Road Races
Drafting in road racing can reduce aerodynamic drag by 3–6% at race pace, translating to measurable energy savings over long distances. Understanding optimal pack positioning, wind direction tactics, and the timing of surges can be the difference between a personal best and blowing up. This guide breaks down the biomechanics and race-day application of pack running so you can race smarter.