As temperatures rise and summer training settles in, many runners find themselves asking the same question:
"Why am I so much slower than I was a few months ago?"
In this Midweek Motivation episode of the Run the Riot Podcast, ultrarunner and ultrarunning coach David Theriot shares an important reminder for every runner grinding through the heat and humidity: the work you're doing now is building the fitness you'll rely on later.
With Western States just around the corner and many runners preparing for fall marathons, trail races, 50Ks, 100 milers, and 200-mile ultra racing adventures, it's easy to focus on race-day performances and finish-line celebrations. What we don't see are the countless training miles, early mornings, difficult workouts, and uncomfortable summer runs that make those moments possible.
David explores why summer training often feels discouraging, why pace can be a misleading metric during hot-weather running, and how endurance fitness is built beneath the surface long before the results become visible.
In This Episode
Why heat and humidity slow every runner down
The difference between effort and pace during summer training
How ultrarunning fitness develops over time
Why consistency beats intensity
The "summer deposit" mindset for endurance athletes
Lessons from Western States and elite ultra racing
Building earned confidence through the training process
How today's choices create tomorrow's race-day success
One of the biggest mistakes runners make is expecting immediate results. Endurance sports don't work that way. The long run you complete today may not reveal its value until mile 18 of your marathon, mile 75 of your 100-miler, or deep into your next ultrarunning adventure.
Every run is a deposit.
Every early morning matters.
Every hot, uncomfortable mile is helping build the runner you'll become.
Whether you're training for your first race, chasing a personal best, preparing for a 100-mile finish, or tackling your next ultra racing challenge, this episode is a reminder to trust the process and keep showing up.
The fitness you're building today may not be visible yet—but it's there.
Work with Run the Riot Coaching
Looking for guidance on your next race, ultrarunning goal, or endurance challenge?
David Theriot provides personalized coaching for runners of all experience levels, from first-time trail runners to experienced ultrarunners preparing for ultras.
Learn more about coaching here:
http://www.theriot.run/coaching
Listen, Watch, and Connect
Website:http://www.theriot.run
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@runtheriot
