MidPacker Pod Field Notes – EP 03 | 3 Weeks to Hellbender: Training Around a Wedding, Leasons Form the Training Camp, & Troy's Heat Acclamation Protocol

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“Training doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective.”

In episode 03 of Field Notes, Troy is three weeks out from the Hellbender 100 Mile Endurance Run and things are getting real. From navigating travel during peak training to dialing in the final details, this one is packed with honest reflections, lessons learned, and that pre-race energy we all know so well.

Episode Highlights

• Training on the Road (Baltimore Trip):

  • Adjusted long run midweek to make space for a family wedding

  • Logged fast, flat miles around the Inner Harbor, a rare shift from mountain training

  • Key lesson: consistency beats perfection when life shows up

• Training Camp Wins:

  • ~80 miles, ~18 hours, ~17K+ feet of vert

  • First time using a pole quiver, a game changer for efficiency on rolling terrain

  • Dialed nutrition with Hyperlite, real food like crepes and cookies, and added protein strategy

  • Tested gear like the Tantrum Crest 6 vest under full race load

• Recovery & Durability:

  • Stayed consistent with strength training, even after big efforts

  • Integrated PlayOn Relief for post-run recovery and inflammation management

  • Emphasis on long-term consistency paying off

• Heat Acclimation Strategy:

  • Hot water immersion protocol with a 10-day build

  • Focus on increasing plasma volume, sweat rate, and heat tolerance

  • “It sucks… but it works.”

• Race Planning Mode:

  • Using Time on Trails to map pacing, aid stations, and nutrition

  • Crew and drop bag strategy coming together

  • Realistic goal is around a 26 to 27 hour finish

Athlete Shout-Out

• Samantha crushes her first 100K at the New River 100K, a huge milestone and proof that trusting the process pays off

Motivational Takeaways

• Adapt your training, do not abandon it

• Consistency over time builds real durability

• Practice everything before race day, nothing new on race day

• The work is done, now it is time to execute

Troy’s Links

IG: @troyontherun

Personal Site: Troyontherun.com

Coaching Page: Troy’s Ultra Coaching Page

Relevant Links

• Hellbender 100 Mile Endurance Run

• Time on Trails

• New River 100K

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Hellbender 100, ultramarathon training, trail running, training camp, heat acclimation, race strategy, endurance fueling, midpacker mindset, ultra coaching, time on trails app, recovery tools, strength training, long run strategy, crew planning