What happens when an elite trail runner must quickly transition from racing a grueling mountain ultramarathon to coaching other athletes through their own epic challenges? Addison Smith lives this reality, and in our captivating conversation, he reveals the fascinating duality of his role at the UTMB festival in Chamonix.
Fresh off his performance at the OCC race, Addison shares the mental gymnastics required to shift from competitor to coach within hours. "When you're really tired, in terms of making mistakes for my athletes, it's like I need to be on when it's time to be on," he explains, offering a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes reality of professional coaching at one of trail running's most prestigious events.
As a coach for Carmichael Training Systems with a master's degree in movement science, Addison brings exceptional depth to our discussion about the science of ultrarunning. We dive into precision hydration testing, exploring how sodium concentration in sweat impacts performance and how athletes can determine their unique needs. His practical approach blends scientific knowledge with real-world racing experience, making complex concepts accessible and immediately applicable.
The conversation takes fascinating turns as we discuss the evolution of training methodologies, the value of various metrics from heart rate to perceived exertion, and the future of trail running as a potential Olympic sport. Addison's balanced perspective—embracing the competitive aspects while honoring the community values that make trail running special—offers wisdom for both elite competitors and weekend warriors.
Whether you're struggling with race-day cramping, curious about coaching approaches at the highest level, or interested in how the sport might evolve, this episode delivers actionable insights and thought-provoking perspectives from someone who truly lives at the intersection of competitive racing and professional coaching.
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