TTP #61: Taggart VanEtten

In this episode of the Trail Trash Podcast, the hosts interview Taggart Van Etten, a world record holder for the fastest 100-miler on a treadmill. They discuss Taggart's running career, including his pursuit of Olympic qualifying times and his preference for flat 100-mile races. They also delve into his experiences at the Hennepin 100 and Tunnel Hill 100 races, as well as his race strategies and competition. The conversation touches on the ultra performance of the year and Taggart's upcoming goals, including his aim to run eight-minute pace for 24 hours at Desert Solstice. Taggart also shares insights into his coaching philosophy. In this conversation, Taggart VanEtten shares his approach to balancing speed and endurance in training, focusing on shorter intervals and progressive long runs. He discusses the periodic training model and the importance of training in specific zones. Taggart also provides insights on training for mountain races in non-vert areas, incorporating strength training, recovering from plantar fasciitis, and developing mental strength in running. He emphasizes the need to envision race day during training and to expect and overcome challenges. Taggart concludes by discussing his coaching philosophy and the importance of supporting and trusting athletes.

Takeaways

• Taggart Van Etten holds the world record for the fastest 100-miler on a treadmill.
• He has pursued Olympic qualifying times and has a preference for flat 100-mile races.
• Taggart had a successful race at the Hennepin 100 but faced challenges at the Tunnel Hill 100.
• His upcoming goals include running eight-minute pace for 24 hours at Desert Solstice. Balancing speed and endurance in training can be achieved through shorter intervals and progressive long runs.
• The periodic training model, with a focus on specific zones, can be effective for improving performance.
• Training for mountain races in non-vert areas can involve hill sprints, treadmill workouts, and visualizing the race course.
• Strength training can be beneficial for injury prevention and performance enhancement, but it should be tailored to individual needs.
• Recovering from plantar fasciitis may require cross-training, rolling the foot, and gradually reintroducing running.
• Developing mental strength in running involves envisioning race day, expecting challenges, and finding strategies to overcome them.
• Coaching and supporting a runner requires understanding their goals, providing guidance, and trusting their training process.

Taggart can be found on Instagram and Threads with the username @Taggart_Vanetten and on X with @Taggartvanetten