#54: Gravel Racing, Training, and Ultra Running with MTI Athlete Jonathan Edwards

In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Edwards, a tech consultant and elite ultra marathon runner based in Sandy, Utah. We discuss his experience racing the Belgian Waffle Race in Scottsdale, Arizona—an intense 104-mile gravel race with nearly 7,900 feet of elevation gain. Jonathan shares insights into race strategy, gear selection, and overcoming technical challenges on the course.

Beyond cycling, Jonathan talks about his transition back to ultra trail running, his upcoming races—including UTMB and Speedgoat 50K—and his training philosophy for endurance performance. He breaks down his nutrition and hydration strategies, his approach to balancing trail running and cycling, and the importance of lactate threshold testing and zone-based training.

If you're interested in gravel racing, ultra running, or optimizing endurance training, this episode is packed with insights and expert takeaways.

Topics Covered:

• Belgian Waffle Race Recap: Course conditions, challenges, and performance breakdown

• Bike and Gear Selection: Choosing the right setup for gravel racing

• Tire Strategy: How tire choice impacts speed and traction

• Power and Race Pacing: Managing effort across a long race

• Fueling for Endurance: Jonathan’s approach to carbs, hydration, and in-race nutrition

• Transitioning to Ultra Running: Upcoming race plans and training block

• UTMB Preparation: Key strategies for tackling 100+ mile mountain races

• Lactate Threshold and Zone-Based Training: How Jonathan is optimizing his endurance

Guest Bio:

Jonathan Edwards is an ultra marathon runner, endurance athlete, and tech consultant based in Sandy, Utah. A former road marathoner (2:44 PR), he has transitioned into ultra trail running, completing races at 50K, 50-mile, 100K, and 100-mile distances—with multiple top 10 finishes and a race win. He also incorporates cycling and strength training into his routine for a well-rounded endurance approach. Jonathan is currently training for UTMB, one of the most prestigious ultra marathons in the world.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:00] The Belgian Waffle Race Overview: Course details, elevation, and challenges

• [00:11:13] Race Strategy and Gear Selection: Tires, bike setup, and power pacing

• [00:22:34] Nutrition and Hydration Strategies: Managing fuel intake for an 8+ hour effort

• [00:26:08] Transitioning to Trail Running and Future Goals: UTMB training and lactate threshold testing

Resources & Links:

Follow Jonathan Edwards on Instagram: @Jedsoutside

• Mountain Tactical Institute Home
• Check out the MTI Athlete Team
• Apply to be a Paid MTI Athlete
• MTI's Daily Programming Streams

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