We all remember our first race or favorite adventure, but what about the first time you added poles into the mix? Below, LEKI athlete Sabrina Stanley shares her story of when she started running and training with poles and why it has been a game changer for her.
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I started running with poles consistently when I began training for a mountainous 100-miler in the summer of 2018. I knew I would be using poles for the entirety of the race, so I ran with poles during all my training miles. This helped get my upper body familiar with the additional load it would be taking on while climbing and descending. It also taught me how to use the poles efficiently.
My “Ah-Ha” moment came when I was studying the most competitive runners in the world at races that piqued my interest. These runners were all using poles. To be competitive I knew I had to learn how to use poles to assist in my running if I wanted to run at the same level as the top athletes.
Poles take some of the load off a runner’s legs while going up and downhill. This transfer of power to the upper body allows a runner to conserve their legs for a longer period.
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I bought my first pair of LEKI poles when I received a last minute invite to join some friends on a rim-to-rim-to-rim traverse of the Grand Canyon. I wasn’t sure what to do with the poles at first. But, it came do naturally that by the time I was climbing out of the canyon, I couldn’t have imagined not having them
I started using poles in multi-day adventure races – even on Day 1 they help save my legs for Day 5. And on Day 5 they help me sleep on my feet!
For the hills, now like natural extensions of my arms, feel naked without them. Big help on the ups, great for balance in the rock fields of the Colorado Rockies, running and even more so with a heavy pack.
First time I used hiking poles was a pair of black diamond poles, when I first tried to summit Mount Shasta. I would love a pair of Leki poles, to use in mountainous 100 milers!!
As an athletic 25 year old it was hard for me to use poles while backpacking because it seemed like something only “old” people needed. I quickly realized how much they helped with my posture, helped reduce finger edema, and I was able to hike faster and longer. I’m getting into the ultra distance running scene and know I will be adding some poles to my training and races.
I’m at the point where I’m seriously considering buying poles to use for some of my more challenging races. I’ve always dismissed them in the past but after a few runs with significant climbs I started musing the benefits while dragging my tired legs uphill.
Poles helped me stay stable and strong on a 50-mile course that was altered due to heavy snow. Even on the alternate route, there were still long stretches of traversing snowfields and the poles gave me extra confidence to maintain a running pace when many other racers had to walk. Poles take practice but can result in major benefits.
I have never run with poles (only hiked with them) but I’ve entered a 5 day ultra run next June and will need poles for that so I need to start!
I used them on my way downs . My poles are falling apart. Need a new set to keep climbing.Live fast take chances!!
Never have, yet I’m thinking of since I saw many people using them in the races, I think it’ll be a great addition