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.
Have a story of your own? Share your experience in the comments section and be automatically entered for a chance to win a new pair of LEKI Ultratrail FX One Superlite Poles. One random winner will be selected and notified.
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.
Don’t forget! Comment below about your first experience running or training with poles and you could win a free pair of LEKI Ultratrail FX One Superlite Poles. [the contest period for commenting is now closed]
Comments are closed.
I was always trying to find a stick, a wooden pole I could see in the trails until I finally came to realize that was ridiculous. I came to use a pair of poles a friend let me borrrow and it was a night and day difference. I didn’t had splinters, they where absolutely lighter and they didn’t break.
I started to use poles when I was training for Ultra Dirty 100k in Silverton. I knew I would be using my poles most of the race because of all the climbing.
So much easier on the knees coming down.Easier to get in the rhythm as well
I used poles for backpacking trips but I never tried them with running until I was training for the Wonderland trail. I knew that between 93 miles, 20k+ ft of vert and being self-supported, I could use the extra help to shift some of the load from my legs to my upper body. The trip was a success and over time I’ve been getting my poles out more and more for any trails with tricky footing or big vert. A few weeks ago I “Everested” a local mountain (Mailbox Peak) by covering 29k ft of vert in 24 hours by doing 7.5 laps. I used my poles the whole time to help with strength on the ups, decrease load on my knees on the downs and to give me extra stability the whole time. I’ve gotten so good at using poles I feel like I’m a four legged creature prancing through the woods – they’re really my super power.
I first used poles on a very icy trail run. I forgot my YakTrax in the car and was running on my trail shoes on extended life support. As I fell repeatedly, my running partner would pick me up and ask if I still wanted to continue. (Of course I did). Finally, he asked if I’d like to use his poles to help steady me on the ice. I’d never use them before but am no stranger to hiking sticks! Ok no time I was trekking on the icy trail with grace and fewer bruises and I’ve been a fan since!
I began using poles when I was preparing for my first skimo season, preparing with steep, rocky, technical climbing. They made a huge difference. They kept my body upright helped build upper body strength and prepare me for a tough season of skimo racing. I first borrowed a pair of Leki poles adjustable aluminum poles and after I used them one time I was hooked. Now I regularly carry my poles with me for 14er and 13er runs living in Colorado. I would love a set of carbon ones for lighter and more efficient trips and some upcoming racing in the mountains!!!
I first used poles 3 years ago while training for the Bryce Canyon 50k and running that race with poles was the best decision I made…huge help for traversing up and down steep terrain and they took some load off my legs. Pro-poles forever!
I really have not run with poles, but poles where a lifesaver for me when I hiked the Grand Canyon. One year, my friend asked me if I would like to do a Rim 2 Rim. Of course I said yes, but I was greatly out of shape. On the last leg, one of our companion saw that I was struggling out of the Canyon. He made the sacrifice and allowed me to use his poles for the remainder of the trip. I can not say how thankful I was for those. That trip was the start for me to get fit and back on the trails, and I got poles to thank for that.
I started using poles for thru-hiking the Tahoe Rim trail in 2009, and then used for many long hikes including the PCT in 2012. I love them for the extra power and stability on long days.
I didn’t want to look like a “grandpa” out on the trails. I was skinny and had two legs that worked great. Why would I use some “walking sticks” when I didn’t need to? Needless to say, I got passed by way more people than I passed that day. And I walked with a lot more pain than I needed to the next day. Poles don’t always give you the win, but they sure do make life easier on the body (which is a win in itself).
We spend so much time working on getting our two legs conditioned for long days in the mountains that we sometimes forget we can just add two more legs to our trail running toolboxes with a set of poles!