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]
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I haven’t been able to try poles yet but I’m looking forward to getting some to train with for my first ultra!
I train in the flatlands but am passionate about mountain running and swear by poles! They help me get into a good efficient rhythm and avoid going out to fast at the start of 100s, and also help save my legs for later in the race ?. Training for UTMB this year and using them every chance I get going up/down the few steep 40ft hills we have locally to practice!
I too am a novice to polls, but have been trail running for almost 15 years now. They seem like a hassle as first but after 50 miles of mountainous trails my legs need all the help they can get. The East coast mountains are beautiful and the trails are too fun to not run. If polls will make us go further and longer, I’ll definitely try again.
Running down a nasty peak in the Bradshaw mountains with poles for the first time made me realize how amazing they can be in my running
I’ve never used them (for running) but a tough trail race with steep terrain and lots of elevation change made me realize how valuable they might’ve been. Looking forward to trying them out!
I borrowed some poles the first time, to see how I liked using poles, and what I remember most is how tired and sore my upper body was the next couple days!
My first experience with poles is yet to cone, but soon!!
i first used pole when i started training to do Rim2Rim2Rim! i definitely love the advantage they can’t give you when you’re tired.
I’ve never had the opportunity to use poles, but I sure could have used them at the Hitchcock Experience. Palm to knees has been my go too, but after hearing about LEKI on Trail Runner Nation for the last few years, I think I’m overdue for giving them a go.
I used poles for all of my ? mile races including last years Hardrock run. I could def use a new set of Lexi poles for a future ?. Currently, serving in the military in the Middle East, so no Hardrock 2022 for me. I will be there in spirit though cheering on all the runners.