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.
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Both my partner and I were very anti-pole for a long time. Last September I set out to do the Timberline Trail around Mt Hood and I’m not sure what prompted me to change my mind, but I shyly told him I was going to get a pair of poles and try them out. He understood but didn’t follow suit. Long story short, we ended up taking turns using the poles on the 41 mile loop and are now both officially pro-pole. They are lifesavers on the knees and provide that extra bit of support that makes big elevation gains and drops a little easier on the body.
OMG, I am a 70 yr old hoping to finish my first ultra at British Columbia’s Fat Dog race. Never tried poles but my niece and spouse are doggedly after me to get some ?. Cross your paws for me, been battling a couple of nighties of late. Good luck to all.
I have only hiked with poles but am doing my first trail race on the Superior Hiking Trail and am starting to research which poles would be best for running. My current poles are probably too bulky for a race.
I borrowed my friends poles for a training run before pacing for the Zion 100. I haven’t owned my own set, but really started to like them! It feels like it gives me just enough physical edge and mental confidence.
I’m a pro-pole ultra runner solely because of the additional miles I can get on my precious knees! With the ability to pack down and so light that I can strap to my vest, why not?!?
As a flat lander (Florida) haven’t used them but planning an extended western vaca that will include the rim to rim so will give it a go.
When we started hiking steeper, longer distances, which translated to steeper, longer runs. Living in C. Oregon we benefit from the mountainous training, and the poles give us a little benefit, too.
first time i wished i had poles was when i took a wrong turn and ended up at the bottom of a very long steep climb in hot weather!
I started using poles this year while training for my first 100. The first time I took them out was on a 50 mile self supported training run. I learned some lessons……1. Be careful on bridges where your pole could get caught in a crack. 2. Don’t trip yourself with your own poles. 3. Poles are lifesavers when your legs are tired and the hill goes on forever. 4. I love my poles.