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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Haven’t used poles much since my goal is to perform well in the grand raid someday (I’ve completed it once already), but I also would like to do Hard rock so I may need to work on my pole technique
I had to learn to use poles to run in Dirty 30 Colorado. I didn’t think I’d like them but quickly adjusted and love using them so assist my longer runs.
Training for a 50k this year with 8k+ feet of gain, first time using poles.
I haven’t used poles but I’ve run up inclines and descended some where I wish i had them. My biggest dilemma is how to carry them when I’m running trails.
I started using using poles when I moved up to Ultramarathons I have found that in addition to reducing body stress on steep climbs they are good quickly negotiating downed trees and when I’m the first one on a trail in the mornings they are a must tool for keeping spiderwebs out the face.
I got poles to start training for a 100 with a high DNF rate and a lot of vert. I figured they might be the key to success, and/or preventing failure!
Folding poles are my goto thing needed when climbing 30,40,50 and even 60% grades.. UTMB needed.
Love using polls! Makes it so much easier over long distances! Goal is to run a 100 miles one day.
I am a long time trail runner who is looking to enjoy more adventure racing and steep/rocky terrain and would love to use these poles! I’ve tried using poles on a recent trail run in Tahoe near Palisades, but my poles were heavy and cumbersome and these look and sound amazing!
I started using poles in preparation for my Grand Canyon R2R2R adventure several years ago. They saved my legs on both the climbs and descents. Just as one might use their arms to push down on one’s knees to get a little more power out of each step when climbing, my poles did just that. Although they aren’t all that popular here in the US, they can be a game changer for your next big run, Tip: Train with your poles prior to your big run as they do take some some getting used to and require some upper body conditioning/endurance. Lastly, run with poles efficiently by utilizing the wrist loops correctly…think cross country skier.