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 started using poles when it was too late! I saw someone in a race using them early, and I thought “really, you need them at mile 9?” Took me some time to figure out that when going up those big hills, any assistance is good.
I had used poles previously backpacking in Scouts, but found their advantage again trail running in CO. First time using them running was on Sneffels in 2017. They’re great for balance when going up a loose slope. And a perfect substitute for tent poles on a UL shelter!
When I started running steeper races, like the Dirty30 and Bridger Ridge Run, I figured I’m carrying around these arms…maybe they could lend a hand. See what I did there?
Don’t fall down. Many times have I stumbled and thrown my weight onto my poles, instead of onto the rocks or into the bushes.
This year was my first time using poles. I ran my first 50k at age 54. They helped a great deal. Was an extremely hilly course. Without the poles I don’t think I would have made it. My goal for finishing my race was 10 hours. I finished at 9 hour 45 mins. The poles were a life saver. Will never do an other 50k without them
I have never used piles during any of the 150 plus ultras I have run ( including 50+ 100 milers, most of them in the mountains) during my 38 years of running ultras. I did us pokes in 2013 while hiking the Chilcoot trail that the Gold miners used to get from Skagway, AK to the Yukon Territory in the late 1800’s. But it makes sense if you think about weight distribution for energy efficiency.
I bought a pair of Leki poles to pace my friend who was running the Ouray 100 Miler in 2021. I Used them for ups and downs. I had only been running about 6 months and they helped ease my growing pains from running ?
I think they add a level of confidence and help preserve my knees – essential equipment.
Used poles the very first time over past weekend on a 12 miles hike. Hamstring injury keeps me from running, so walking is the second tolerable choice. The poles really helped balancing the pressure points, and keeping the hamstring at bay.
When I got selected in the Lottery for the 2019 Leadville 100, it was time to add poles to the training! I’m mostly a road runner so the poles helped me transition to more trail running, giving me some margin by having two extra points of contact on ground and helping me on the vert that me legs weren’t used to.