MidPacker Pod Field Notes – EP 03 | 3 Weeks to Hellbender: Training Around a Wedding, Leasons Form the Training Camp, & Troy's Heat Acclamation Protocol
About this episode
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“Training doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective.”
In episode 03 of Field Notes, Troy is three weeks out from the Hellbender 100 Mile Endurance Run and things are getting real. From navigating travel during peak training to dialing in the final details, this one is packed with honest reflections, lessons learned, and that pre-race energy we all know so well.
Episode Highlights
Training on the Road (Baltimore Trip):
Adjusted long run midweek to make space for a family wedding
Logged fast, flat miles around the Inner Harbor, a rare shift from mountain training
Key lesson: consistency beats perfection when life shows up
Training Camp Wins:
~80 miles, ~18 hours, ~17K+ feet of vert
First time using a pole quiver, a game changer for efficiency on rolling terrain
Dialed nutrition with Hyperlite, real food like crepes and cookies, and added protein strategy
Tested gear like the Tantrum Crest 6 vest under full race load
Recovery & Durability:
Stayed consistent with strength training, even after big efforts
Integrated PlayOn Relief for post-run recovery and inflammation management
Emphasis on long-term consistency paying off
Heat Acclimation Strategy:
Hot water immersion protocol with a 10-day build
Focus on increasing plasma volume, sweat rate, and heat tolerance
“It sucks… but it works.”
Race Planning Mode:
Using Time on Trails to map pacing, aid stations, and nutrition
Crew and drop bag strategy coming together
Realistic goal is around a 26 to 27 hour finish
Athlete Shout-Out
Samantha crushes her first 100K at the New River 100K, a huge milestone and proof that trusting the process pays off
Motivational Takeaways
Adapt your training, do not abandon it
Consistency over time builds real durability
Practice everything before race day, nothing new on race day
The work is done, now it is time to execute
Troy’s Links
IG: @troyontherun
Personal Site: Troyontherun.com
Coaching Page: Troy’s Ultra Coaching Page
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Hellbender 100, ultramarathon training, trail running, training camp, heat acclimation, race strategy, endurance fueling, midpacker mindset, ultra coaching, time on trails app, recovery tools, strength training, long run strategy, crew planning