Strong Like a Mother
Welcome to Strong Like a Mother—the podcast for moms who refuse to settle and are ready to prioritize their health, build strength, and thrive in the beautiful chaos of motherhood. I’m Tiffany Wickes, your host, fitness coach, and mom to seven wild and wonderful kids. Each episode, we’ll dive into practical tips, expert advice, and real talk about balancing fitness, family, and fun. Together, we’ll crush your goals, grow stronger every day, and prove that motherhood and muscle go hand in hand. Let’s get started!
Strong Like a Mother
107. Why Mountain Ultra Runners Carry More Muscle (and What That Means for Your Training)
Road marathons create lean, wiry bodies. Mountain ultras? Think sturdy, muscular, and resilient. In this episode, I unpack why trail and mountain ultra runners often carry more muscle than road marathoners—and how you can use those principles (variety, load, time under tension) to build a stronger, more capable body.
I’m also sharing the first look at my own plan to train for a 50-mile mountain ultra, including how strength blocks, recovery, and fueling shift across the season.
Key Takeaways
- Terrain is training. Steep ups recruit glutes/hamstrings; downs load quads; uneven surfaces light up hips, core, and ankles. That variety builds muscle.
- More time under load = more muscle preserved. Long, lower-intensity efforts with bursts on climbs bias fat use and protect lean tissue.
- Add load, not just miles. Hydration packs, poles, or a weighted vest turn endurance into strength-endurance.
- Strength work is non-negotiable. Trail athletes lift to prevent injury, power climbs/descents, and keep muscle through big mileage.
- Cycle your season. Early: more lifting. Mid: balanced lift/run. Late: more run, maintain strength. Recovery and fueling matter more with age and life load.
You don’t need a mountain race to benefit. Walk hills, choose uneven paths, wear a light vest, carry a kid or backpack—endurance + resistance is the winning combo.
Try This Week
- Pick a walking route with two hills and take them on purpose.
- Do one walk with a light pack or weight vest (start small).
- Add two strength sessions (lower body + core focus) to your calendar.
Links From This Episode
- Follow my ultra training journey on Instagram (highlight bubble has all the updates).
- Want help blending strength, smart cardio, and nutrition? Check out my coaching links in the show notes.
Thank you for supporting my small business. Here are some brands I trust and use myself with a discount for you:
Equip Protein - 15% off with code WICKES
Masa Chips - 25% off code STRONG $50 or more
LMNT Electrolyte Supplement - Get a free Sample Pack when you purchase through this link.
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