{"id":54919,"date":"2025-04-22T16:06:54","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T08:06:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.runnerstribe.com\/?p=54919"},"modified":"2025-04-23T12:41:39","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T04:41:39","slug":"a-detailed-drive-into-the-training-of-jim-walmsley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/runnerstribe.com\/features\/a-detailed-drive-into-the-training-of-jim-walmsley\/","title":{"rendered":"Blood, Miles, and Mountains: Jim Walmsley\u2019s Path to Ultramarathon Immortality"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jim Walmsley is one of the most iconic endurance athletes of the modern era. Known for his historic wins at the JFK 50 and Western States 100, and now celebrated as the first American man to win UTMB, Walmsley has cemented his legacy in trail and ultra running history. In recent years, he\u2019s continued to evolve \u2014 blending massive mileage with smart recovery and cross-training to stay at the top of his game. So what does it take to train like one of the best in the world? In this article, we\u2019ll dive deep into Jim Walmsley\u2019s brutal yet calculated training regime \u2014 and explore the one-percenters he\u2019s added to stay ahead in the ultra world.<\/p>\n

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Jim follows the Lydiard approach to training, which involves high volumes of running at slower to medium pace. He is known for running up to 175 miles per week, but with big miles comes the risk of injuries and burnout. In recent years, Jim has started incorporating other forms of exercise that build strength and cardio endurance, while reducing the impact on his body.<\/p>\n

Fast Long Runs<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

Walmsley posts all of his training on Strava. He is open with this mileage, splits and recovery. He holds very little back.<\/p>\n

One of the most startlingly obvious things is how amazing his endurance is. It must be noted that most of his long runs are performed on trails, somewhat slower than road. Nonetheless, they are not slow. In the below long run Walmsley covered 50km over trails averaging 3:27 per km. Wow…<\/p>\n

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Jim Walmsley Long Run<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Huge Mileage<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

Walmsley is classic Lydiard. He covers approximately 175 miles per week (just over 280km). \u00a0This is serious mileage for any marathoner, historically and present.<\/p>\n

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I am very happy with with a 3rd Place, 2hr31min52sec debut showing at @sierrezinal_officiel! I felt like I ran patient on the initial climb and continued to build momentum throughout the race. It went as best as I could\u2019ve hoped for. Kilian and Petro simply ran away from me this time. I can\u2019t wait to come back next year and chase an even more incredible record set by @kilianjornet! It was amazing spending time with such a big contingent of Americans in Switzerland, especially @ligivpablo. Thanks @peigneeverticale for the banger ? … Up next, @ultravasan90 in Mora, Sweden ?? on August 17th! Really looking forward to this race! #timetofly<\/a><\/p>\n

A post shared by Jim Walmsley<\/a> (@walmsleyruns) on