The Albon Way

A debrief of Jon’s win at UTS 57K by UTMB, where he approached the race as a training effort rather than an all-out performance. The Albons also discuss the role of training races within a wider training programme, when poles are worth carrying in trail races, and whether simple sugar has finally replaced gels as their go-to fueling strategy. They also share updates on recovery, heat training, and...

This episode covers two key race-prep topics: how we’re approaching vert and downhill specificity for Mont Blanc 90K, and our updated go-to guide for fueling and hydration in racing. We break down vert ratio, gradient-specific training, gut training, why we separate carbs from fluids, and how to think about sodium intake on race day. 🧭 ASCEND DISCOUNT CODE Check out ⁠Ascend⁠ trailrunning app for...

How should you pace an ultra marathon, and what does “sustainable effort” really mean over longer races? We break down how to manage effort across different terrains and conditions, why pacing by feel matters more than numbers, and the common mistakes that lead to late-race slowdown. We also explain how training intensities translate to race day, and how finding the right effort is key to minimisi...

How long should you really take to recover after an ultra, and how soon is too soon to race again? After TGC, we share our own recovery process and why jumping back into racing too quickly can hold you back. We talk through what’s happening in the body post-race, why “training races” aren’t really a thing at longer distances, and how recovery ultimately shapes your entire season. Because at the en...

A raw post-race debrief from Transgrancanaria Classic,recorded from the couch while still wrecked. Henriette and Jon unpack what it took to win: midnight start, river running, freezing wind, desert heat, tactical racing, shoe changes, fueling plans, and the small decisions that shaped both races. They also reflect on tapering, training with Ascend, and the key lessons they’re taking into the rest...

Tune in for a training update as Transgrancanaria Classic approaches in less than three weeks. We reflect on our separate training camp experiences, before diving into the key habits that help us get more out of our training. From sleep consistency and fueling properly to managing recovery and life stress, we explore the small, repeatable habits that support real training adaptations. If you’re tr...

Henriette and Jon check in from sunny Gran Canaria, where they’ve swapped icy winter training for warm, mountainous trails five weeks out from race day. They talk honestly about how training is going, the challenge of never quite feeling “ready”, and their approach to long runs this time around. They also compare this year’s training to last year’s, including a shift toward more intervals and “spi...

Henriette and Jon unpack how (not) to plan a trail running season, and why you can’t just string together random races and hope for the best. With big ultras like TGC and UTMB in mind, they explain how a season needs space for base building, sharpening, tapering, and real recovery. Because long races don’t just take it out of you physically, they can hit emotionally too. They also share a training...

Join the Albons as they dive into the challenges and triumphs of starting a new year with fresh goals and renewed energy. In this episode, Jon and Henriette share insights on maintaining motivation, avoiding common training pitfalls, and the importance of gradual progress. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or just beginning your fitness journey, this episode offers valuable tips to help y...

From load-management issues and toenail fungus to downhill DOMS, dodgy ankles and under-fuelled training sessions...this episode breaks down the trail running lessons we wish we’d learned years ago. We share the honest stories, practical tips and hard-earned insights that can help you avoid common mistakes, train smarter, stay injury-free and enjoy the long game in the mountains. 🧭 TRAIL TRAINING...

It’s November...and yes, winter running has hit us hard. In this episode, Henriette and Jon Albon casually chat how to stay motivated and consistent through the dark season. They break down the mindset shifts that make their winter training do-able and explain how embracing reality can nudge your running experience in the direction you want and need. You’ll get practical advice on choosing winter...

In this episode of The Albon Way, Henriette and Jon share how to follow a trail running training plan without losing the joy and freedom that make the sport so addictive. From recovery and basebuilding weeks to group runs and spontaneous sunrise sessions, they unpack how a flexible approach keeps motivation high, prevents burnout, and makes training more sustainable. The duo also dive into the sci...

What exactly is the Norwegian method? In this episode of The Albon Way , Henriette and Jon unpack the training philosophy behind Norway’s rise in endurance sports. From traditional periodisation and high-volume aerobic work to intensity control, double-threshold days, and environmental adaptations like heat and altitude training...they explore what makes this approach so effective, and how its pri...

In this episode, Henriette catches up with Jon for a full debrief of his recent Ultra Pirineu adventure. From chaotic drop bags to picture-perfect pacing, they break down the race’s highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way. Jon shares how he managed heart rate, fueling, and hydration across long hours on the trails and what he’d tweak next time. Expect honest reflections, a few laughs, and p...

The sun is out, the season’s winding down, and Jon is heading into Ultra Pirineu 100k with more questions than answers. Can built-up fitness from UTMB carry him through? Meanwhile, Henriette debates what an “off-season” really means and whether to share her training again on Strava. Expect honesty, a few laughs, and plenty of trail-running truths about motivation, recovery, and racing at the tail...

In this episode, we dive into the myths that shape how we think about trail running. Do carbon shoes really make you faster? Do you always need to train on trails to be ready for races? Can you race yourself into shape, or is that a recipe for burnout? Is walking a sign of weakness, or actually one of the smartest tools in an ultrarunner’s kit? We also unpack whether intervals are truly necessary,...

Jon breaks down his stormy UTMB: from an solid start and early lead to brutal rain/snow, frozen hands, fueling woes, and sharp knee pain that forced a DNF at Champex-Lac. We talk kit mistakes (layers, gloves, insoles), getting sucked into racing, the emotional call to stop, and what he’d change next time. Plus a quick recovery update and thoughts on what’s next.

Henriette and Jon Albon catch up on their final weeks of training ahead of UTMB before diving into the bigger question: what does it actually mean to be “race ready” as a trail runner Beyond VO₂ max or interval splits, they break down the key dimensions of trail race fitness. They also share practical tools, including the AlbonApp’s Fitness Profile, to help runners gauge readiness and train smarte...

On this episode of The Albon Way , Jon and Henriette answer trail running questions from the community. They talk about balancing road and trail training, managing vert in training plans, preventing foot issues, and handling heart rate drift in hot weather. Packed with insights and real-world tips for trail and ultra runners. // TRAIL TRAINING & ANALYTICS Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠AlbonApp⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ f...

After a month-long pause, Henriette and Jon are back to share where they’ve been, how training has gone lately, and what’s ahead as they shift into UTMB prep mode with seven weeks to go. They talk through their “low mileage, high intentionality” training philosophy, why you don’t need ultra-long runs to race really far, and how they’re using smart planning to build fitness while staying healthy. /...

Henriette recaps her race at Trail du Saint Jacques by UTMB – breaking down heat prep, fueling, and pacing – then dives into the weird world of tapering. From hormonal curveballs to taper panic, she and Jon explore why rest before a race can feel so wrong, and how to manage it.   // TRAIL ANALYTICS & PLANNING Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AlbonApp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for trail specific data insights and bespoke trail r...

In this episode of The Albon Way , Henriette and Jon dive into the sweaty side of race prep, namely heat training . From DIY heat caves and sauna sessions to layering up for treadmill hikes, they break down the difference between active and passive heat exposure , when and how to use each, and why it’s not just for hot races. They share real-world insights from their own training (and missteps), p...

In this episode of The Albon Way , Henriette and Jon kick things off with an update on Jon’s recovery after the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia (UTS), unpacking the physical and mental reset that follows a big race. They also get into their current approach to supplements before the conversation shifts to the core topic: gut training for trail running. They share practical strategies for building a fueling...

In this episode of The Albon Way, Henriette talks to Jon about his recent win at the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB 100K. They dive into how the race unfolded from Jon’s perspective, his strategic approach to training and tapering, and the challenges he faced on the rugged Welsh trails. Jon also shares insights into the competitive landscape, including how he managed to stay ahead of his rivals to...

What really gets you through long trail races? In this episode, Henriette and Jon break down fatigue resistance – how well you can hold form, focus, and performance deep into a race. They explore why it matters more than flashy speed, how to build it through smart training, and how nutrition, gear, and mindset all play a role. Tune in for real talk, personal stories, and actionable tips to remain...