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Tag: ultra race

Coaching and Pacing the Western States 100 Documentary

Coaching and Pacing the Western States 100 Documentary

Published by Patrick Durante on August 1, 2025

I have never paced someone for 38 miles—let alone at the biggest ultra in the US, the Western States Endurance Run. David Tien got into the 2025 race from being 27th on the waitlist.

Dave’s story is intertwined with mine. Nearly 20 years ago, I started working for a web hosting company in their help desk department. This is where I first met Dave, who was part of the Network Operations division. While I was a road runner back then and enjoyed biking (but not swimming), over time, we would go on lunchtime bike rides at work, and I got to know Dave better through the years. I never would have he would be the reason I would be heading to Western States in 2025.

I ended up getting promoted to junior system administrator, and that’s when I started working directly with Dave. He was heavily involved in the Philadelphia triathlon scene, and after constantly badgering him with questions about what it takes to complete a triathlon, I entered my first sprint distance event. That’s where I began progressing my endurance into longer and multisport events. If it weren’t for his assistance back in the 2008–2010 time frame, I might not have been led down the path I’m on now.

While I didn’t stick with triathlon because trail running fit my lifestyle better, Dave inspired me to go longer and push harder into areas where I was uncomfortable—learning to swim, racing on a tri bike I bought from him, and finally running the last leg of a triathlon. It was the stepping stone I needed on my journey.

When I got the news he was on the waitlist for WSER, my next question was, “Can I pace and coach you?” I didn’t even have to think about it. I am so glad I got this opportunity; it was truly magical to go on this kind of journey with someone you’ve known for so long. I had so much fear, uncertainty, and doubt about whether I would be a “good” pacer. Sitting at the Foresthill aid station, I felt equal amounts of excitement and anxiety. All of it was washed away as soon as we started running together.

In the end, it’s just running—and ultras, which I know well. There was nothing this 38-mile run could throw at me that I couldn’t handle. That’s not the real task; the task is helping someone else. I think I did that pretty well for my first big pacing duty. I still can’t believe I got to do it at the Super Bowl of 100s.

This video is the culmination of years of experience, friendship, and a commitment to helping someone who taught me so much about networking, routing, switching, Linux, and many things that have nothing to do with running. It was paying back someone in the only way I knew how. Enjoy the video. Enjoy the process of training and self improvement. Enjoy all of the people you met along your journey. You never know who you are inspiring with your actions, and how your paths may cross in the future.

Enjoy the documentary now live on YouTube. It took be awhile to edit because we went on two different family vacations. I think it was worth the wait. Let me know what you think of the video in the comments on YouTube.

How I’m training for a 50 Mile Ultra Marathon!

Published by Patrick Durante on July 17, 2013

This year I decided to take a break from triathlons.  I wanted to focus my effort on one big race.  Yes, I did do some smaller races I’ll never skip, like the Broad street run or Oddyseey Half Marathon.  Once those were complete my focus changed to just training for the 50 Mile race.  Time wise and for scheduling reasons I decided on the Tussey mOUnTaiNBACK 50.  

The terrain is mostly forest roads, so I won’t have to deal with an extremely rocky course.  Obviously, the biggest hurdles are the distance and the climbs, totaling about 5,500ft.

I had registered for the race last year, but because of an injury, I had to back out.  I have had the best success avoiding injuries when I am following a training plan, so I’m using this Runners world 50 Mile Plan.  I’ve done training plans before that use back to back long runs, but I tend to get burned out.  So far this training plan has been VERY enjoyable.  I actually look forward to the long run on Saturday, and I have been just doing a leisurely bike ride on Sundays instead of another long run.

This is my first attempt at this distance, and the training has been going well.  At this point I’m at the 3:45 hour mark and can complete about 2,500ft of climbing on the kind of rocky terrain of the Wissahickon.  I’ve completed two 50Ks in the past, but I still think it’s odd that the farthest you run in training is only slightly over 30 miles.  Having a 20 mile gap in the plan doesn’t lead to much confidence, but I’m going to trust it and see how it works out.  Regardless, there will be suffering that day, but I’m trying to keep it to a minimum.

I’ve made some modifications to fit my needs.  For weight training, I’m using kettlebells.  It’s the perfect compliment to running.  I have never, in my past, made such an effort to keep lifting, while I’m still in the middle of a high mileage running program.  With the addition of weight training, I’ve been feeling better at the end of longer runs, and I don’t seem to have as much pain in my legs after then run.  It’s like I can take more abuse, yet not fatigue as much.  Kettlebells don’t just work your legs, they work EVERYTHING, with a big emphasis on core strength.  From this point forward, I plan to keep it in my schedule, 2 days a week, regardless of what distance I’m training for.

Another part of ultra running, that can be difficult to figure out, is what type of food to use.  Currently, I’m using honey stinger waffles, PB and J sandwiches, and GU packets.  Eating while running is necessary, with how many calories you are burning per hour.  I also make sure to down a few Hammer salt tablets, while drinking a mix of both Cytomax and water, from a Camelbak.

My strategy for the race is mostly just completion.  Yes, it would be nice to place in my age group, but with this being my first attempt at this distance I really don’t see that happening.  The best tip I received about ultra racing is that you do a lot of walking, well at least you should if you want to see the finish line.  It can help if you actually practice walking fast on a treadmill before the race, since it uses a different muscle set than running.  Yes, I’m sure some of the uber-elite runners don’t walk as much as I plan to, but I don’t want to be in so much pain that I don’t even enjoy the race.  The other biggest tip was to have fun, and sometimes I forget about that, and just focus too much on the competitive side.