Defensive Trail Running
Personal self-defense information for trail runners.
Ian Torrence
Title: Coaching Columnist
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona and Death Valley, California
Social Media Links:
LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Expertise
- Topics of Expertise: Trail running, ultrarunning, run coaching, race directing (trail, road, and ultramarathon events)
- Amount of Expertise: 35 years of trail running along with 28 years of ultrarunning, coaching running for 12 years and race direction for 23 years. An iRunFar columnist between 2012 and 2019 with additional articles written for Running Times, Runner’s World, Ultrarunning Magazine, and Trail Runner magazine. Coached for McMillan Running between 2010 and 2017 before starting my own company, Sundog Running, with my wife in 2017, under which we coach runners, hold camps, and direct races.
Education & Certifications
- Education: Bachelor of Science, Allegheny College
- Years of Professional Experience Relevant to iRunFar: 35
- Certifications: Certified McMillan Running Coach, Arizona and California Certified Pesticide Applicator, Chain Saw Faller B and Instructor
- Club or Association Memberships: Team Run Flagstaff, Arizona Trail Association, AZ Border Collie Rescue
A Word from Ian Torrence
I enjoy sharing my experiences, learning and hearing from others, and inspiring those who may be struggling. Writing and my coaching business allow me to do all of these. My personal interests include trail running, ultrarunning, race directing, coaching, watching nature and wildlife, ecological restoration, and being a dog lover.
A Trail Runner’s Primer On Public Lands
Ian Torrence’s primer on federal-level public lands for trail runners.
Race-Specific Training: The Biggest Bang For Your Buck
Ian Torrence discusses race-specific training for different kinds of trail races and ultramarathons.
Six Tests Every Runner Should Take
Six tests every runner should take to help monitor their health and well-being.
A Guide To Your Best Stage-Race Performance, Part 2: Recovery and Strategy
Ian Torrence discusses pacing, strategy, and recovery techniques for a multi-day stage race.
A Guide To Your Best Multi-Stage Race Performance, Part 1: Training
Ian Torrence explains how to train for a multi-day stage race.
Remembering Todd Ragsdale
Ian Torrence memorializes Oregon trail runner Todd Ragsdale who died while trail running in early 2016.
Emergent Methods For Determining Ultramarathon Race-Day Pacing
Ian Torrence describes how to use multiple new technologies for developing an accurate race-day ultramarathon pacing strategy.
Performance Enhancing Drugs In Ultramarathons
Ian Torrence writes about what performance-enhancing drugs are and how they are used, the current known state of PED use in ultrarunning, and where anti-doping testing is occurring in the sport.
Sleep: The Missing Ingredient
A discussion about sleep and athletic performance, including tips for better sleep.
Patience And The Ultramarathoner
A discussion about the importance of patience in trail and ultrarunning.
Your Ultra-Training Bag Of Tricks: Become A Student Of The Sport
Resources for increasing one’s knowledge about trail and ultrarunning.
Your Ultra-Training Bag Of Tricks: Injury Recognition, Treatment, And Recovery
A holistic look at injuries, overtraining, and recovery for runners.
Your Ultra-Training Bag Of Tricks: Head Games
Using mental tricks to find success in ultramarathons.
Troubleshooting On The Run, Part Three
The third and final installment of Ian Torrence’s troubleshooting during an ultramarathon series.
Using What You’ve Got to Make the Best of Any Racing Situation
Acknowledging and dealing with your ultrarunning weaknesses.
Step Up Your Training with a Running Camp
A look at the benefits of attending a running camp while training for an ultramarathon.
Using Races to Prepare for Your Goal Event
A look at how to use practice races to prepare for a goal ultramarathon.
Taking Control of Your Race
Ian Torrence explains “how to take control of your race” during an ultramarathon.
