Priya Sinha
When I joined The Mountaineers, I wanted to become a better alpine climber. I didn’t realize it at the time, but learning how to climb has made me a better runner.
Earlier this year, I completed my first 55K ultramarathon. I was able to navigate the race with confidence thanks to the skills and techniques I had acquired through The Mountaineers. While each facet of mountaineering may seem distinct, techniques like compass reading, navigating rock, and traversing technical terrain have applications beyond climbing: they improve my running, enabling me to not just endure but thrive in the rugged and often unpredictable wilderness. Throughout the 55K, my mountaineering techniques proved invaluable in enhancing my running experiences, allowing me to focus on the journey instead of simply surviving the miles.
Starting strong: Snow techniques to handle sand
My 55K began with a taxing challenge: 20 kilometers of running on sand. Running on sand is difficult because the sand absorbs energy from each stride, making every step a struggle. But thankfully, The Mountaineers had prepared me to handle similar challenges in snow.
When moving through snow, we’re taught to lift our feet higher than usual and distribute our weight evenly over our feet to maintain speed and momentum and avoid sinking too deeply with each step. Instead of wasting unnecessary energy by forcing myself forward in the loose sand, I utilized the “penguin foot” strategy, a wide-stance gait used to avoid post-holing in snow. By slightly widening my foot placement, I could spread my weight over the ground’s surface and reduce the energy drain from sinking into the sand. Mirroring snow travel techniques, I kept my cadence high, my steps short, and was able to conserve energy for the miles ahead.
To the amusement of my fellow racers, I also followed in their footsteps. Some of them noticed, and we agreed to break sand for each other.
Learning to rest (step) while running
Runners often lose energy trying to power uphill too quickly. When I first started training for my trail run, the rest step never came to mind. However, after powering my way up enough hills during training, I finally realized the potential of the rest step to improve my running endurance.
Traditionally used in mountaineering to conserve energy during long and steep ascents, the rest step allows you to lock your back leg momentarily to give your muscles a break. Most runners (myself included) strike on their forefoot to maximize speed and efficiency. However, on prolonged climbs, this technique can be exhausting. To conserve energy, I adjusted my stride, planting my foot fully on the ground and allowing my back leg to take advantage of the brief relief. By incorporating the rest step, I maintained momentum without draining energy.
The rest step felt slow at first, almost counterintuitive in a race. But the payoff came later when my legs weren’t as fatigued as they would have been had I tried to power through every climb. My Mountaineers training taught me the value of efficiency over brute force, and that lesson carried me through the most challenging parts of the race.
Staying stable with trekking poles
Many trail runners hesitate to use poles thinking they’ll affect speed or get in the way, but poles actually provide stability which propels you forward. In technical terrain, running becomes less about speed and more about efficiency, making poles a crucial element to trail running strategy.
On steep climbs, poles distribute the workload between the legs and upper body, allowing the arms to assume some of the strain. On descents, poles provide balance and prevent runners from falling forward as gravity tries to speed them up. Like mountaineering, trail running routes host various types of terrain, including loose scree, solid bedrock, and wet, slippery surfaces. In the ultramarathon, my trekking poles helped me stay balanced and avoid injury while negotiating technical terrain. Poles also helped me maintain an upright posture, essential for breathing and overall endurance. The poles became an extension of my body and provided stability when the trail became tricky, giving me the confidence to tackle terrain that would have otherwise forced me to significantly slow down.
Maintaining mental toughness
In both mountaineering and ultra running, the sheer length of time spent on the trail can be overwhelming, making mental resilience equally important as physical resilience. The key to enduring is to divide the journey into manageable pieces and focus on the present moment. Whether summiting a peak or making it through a difficult race section, The Mountaineers taught me to focus on the next step, the next breath, and the next mile.
Eventually along the race, fatigue crept in and the 55K felt endless. During these difficult moments, I stayed present and focused on small, immediate goals like reaching the next aid station, maintaining my breathing, or navigating the next piece of technical trail. The ability to remain grounded in the moment kept me from becoming overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead and helped me push through inevitable low points.
After a lengthy last few kilometers, I crossed the finish line with tired feet and a happy heart. Through numb legs, I continued walking another kilometer until I reached 56K. Fifty-six kilometers to celebrate my fifty-sixth birthday. That’s another thing The Mountaineers taught me… Each step and each day is a gift worth celebrating.
Priya at the finish line of the 55K, just before walking another kilometer to celebrate her 56th birthday.
The Mountaineers legacy on my running journey
As I write this, I’m in Utah, adjusting to elevation for an upcoming three-day, three-stage, 40-mile trail run. Preparing for my next challenge, I am reminded daily of how much The Mountaineers has shaped my running journey. From the technical skills of navigating rocky terrain and mastering efficient climbing techniques to the mental fortitude required to endure long days in the wilderness, the lessons I’ve learned are invaluable.
The efficiency, patience, and presence required of mountaineering are now woven into my trail running approach. As I lace up my shoes for this next adventure, I do so with the confidence that I carry the wisdom of The Mountaineers with me, every step of the way.
This article originally appeared in our winter 2025 issue of Mountaineer magazine. To view the original article in magazine form and read more stories from our publication, visit our magazine archive.
