The Smarter Way to Heat Train for Western States

Heat acclimation can be a powerful tool for ultrarunners, but more isn't always better. In this episode, CTS Coach Cliff Pittman breaks down what the research actually says about heat adaptation and why many athletes are accumulating unnecessary fatigue in pursuit of marginal gains. We cover plasma volume expansion, passive heat exposure, sauna protocols, hot water immersion, taper timing, and the minimum effective dose needed to arrive at race day prepared without compromising fitness. Fitness remains the primary adaptation. Heat training should support it, not replace it. **HOST** Cliff Pittman is the Coaching Development Director at CTS, leading the Ultrarunning and Cycling Coaching staff with a specialty in guiding athletes from first-time ultrarunners to elite competitors at races like Western States 100, Leadville 100, and the Triple Crown of 200s. A competitive trail and ultra athlete himself, Cliff brings firsthand experience and a rare ability to turn complex training science into simple, actionable coaching. **​​Free Ultrarunning Training Assessment:** https://trainright.com/ultrarunning-training-assessment-welcome/ **Running Pace and Heart Rate Training Zones Calculator:** https://trainright.com/running-pace-and-heart-rate-zone-calculator/ **Interested in working with a coach? Schedule a free consult:** https://trainright.com/coaching/ultrarunning/ **Self-coached athlete? Check out our TrainRight Membership:** https://trainright.com/membership/ **Find more free resources here:** https://trainright.com/blog/ **Sources:** https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sms.12638 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2019.01080/full https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpregu.00315.2021 https://www.jsams.org/article/S1440-2440(06)00139-3/abstract