Trail and Ultra-Marathon Coaching
Conquering mountains requires more than just road endurance. I help you master technical terrain, steep elevations, and mental resilience through structured, science-backed trail running programs.
To achieve a goal, you must prepare in a structured manner and enjoy the process. I immensely enjoyed the four-month preparation for my personal pet project, a grueling 60km mountain run to test my fitness at 60.
I am going to miss the breathtaking views from my training runs over the last six weeks. This was my last workout on these beautiful mountains before embarking on the tough mission I set for myself.
This was my longest workout to prepare for my Pet Project: a 37.55 km run with an 1814-meter ascent over 10 hours. It was challenging, but the company of fellow runners made it an incredible adventure.
An exhilarating 'Torna to Rajgad' workout as part of my Pet Project preparation. The route included some scary drops and steep climbs, with over 1000 meters of ascent in just over 6 hours.
I am loving these solo workouts in nature. Embracing the solitude and conquering a challenging route helps me prepare mentally and physically for my personal running projects.
Trail running comes with its own unique challenges. As the grass dries in winter, sharp awns get lodged in your clothes, feeling like hundreds of needles. You learn to smile and move on, as it is all part of the fun.
My preparation for my pet project is on. Here I am on a practice run on a mountain trail, testing out my Cascadia 16 trail shoes, which are perfect for tough mountain terrain.
About this collection
Trail running isn't just about road endurance; it's about mastering technical terrain, learning when to power hike, and managing steep elevation. We work on specific ankle stability and glute strength to keep you upright, and we test your gear—like finding the right shoe grip—long before race day to ensure you finish safe and strong.
My approach to ultra-marathon training is built on science, not guesswork. Whether you are prepping for the rugged trails of the Western Ghats or a mountain ultra, the preparation requires a methodical approach that covers four pillars: strength, endurance, terrain-specific skills, and mental conditioning.
The Science of Mountain Running
When you move from road to trail, the mechanics change. I focus on cadence improvement using specific drills like A-skips and B-skips, which are essential for navigating uneven ground. We use data from your runs to analyze heart rate zones, ensuring you build aerobic capacity without burning out. This is exactly how I prepare for my own 'Pet Projects'—like the intense 45km mountain runs I complete in the Western Ghats.
Injury Prevention & Strength
Trail running puts unique stress on the body. My strength modules prioritize core stability and ankle mobility, which are often the first points of failure on long, technical descents. We also cover practical 'common sense' tips, such as dealing with trail hazards (like sharp grass awns or loose scree) and selecting the right shoe fit for varied mountain terrain.
Structured Race Preparation
I don't believe in shortcuts. My programs include:
- Phased Training: We move through build, peak, and taper phases to ensure you are at your best on race day.
- Nutrition & Hydration: Strategy sessions on planning your electrolyte intake and energy gels for long-duration efforts.
- Mental Conditioning: Preparing for the 'lows' of an ultra, like cramping or technical setbacks, so you can solve problems on the move.
Running is a community 'Jatre'—a celebration. Whether you are training remotely via our app or joining us in person for weekend group runs in Bengaluru or Pune, you are getting a structured plan that has helped thousands before you. Neevu Odabahudu—you can also run.
Pramod Deshpande
I’m Pramod. I’ve spent years turning runners into endurance athletes, one step at a time. Whether it’s your first trail ultra or you’re aiming for a new mountain PR, I’ll help you prep with a plan that’s built on science and respect for the terrain.
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