Lake Sonoma Race Series Partners with Personalized Coaching from Trails & Tarmac

July 22, 2021

Collaboration positions Lake Sonoma Runners to take their running to the next level

In an exciting and unique partnership designed to elevate the performance of ultrarunners, the Lake Sonoma Race Series has teamed with Trails & Tarmac to provide athletes competing in the Northern California ultra races personalized coaching in the lead up to the inaugural 50-mile and 100-kilometer events slated for Sept 4-5, 2021.

“Blending their own extensive experience in endurance events with battle-tested knowledge and a personalized, enthusiastic approach, Trails and Tarmac coaches have a proven track record of uplifting the performances of their athletes,” Lake Sonoma 50 race director Skip Brand said.

Ultraracing, which has continued to grow at a rapid pace over recent years, continues to see new runners as well as seasoned athletes rely on personalized coaching to get the most out of their event.

Whether an individual is tackling their first 50-miler or their tenth 100K race, Trails & Tarmac’s coaching programs are custom-built for each individual athlete and factor in everything from training and nutrition to race strategy and race-day gear. Using digital communication tools, Garmin GPS data, and electronic training logs, Trails & Tarmac coaches focus on understanding the individual runner and the specific race to create a detailed program designed to elevate performance.

“We are excited to work with the Lake Sonoma Race Series and the daring athletes prepared to challenge themselves at this exciting first-time event,” Trails & Tarmac coach Brett Hornig says. “With the diligent, analytical approach of our personalized training programs, we are fully committed to helping each athlete achieve the goals they have.”

Trails & Tarmac coaches comprise a who’s who of ultrarunning legends who have claimed podium spots at historic events such as the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc 105 Mile and the Western States 100  Mile, competed in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, and set fastest-known time (FKT) records on celebrated courses across the U.S.  Trails & Tarmac coaching roster includes Ryan Ghelfi, David Laney, Brett Hornig, Camelia Mayfield, Tyler Green, Alex Nichols, Rachel Drake, and Cole Watson.

“When elite runners have the need for speed and endurance, they turn to coaches who can help them train smarter, race faster, and maximize their ultramarathon performance,” said Brand, a Trails & Tarmac coached athlete himself.  “That’s why we’re so energized about our partnership with Trails & Tarmac, which has time and again crafted personalized programs that prepare athletes to be at their very best.”

Alongside Trails & Tarmac, the Lake Sonoma Race Series and its sponsors will hold a series of race-specific training Instagram Live sessions, training runs, and interviews with successful elites who have mastered the Lake Sonoma course. The Lake Sonoma Race Series will kick off on July 24 and feature weekend runs in San Francisco/Marin, Southern California, and Tahoe-Donner as well as a final training run at the Lake Sonoma course in Healdsburg, California. The Instagram Live and training run sessions will allow runners to not only earn a spot in the sold-out Lake Sonoma races, but also receive an opportunity for free coaching advice.

About Lake Sonoma 50

Founded in 2008, the iconic Lake Sonoma 50 Miler is known for having one of most competitive fields in the United States according to UltraRunning magazine. The beautiful wine country 50-miler consists of nearly 90 percent single-track trails weaving through relentless rolling hills, testing runners with three big climbs, and traversing more than a dozen creek crossings. Ultrarunners travel to Sonoma from over 20 countries to experience one of the globe’s most popular and distinctive ultrarunning events, one that includes a trail movie festival, gourmet athlete dinner, multiple industry panels, and a lively finish line celebration featuring award-winning wine country chefs, multiple breweries, and celebrated wine from Wilson Artisan Wineries. Participants as well as their families and friends will enjoy Lake Sonoma and Healdsburg’s small-town charm at an event were 100 percent of the proceeds support the Children of Vineyard Workers Scholarship Fund that expands educational opportunities for local students.

About Trails and Tarmac

At Trails & Tarmac we focus on understanding our runners.  Knowing you allows us to create customized and adaptive science-based training for now and in the long run.   With Trails & Tarmac, you will have far more than a training plan. Communication and accountability form the bedrock of every coach-athlete relationship.  Our Coaches have run just about every race you’ve heard of. We can’t wait to help you train smarter.  We work with beginning runners hoping to do their first 5k, and elite athletes racing the world’s best road and trail events. Regardless of where your fitness is, we’re here to help.