UESCA Ultrarunning Coach Conference
Schedule
2023 UESCA Schedule of Events
Due to the unique demands of ultrarunning, there is a multitude of areas that ultrarunning coaches need to appreciate and understand. This was the driving factor behind the selection of session topics for this conference.
Friday – September 29, 2023
7:00 – 9:00am: Registration Check-In
The check-in area will be in front of the main conference room (Summit Room 3). The front desk staff will direct you to the conference room. Your swag bag, as well as your lanyard will be supplied at this time. Please note, not ‘day of’ registrations will be allowed.
9:00 – 9:10am: Welcome and Conference Keynote Address (Jason Koop)
9:10 – 10:00am: Ultrarunning Nutrition (Stephanie Howe, Ph.D)
Nutrition is a critical factor in any sport and especially ultrarunning. In this session, Dr. Howe will cover ultrarunning-specific considerations and challenges – and how to overcome them.
10:10 – 11:10am: PANEL – Athlete Recovery (Stephanie Howe, Ph.D, Lindsay Golich. MSc, Jason Koop)
In this session, the panel will discuss athlete recovery with respect to best practices as it pertains to areas such as nutrition, rest, physiology and data-driven metrics.
11:20 – 12:10pm: Crewing and Race Day Logistics (Jason Koop)
Crewing is a unique aspect of ultrarunning. In this session, Jason Koop will discuss how to put together a crew, effective communication and how to designate roles within a crew. Jason will also discuss key aspects of race day logistics such as aid stations and other important variables.
12:10 – 1:10pm: Lunch
For those that selected one, box lunches will be available in the Carson Conference Room (refer to the map in your swag bag for the location). Please note, while box lunches can be taken to Summit Room 3, no outside food is allowed in The Antlers Hotel, including the conference rooms.
1:10 – 2:00pm: Strength Training (Heather Hart, CSCS)
This session will discuss case scenarios for and against strength training, how to integrate strength sessions into an ultrarunning program and specific strength training exercises/modalities.
2:10 – 3:10pm: PANEL – Building a Coaching Practice (Cliff Pittman, Heather Hart CSCS, Faith Raymond Strafach, MS)
Whether it be start-up aspects, marketing, having coaches work for you, or technology-based areas, this panel discussion will cover most all areas related to starting and growing a coaching business.
3:20 – 4:20pm: Training Program Development (Jason Koop)
Jason Koop will discuss how to develop both long and short-range ultrarunning training programs. More specifically, Jason will discuss the many considerations needed to be taken accounted for when developing a program.
6:30pm (Optional) Meet at COATI Uprise Food Hall
514 S. Tejon St – just a quick walk from The Antlers for a bite to eat and to socialize with fellow attendees and presenters.
Saturday – September 30, 2023
8:00 – 10:00am: Self-Led Fun Runs
This run is optional and will take place in close proximity to the conference location. The run will be led by Jason Koop.
10:00 – 10:50am: Environmental Physiology (Lindsay Golich, MSc)
Lindsay Golich will discuss various environmental factors such as heat, humidity, and altitude that affect one’s performance.
11:00 – 11:50am: Pseudo Science (Nick Tiller, Ph.D)
This session will focus on training practices and beliefs that are mistakenly thought to be grounded in science and/or commonly found in training programs.
11:50 – 12:50pm: Lunch
For those that selected one, box lunches will be available in the Carson Conference Room (refer to the map in your swag bag for the location). Please note, while box lunches can be taken to Summit Room 3, no outside food is allowed in The Antlers Hotel, including the conference rooms.
12:50 – 1:40pm: Biomechanics (Wouter Hoogkamer, Ph.D)
This session will discuss aspects related to running biomechanics, as well as how running mechanics differ from road versus trail. Topics such as foot strike, stride length/rate, spring systems, and overall form will be discussed.
1:50 – 2:40pm: Respiratory Physiology (Nick Tiller, Ph.D)
Dr. Tiller will discuss an overview of the physiology of the respiratory system, breathing interventions, respiratory muscle training, and other factors that influence ultrarunners.
2:50 – 3:40pm: Physiological Testing and Application (Jason Koop)Â
In this session, Jason Koop will discuss relevant physiological tests and how they are applicable to ultrarunners.
5:00 – 7:00pm: Social (in Antlers Grille)
This is your chance to mingle and network with other attendees and presenters (if present). Held in the Antlers Grille in the lobby, complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served throughout the social, as well as complimentary Athletic Brewing beers. A cash bar will be available.
Sunday – October 1, 2023
8:00 – 9:00am: Panel – Injury Prevention and Intervention (Nat Collins DPT/CSCS – Jessica Cozine-Lehman DPT,  Heather Hart CSCS)
This panel will cover factors related to injury and how to mitigate the chance for injury. Additionally, the session will also cover the importance of prehab, and also cover scope of practice and when to integrate a clinician into an athlete’s training program.
9:10 – 10:00am: Sports Psychology and Coaching Considerations (Justin Ross Psy.D)
Dr. Justin Ross will identify and discuss various strategies that ultrarunner can implement to improve their performance. He will also cover behavioral psychological issues that may require a coach to refer an athlete to a mental health professional.
10:10 – 11:00am: Ultrarunning Health Consequences (Nick Tiller Ph.D)
Ultrarunning is a unique and challenging sport. In this session, Dr. Tiller will examine and discuss the various health consequences that ultrarunners face and how to reduce the impact of these consequences.
11:10 – 12:00pm: Physiological Requirements of Ultrarunning (Jason Koop)
Ultra-endurance sports such as ultrarunning present unique challenges to athletes from a physiological point of view. In this session, Jason Koop discusses what physiological adaptations ultrarunners need to focus on to perform to their potential.
12:10 – 1:10pm: Open Q & A Panel (Cliff Pittman, Jason Koop, Stephanie Howe Ph.D, Nick Tiller Ph.D)
In this final session, the panelists will take questions from the attendees on any of the topics discussed throughout the conference.
1:10 – 1:20pm: Final Remarks (Jason Koop, Rick Prince)
* Please note, the session durations and session topics are subject to change
2023 Ultrarunning Coach Conference Sponsors
We would like to thank our awesome sponsors for their support in helping to make this conference a reality.
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