Meet Adam!
Adam Rabo has been running since junior high. He has coached high school and college distance runners. Adam recently completed the UTMB Canyons 100k, making the cutoff for the Western States 100 and UTMB. You can generally find him on the rodes or trails in Colorado Springs, training for upcoming marathons and ultramarathons.
How long have you been running?
I started running in Jr. High for the track team in 2001. I ran cross country and track for 3 years in high school. In the following years, I ran sporadically. Sometimes I trained seriously for months or years at a time. Other times I only ran a few times a month. On October 1, 2019, I began a run streak where I ran at least 1 mile a day, every day. Since then I have averaged 2000 miles a year and I am coming up on 1500 consecutive days of running.
What Are Some PRs You’d Like To Share?
High School
3 mile – 17:24
Post High School
1 mile – 5:27
5k – 18:58
10k – 39:46
Half-marathon – 1:29:17
Marathon – 3:21:41
50K – 4:33:33
50 mile – 10:27:50
100k – 14:15:57
Favorite running or racing memory
When I won the Whistlestop Half Marathon in 2013.
I had an idea of what the 2nd place runner would do and trained specifically to beat them.
I also wanted to break 1:30 for the first time.
I led from the front the entire race, held off that runner for the last 2 miles and finished the race in 1st with a PR. Just perfect training, a perfect plan, and perfect race that were all executed together.
Your favorite race?
UTMB Canyons 100k was an amazing race with beautiful views and pushed me mentally and physically.
Leadville Trail Marathon is also one that I keep going back to. I love the town and the trails surrounding it.
Your bucket list race?
I entered the Western States Lottery for 2024. Leadville 100. UTMB.
New York, Boston, and an International (Berlin, London, Tokyo) Marathon.
Saks 5th Avenue Mile.
What’s your typical weekly mileage?
Marathon or ultra training I’m generally around 50-60. Otherwise I’m probably around 35-45.
Other than running, what’s your favourite pastimes?
I enjoy single-player video games like Fallout, Skyrim, Assassins Creed.
I enjoy camping and hiking as well.
Random facts about you:
I haven’t been clean-shaven in 9 years.
Running shoes and gear of choice:
I’ve found I can run in most running shoes so generally whatever I find on sale.
Altra Lone Peak for trail
Hokas for road and trail
Nike Vaporfly or Next% Tempo for races
Salomon Second Skin running vest
Do you prefer a hard mile or a slow long run?
Depends on the day. I would lean towards the slow long run.
What do you listen to when you run?
Generally metal or rap music. I have playlists built out for different race distances.
Trails or road?
Roads for workouts or racing, trails for long runs
What does your typical week look like?
Varies but right now.
Sunday is an easy or moderate run 3-6 miles easy depending on how I’m feeling
Monday is easy day: 3-4 miles with some strides. I try to get in a lower body/core workout
Tues I run to work and back, 4.5 miles each way pushing a stroller with my stuff in it. It’s downhill to work and uphill home.
Wed is a moderate long day with a speed component. 4-5 mile tempo, minute ons, intervals, etc. Genrally 8-10 miles today. I try to do an easy leg workout like Mountain Legs.
Thursday: same as Tuesday
Fri is an easy 3-4 miles
Saturday is my long run. 16-24 miles. If my legs are feeling good, I try to get in some speed work during the run. Easy leg workout like mountain legs after. Generally soak in an epsom salt bath afterwards for recovery and eat a lot of calories.
I was biking to work and back on Mon, Wed, and Fri but it was hurting my recovery so I have cut that out for the time being.
How did you get into running?
A football coach told me to start jogging to get in shape for football. I was pretty good at it. Tried our and made the Jr. High track team and was pretty good. Played football for another 1.5 years in high school but quickly realized I was undersized and was a much better runner. Pursued that ever since.
What’s your message to new runners?
Start slow, add on gradually, and be consistent. Consistency is where you will see most of your gains. There is no secret workout or plan to get you to your goals. It’s really just a game of delayed gratification. Put in the work now so you can be good later.
Why do you love running?
Running provides me a space to either let my thoughts run wild or completely zone out. It’s a social thing but also provides me with solitude. It’s a way for me to continue to test myself and improve.
What motivates you as a runner?
The running streak has definitely motivated me on days I didn’t want to run. Other than that, setting goals and having races I want to do keeps me focused and on track.
What is your biggest strength and/or weakness as a runner?
I think my strength is in my ability to focus on the moment. Races can get hard and if you are thinking of the finish line that is miles away it can be daunting. I try to focus on what I am doing at the moment and break the race into smaller segments.
Another strength is I’ve always been good with delayed gratification. Putting in months or years of work to see results. It can be a difficult thing to do.
Weaknesses would include a lack of speed and my tendency to either overestimate my own ability or underestimate a task at hand.
What’s your favorite post-run indulgence food?
Pizza and beer are generally my go-to after a long run.
Maybe something about what’s your favorite quote about running?
“What was the secret, they wanted to know; in a thousand different ways they wanted to know The Secret. And not one of them was prepared, truly prepared to believe that it had not so much to do with chemicals and zippy mental tricks as with that most unprofound and sometimes heart-rending process of removing, molecule by molecule, the very tough rubber that comprised the bottoms of his training shoes. The Trial of Miles; Miles of Trials.” – John L. Parker, Once A Runner.
What’s one myth about runners you wish was debunked or done away with once and for all?
There’s no magic cadence, or breathing technique, or running plan.
Everyone is unique and different and what works for someone might not work for you. The best bet is to pick a plan, stick with it, and just put in the work for days, weeks, months, and even years.
Do you have any pets?
I have two dogs – A Great Dane named Jax and a Border Collie named Nora. Currently training Nora to be my running buddy.
