When training for a 100-mile trail race, I am sure to do a good amount of running in the dark to practice navigating technical terrain with my trusty ACTIK CORE lamp.

That's why I make it a priority to get out on my favorite trails as much as possible for an equal mix of slow mountain slogging simulating long ultras, and hard pushes, chasing local Fastest Known Times (FKTs) on my favorite routes to mimic fast competitive racing. However, I've found that if my training doesn't inspire me, burn out is right around the corner. Of course, hard training for these big events is key to my success as a mountain ultra trail athlete. Since I've been lucky enough to travel around the globe to train and race, collecting top results including a 2018 8th place and first American at the highly competitive Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB). After a hard winter of training and dark mornings balanced with a full-time job as a kindergarten teacher, I was rewarded with a successful 2017 season, including a win at the Western States 100. In November of 2016, I won Rio Del Lago 100, coming in under the previous 11-year-old course record. In 2016, I upped my volume from twenty miles per week, resulting in a season of podiums and a few wins. My performance at the Bear 100 in 2015 (23:02, 7th fastest time in history) triggered a competitive side in a sport I had previously approached relatively casually. However difficult it was, my love for the trails was ignited and has guided my choices since. In fact, the warmest article of clothing I packed was my cotton track-suit coupled with a poncho, and I had no idea sleeping pads even existed. Craving a little adventure and needing to do some self-exploration, I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail with minimal experience. My running journey began as an 800-meter runner at UC-Santa Barbara, where I quickly realized that my spirit was not on the track, but in the mountains.

Cat bradley runner