Max Fulton

True to his name, Max has successfully completed several impressive races this summer, many of them within weeks of each other. He was able to complete three marathons in 15 days during June and 350 miles of racing in two weeks during August (without injury, we might add). However, more impressive than his ability to race in some of the hardest endurance events, is his balance of competition and enjoying the ride. One scroll through his Instagram feed and you see someone that enjoys a challenge but can pull back to enjoy the journey as well.

How does Max manage family, a job and competing in these intense endurance events?  We think it is all about his balance of stress and recovery. Another thing you'll notice on his Instagram account is food. Max clearly embraces fat and flavorful food and doesn't miss any meals along the way. Fueling before, during and after events is key. He's not too restrictive in his diet and enjoys a beer on occasion. Getting the calories in, focusing on recovery and having the energy to go again is simple math but an often overlooked component, especially when we look too closely at what we eat and not enough at how much.

 

Next up in Max's routine is recovery between his two 100 mile running races (Leadville and the Bear 100). He trains big volume as well as short intensity. The long runs are often on trail or big loops around Denver/Boulder such as his 40 mile run on his 40th birthday. For intensity he favors the shuttle drills using Xtremestax. The out and back drill many of us are familiar with from playing team sports, helps with his agility, speed and mental strength. To recover from this high level of training he uses the RAD Rod and he uses it daily. Keeping recovery tools with him throughout the day ensures he'll use them. RAD is portable and allows any moment to be a recovery moment. He can't always train when he wants but having a few RAD tools close by means he can work out tight spots and be ready for the next session or race.

 

Last but certainly not least, Max credits his family for his success. It's easy to imagine how family and training commitments don't always coincide but he makes time for these to work in unison.  Sometimes he prioritizes his family, sometimes it's his job and sometimes you just have to get your workout in when it's dark.  He believes they all can enhance each other and it's nice to miss your job, family and training at times.  Perhaps this melding of priorities cannot be more clearly demonstrated than at Ironman Boulder when he ran with his son across the finish line. Ironman doesn't allow family in the finishing chute and Max knew he'd get disqualified for doing it but for him, sharing that moment with his son was more important.  When I asked him about it after the race, he said "I'd do it again."

Food, recovery, family, hard work and a tough mindset keep Max at the top of his game and likely will help you do the same.