Adam Peterman, 26

Adam Peterman is a HOKA athlete from Missoula, Montana. Peterman ran cross country and track at the University of Colorado and has won every ultra he’s started. His wins include Canyons 100K in April (course record), Chuckanut 50K (course record), JFK 50, and Speedgoat 50K. But most recently, he won his 100-mile debut in stunning fashion at Western States.

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? 

Coffee and Pop Tarts.

Do you drink enough water? How many cups per day, would you say?

I don’t keep track of how much water I drink. Drink when I’m thirsty. Like 3 – 4 liters a day?

RELATED: How to Hydrate for Better Trail Running

Yes to meditation or no to meditation? 

Yes to meditation. 

RELATED: Trail Runner articles on mindfulness

Best book you’ve read in the past three months?

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.

What is the most common thing you think about while running?

The view.

What is the one food you obsess over near the end of races?

Usually fast food like Wendy’s or McDonald’s!

One quote you seem to always come back to for motivation while running . . . 

“Keep showing up.”

Coffee or tea?

Coffee. 

RELATED: Does Coffee Hurt or Help When Running?

Your latest (Netflix, Hulu, AppleTV, Disney+, etc.) binge show of choice.

We just watched The Wire. Really good.

Favorite trail shoe of all time (Even if it’s no longer available).

Hoka Speedgoat

Your all-time favorite race course.

Moab Trail Marathon.

Least favorite sports nutrition flavor?

Plain flavor gels are just terrible.

Morning runner, midday runner, or evening runner? 

Morning. 

What’s the sweet spot in weekly mileage for you during a training block?

Currently between 95 – 105.

Average hours of sleep per night?

8.

RELATED: Sleep: The Low-Hanging Fruit of Recovery

Name some all-time favorite pieces of running gear you rely on? 

Katadyn BeFree water filter.

When the going gets rough in a race, what do you murmur to yourself under your breath?

I probably shouldn’t write this here, but it’s likely something I read in David Goggin’s book, Can’t Hurt Me.

What are three words (or one sentence) you’d share with someone new to trail running who is looking to improve?

Keep it consistent.

GPS watch, regular watch, or no watch when running?

GPS. 

Meat or no meat?

Meat. 

You can sit and have avocado toast with one famous mountain/trail athlete. Who’s that?

Mike Wolfe, to see how unhappy he’d be with his avocado toast.

Forget Fastest Known Times. What was your Funnest Known Time?

I think any big mountain route in the summer with friends is a great day. Especially when followed by chocolate milk and a bunch of food.

Skateboard or rollerblades?

Rollerblades. 

If you were a Spotify playlist, what would your title be?

Old Man Music.

Favorite race distance?

50k? TBD?

You’re stranded on an island with only one board game. What game?

Scrabble.

Tacos or burritos? 

Burritos. 

How do you keep track of your training? (Strava, paper log, other, neither.)

Strava.

If you weren’t a trail runner, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

I’d probably be working for the Forest Service.

LAST QUESTION: What is the single biggest adjustment you’ve made to your training regimen over the years that’s elevated you from good to great?

Increasing my volume. Putting in more hours (cross training included) and staying consistent has made the biggest difference for me.