5 Quick Tips For The Shippey
1. Train for the Course, Not Just the Distance
Shippey isn’t a flat or forgiving race. The multi-loop course mixes singletrack, jeep road, climbs, descents, and uneven footing.
For 2026, shift your training to include:
Hill repeats (both up and down)
Long trail runs on tired legs
Back-to-back efforts to simulate loop fatigue
The better your legs know this type of terrain, the calmer your race day will feel.
2. Prepare for Missouri Winter Weather
January in Missouri can deliver cold mornings, mud, wind, or surprise warmth—sometimes all in the same weekend.
To race better in 2026:
Train in less-than-ideal conditions instead of avoiding them
Test gloves, layers, socks, and rain shells before race day
Learn how your nutrition behaves in the cold
Comfort equals efficiency, and efficiency equals faster, happier miles.
3. Master Loop-Based Pacing and Fueling
Shippey’s loop format is a gift if you use it correctly—and a trap if you don’t. Each loop should have a plan:
What you’ll eat and drink
When you’ll change layers or socks
What pace feels sustainable, not exciting
Smart racers treat each loop like a controlled reset, not a restart. Consistency beats hero efforts every time.
4. Get Comfortable Running in the Dark
Between the night race and longer ultra distances, darkness is part of the Shippey experience.
For a stronger 2026 race:
Practice trail runs with your headlamp
Dial in brightness settings and battery life
Carry a backup light and know where it lives
Confidence at night removes stress and lets you keep moving when others slow down.
5. Race the Day You’re Given
Shippey rewards patience and adaptability. Conditions, fatigue, and small problems will show up—it’s guaranteed. The runners who finish strongest are the ones who:
Adjust expectations instead of fighting them
\Focus on forward progress, not perfection
Lean into the community vibe and keep it fun
Remember - it’s a mindset over gear sport - but try to get what you can to make the experience more enjoyable, because it is darn tough already.
What are you bringing this year to the race that you think is going to improve your performance? Drop a comment below!
