About Adam Hodges

Adam Hodges, PhD, is a trail runner, multisport athlete, and coach with credentials from USA Triathlon and the American College of Sports Medicine. In addition to coaching multisport athletes, he has coached high school cross country and track runners in California and masters swimmers in Colorado and California. As a USAT All-American triathlete, he has competed in the ITU World Triathlon Championships, the ITU World Duathlon Championships, and the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. As a masters runner, he has won a series title in the XTERRA SoCal Trail Series. He began running in his youth and enjoys passing on the knowledge and experience he has gained over the years to both new and experienced athletes seeking to maximize enjoyment, competitiveness, and longevity in the sport.

Recipe: Power Breakfast Mix

Adam Hodges | July 1, 2017

This has become my standard breakfast whether at home or on the road. When traveling, I take along a pre-mixed bag of the dry ingredients. When it’s time to eat, I just add water. The beauty of this basic breakfast mix is that there are numerous variations on the theme. The basic mix provides a good meal in its own right. But you can expand the range of options with fruit … [Read more...]

Train Smart with Triathlon Training Guide

Adam Hodges | February 9, 2017

Third Edition of Go-To Guide Now Available Now available through Amazon in both print and Kindle versions, the updated third edition of The Triathlete’s Training Guide provides you with everything you need to know to plan your season and implement your training. New to the sport and need some guidance to get started? A seasoned endurance athlete looking to take your … [Read more...]

Why Does Running in Cold Weather Make Me Pee More?

Adam Hodges | February 2, 2017

How to Cope with Cold-Induced Diuresis Let’s see if this sounds familiar. You decide to jump into a race during the winter as part of your training program. You prepare the same way you would for a summer race. But after you arrive at the race site in the morning and begin your warmup, you find yourself visiting the loo more often than usual—or, worse, you find yourself … [Read more...]

How to Dress for Cold Weather Training

Adam Hodges | January 26, 2017

Unless you’re vacationing on a tropical beach, the chill of winter can sometimes present a challenge to training as usual. But as long as you are prepared—and dress the part—winter can be an incredibly rewarding time of the year to train outside. Here are a few tips on how to dress appropriately for winter training. Despite cooler temperatures, the body still sweats when … [Read more...]

6 Essential Post-Run Stretches

Adam Hodges | January 19, 2017

To stretch or not to stretch? That has been the age-old question for runners. The debate has gone back and forth, but the general consensus is to perform a dynamic warmup before your run and traditional static stretches after the workout. With that strategy in mind, I recommend stretching these six body parts during your post-run warmdown. I usually do these in the following … [Read more...]

5 Insights on Running and Brain Health

Adam Hodges | January 11, 2017

Let’s face it, you would run regardless of the scientific evidence about its health benefits. You thrive off the endorphins and sweat that a good run produces. Plus, you run to explore the world and your personal limits. The thrill of competition. The camaraderie of a group workout. The solitude of a long trail run. Regardless of your motivation, running has become an integral … [Read more...]

Serious Gear for Serious Trail Running

Adam Hodges | August 12, 2016

When it comes to choosing gear, I ascribe to the philosophy of Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, “Purchase less stuff, own a few things that are very high quality that last a long time, and that are multifunctional.” Don’t get me wrong, I love gear. But most of all, I love quality gear that allows me to travel light and do as much as I can with as little as … [Read more...]

Gear Review: TO Race Vest and AK Mountain Vest

Adam Hodges | July 14, 2016

Ultimate Direction released updates to all its Signature Series running packs this year with some exciting new changes, including front-side trekking pole holders. I gear tested two of the models, the lower-capacity TO Race Vest 3.0 and the higher capacity AK Mountain Vest 3.0. Fresh off some trail running in the Rockies, here’s my assessment of how they stack up. TO Race Vest … [Read more...]

Gear Review: Rudy Project Synform Sunglasses

Adam Hodges | April 12, 2016

Sunglasses that fold up into the palm of your hand?! When I saw these new Rudy Project Synform sunglasses, I was immediately intrigued with the foldable design. My mind entertained thoughts of easy stowage in a pack while running or traveling. But how convenient would the sunglasses be in actual practice? And how well would they perform in their main job as eye protection … [Read more...]

Gear Review: Water Bottles and Filters for Running Adventures

Adam Hodges | July 29, 2015

As noted in my previous review articles on Ultimate Direction and Salomon running packs, there are a variety of water bottles that come with these packs—small or large, soft or hard—as well as different sizes and types of hydration bladders. Just because a particular water bottle or hydration bladder comes with the pack you buy doesn’t mean you have to stick with that option. … [Read more...]