Florida Runner Trains for 100-Mile Race on Flat Roads

Jack Espy faces a unique challenge as he trains for the Leadville 100, one of America's toughest ultramarathons with over 15,000 feet of elevation gain. His training ground? The pancake-flat pavement of South Florida, where the closest thing to a hill is a bridge.

Nine months ago, Espy could barely run five miles. Now he's clocking 50-mile weeks and finishing major trail races, all while building his mountain legs on roads. His secret weapon has been the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 running shoe, which he relies on for his longest training days.

"Even deep into long runs, 20 to 30 miles in, the shoe still holds that responsiveness," Espy shared about his top pick. The upgraded version offers more toe room than its predecessor, critical when you're spending hours pounding pavement to prepare for rocky mountain trails.

Espy rotates through several shoes during his training, including the reliable Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 for versatile runs and the Adidas Evo SL for comfortable long days. He's testing what works now so he can focus on trail-specific gear when he heads to Montana and Colorado this summer for real altitude training.

The entrepreneur and Strive Soda founder works with coach Duncan Callahan, a two-time Leadville 100 winner, following a rigorous program that includes speed work, recovery runs, threshold sessions, and strength training four days a week. His current mile pace sits at 9:50, a dramatic improvement from his starting point less than a year ago.

Why This Inspires

Espy's journey proves you don't need perfect conditions to chase big goals. He's working with what he has, building a foundation of road miles that will support him when the real mountain training begins. His approach shows that preparation and consistency matter more than ideal circumstances.

The Leadville 100 awaits in August, a grueling test through Colorado's highest peaks. But Espy isn't waiting for perfect terrain to start preparing. He's putting in the work right where he is, one flat Florida mile at a time.