Hyam Hosny and the Clay Fitness and Nutrition team are beyond excellent and have my
highest praise and recommendation!
After running several trail ultramarathons in the 50 kilometer (~33 mile) distance and the Mountain Masochist Trail Run 50-miler, I was eager to take my trail running to the next level. So in January 2014, I put my name in for the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile Run (MMT100). Of course after I did that I wondered, what was I thinking?! The MMT100 is a challenging 100-mile trail ultra over a demanding, rocky course in the Massanutten Mountains of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and includes rugged mountain climbs that total over 18,000 feet. And as I found out later, it is actually more than 100 miles – 103.7 miles to be exact.
To prepare, I began a running program consisting of back-to-back long runs, tempo runs, and runs with hills with significant elevation. However, upon reading other personal training programs and blogs, I soon realized that something was missing. That something was cross-training and this is where Clay Fitness and Nutrition came into play.
Hyam put together an outstanding workout program for me that greatly strengthened my core and improved my endurance. Truthfully – she kicked my butt. Not only did she have me on a cross-training schedule, she also worked with me on my nutrition. I thought I was a fairly healthy eater, but after recording everything I ate for her to review, she modified my diet to include
even healthier, energy-rich foods to accommodate my ever-growing caloric needs.
As race day drew near, Hyam insisted that she be a member of my crew to be in charge of my nutrition during the race. To be clear, this is a huge commitment. She gave up an entire weekend to
be part of my crew, meet me at every aid station and ensure I was consuming enough calories as I ran 103.7 miles. Hyam took the role with a serious, professional attitude and absolutely nailed my
nutritional needs throughout my 30 hours of running. Even my running buddy and fellow ultramarathoner, Dan commented, “Hyam… You knocked it out of the park with your nutrition plan. Jeff ate solid foods the entire race, which is unbelievable. He only consumed a single Gu and 3 individual Cliff Blocks and he never had a single complaint about intestinal discomfort. Most importantly, he never bonked! I hope you enjoyed a day in the life of an ultrarunner!”
I credit my success to Hyam and her training plan. Her training enabled me to run/power-hike the numerous 1000ft or more climbs. Her nutrition plan, both during training, and on race day were essential components of a great race. You do not have to be training for an ultramarathon to gain the benefits from Clay Fitness and Nutrition. Hyam and her team will put together a training/nutrition program that will suit YOUR needs and goal.
Get up and get moving!
Jeff Lysiak
