Last Updated on 18 August 2026:
Jen Orr, 45 came into coaching with plenty of experience to draw on. She had a background that included full time physical therapist, overall solo winner of Race Across the West (RAW) 2019, set several WUCA distance and time world records (6 hour up to 500 km) in November 2020, rode about 388 miles at the 24 hour World Time Trial Championships in Borrego Springs in October 2021 (personal best for 24 hours is 456 miles at the same race in 2018), participated in triathlons for a little over 5 years before becoming involved more exclusively in ultracycling, and completed 7 Ironman distance events between 2013-2018.
Challenges
The challenge was making training work around migraines that manifest around racing, very busy work life, struggle with mental fitness at races, and climbing. Her goals included a two-person 24 hour mixed relay at Borrego Springs WTTC and Race Across America (RAAM) 2-person team in 2023, and solo in 2024. That made ultra cycling coaching a useful framework: specific enough to move those goals forward, but flexible enough to fit the person behind the plan.
The coaching was built around that reality rather than around an ideal week on paper. She particularly valued and enjoyed the constructive feedback, loved the purpose of each session, the structure to every workout, the visible progression, the holistic approach, with nutrition, mentality, and everything else covered. The important part was keeping the training purposeful while still being able to adapt when life changed.
Results
The results have included FTP increase of 20w or 8.5% an incredible value for someone of Jen’s experience. Jen also dropped 15-20lbs in weight, and successful completed the 2-person relay at 6-12-24 hour World’s, placing 2nd, only 10 miles off the win. Jen was very consistent with her pacing and very happy with how the race went. More importantly, the progress shows what well-matched ultra cycling coaching can look like when the training is built around the athlete rather than copied from a generic plan.
Training for Race Across America, a 24-hour event or another ultra-endurance challenge? I can help you build the fitness, pacing, confidence and race preparation you need while keeping the training realistic around the rest of your life.
