I’m Brad Taylor, the founder and coach behind Backcountry Cardio.

I’ve spent years chasing faster times on the roads and trails, but running has never been just about racing for me. It’s about being capable.

Capable of running a fast marathon. Capable of climbing into the high country with a pack. Capable of chasing elk all day, running into a remote alpine lake to fish, or simply having the fitness and energy to enjoy whatever adventure comes next.

I’m a 2:17 marathoner and 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier, but some of my favorite days have nothing to do with a finish line. They’re spent deep in the mountains, on a trail, beside a river, or somewhere far enough from a road that you have to earn your way there.

That’s where the idea for Backcountry Cardio came from.

TRAINING FOR THE LIFE YOU ACTUALLY LIVE

I believe endurance training should make you better at more than just running.

You should be able to run hard when it’s time to race, but also have the strength, aerobic fitness, durability, and mental toughness to handle long days in the mountains.

That means training with purpose—not simply piling on miles.

Backcountry Cardio is built around smart, individualized training that helps runners become faster, stronger, and more durable while preparing them for the demands of life outside the pavement.

Whether your goal is a faster 5K, a marathon PR, a 50-mile finish, or being ready for elk season, the principles are the same:

Train consistently. Build intelligently. Stay durable. And be ready when the opportunity comes.

WHY BACKCOUNTRY CARDIO?

I started Backcountry Cardio because I wanted to bring together the two things that have shaped my life: endurance running and the outdoors.

I don’t want to spend every hour of my life training just to become better at running.

I want to run so I can do more.

More miles in the mountains.
More time hunting.
More days fishing.
More adventures with my family.
More opportunities to say yes when something difficult comes along.

That’s what Backcountry Cardio is about.

Train for the mountains. Train for the hunt. Train for the life you live.

LET’S GET TO WORK

You don’t need to be an elite runner to benefit from good coaching.

You just need a goal, a willingness to work, and a commitment to showing up consistently.

Whether you’re chasing a PR or preparing for your next backcountry adventure, I’ll help you build the fitness to get there.

— Brad Taylor
Founder & Coach, Backcountry Cardio