Running an Ultra Marathon Is More Doable Than You Think
Running an ultra marathon, it is something that for most people sounds so far away or even impossible when they hear it the first time. But let me tell you that this is far from true. In this story I will tell you how I went from doing my first half marathon to completing my first 58 km ultra marathon in just eight months, and how ultra running might be more doable than you would initially think.
By Quentin van Bentum •
What Is an Ultra Marathon?
By definition, an ultra marathon is any run longer than a regular marathon, which means anything above 42 kilometers. In reality, the shortest ultra marathon is usually the 50 km.
In this article we will be focusing on running your first ultra marathon. My advice would be to start with a 50 or 60 km run to get familiar with the feeling of it. Since most ultra marathons are run on trails with significant elevation instead of paved roads, it will feel very different from your standard road races.
Preparing for Your First Ultra Marathon
So how do you prepare for your first ultra? First of all, get the right shoes. Comfortable shoes with plenty of grip are very important in an ultra marathon, since you will be spending a lot of time on them through rough terrain.
The training for an ultra marathon is also significantly different than training for a regular road marathon. Ultra marathons bring a whole different level of challenge, and it is important to train accordingly. When doing your first ultra marathon the main goal is to finish the race before the cut-off time. This means you will have to learn how to navigate trails and hills smoothly.
During ultra marathon training it will be less important to focus on speed work and more important to focus on distance. Since during the ultra you will come across difficult terrains, it will often not even be possible to run at full speed. Many times on uphill sections you will even have to walk. Speed hiking is a great skill for this.
Training Tips for Ultra Running
During your training program you will mainly be focusing on distance and weekly mileage. Another strategy that works well for ultra training is doing back-to-back long runs at a low pace. This simulates time on your legs and makes your body better at running through fatigue.
During your training period you should do a mix of road running for casual easy miles, and running on actual trails to get comfortable with race conditions.
The Race Experience
The distance might seem daunting for an ultra marathon, but do not forget that during these races you will have more opportunities to walk, stop, rest a bit, and eat, unlike in a road marathon. This can help you regain mental focus and push you further than you expect.
Running anything above 42 kilometers is super impressive and requires a lot of training, dedication, and discipline, but it is most definitely more doable than you think.
Ready For Your First Ultra?
With proper training and the right knowledge, you will be one step closer to running your first ultra marathon and start exploring the world of trail running. Because besides running the long distances, you will also enjoy the beauty of nature and create an unforgettable experience that is unlike any road race.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of ultra running and understand what humans are truly capable of, I highly recommend reading Born to Run. It’s a fascinating book about some of the best distance runners in the world and the legendary 80 km race, the Ultra Caballo Blanco.
This was the book that inspired me to start running ultras, and earlier this year, I had the privilege to run that same race myself after reading all about it.