From ZERO running to 100-MILE ULTRA in 2 years

[@wolfborn3973]

Well this timescale gives me reassurance that 7 months is more than enough time for a 25k trail run. Thanks for sharing the mental side of it as well as the physical.

[@ChrisBranch]

Totally! But it compounds, the first bit is the hardest, but suddenly you can ramp up the the distance 👊

[@steviewonder2492]

I’ve started from zero a month ago and been training hard for my first 30k trail race in early July. I’ve watched countless videos and gone through many blogs and threads online. This was truly inspiring! Thanks

[@ChrisBranch]

I'm so pleased! That's exactly what I'm hoping for, best of luck with your training! 😊🙏

[@jaykongo93]

I don’t know who you are, but you have gained a new follower aggressively!

[@ChrisBranch]

Haha thanks so much! 😂🙏

[@arnasivinskis7064]

Chris, I want you to tell me a bedtime story with that voice... Jesus.

[@ChrisBranch]

Hahahaha that's hilarious 😂 but thank you (... I think 😂)

[@Nayz13]

I was just thinking how nice your voice is to listen to, so calm

[@BannyRuns]

Narrate audiobooks 🤣

[@soclose2her]

No but really 😂😂😂

[@cindytermuende7597]

Please!!

[@ianl4518]

I've just DNF'd Arc100 and this was a great pick me up because I'm also entered into SDW100 later in the year. Thanks Chris 👍

[@ChrisBranch]

Every single person I follow who did the Arc 50 or 100 said it was tougher than they expected. Well done for giving it a go, and I’m sure you learned a lot of useful lessons to help with SDW100. I will definitely be back to that race one day - I have unfinished business there 😂 Best of luck with your training 🙏

[@ianl4518]

Thanks Chris. I have some experience with that part of the SWCP but not much. Classic Qtr race and a couple of recces. Most of my SWCP races are in north and south Devon with the Climb South West races. I live in Winchester though, so it's hard to replicate that terrain. 😆

[@Kelly_Ben]

Loved this! The uncertainty about ultras adds to the challenge and excitement. The fact that even the pros aren't guaranteed a finish, much less a win, is actually kind of cool. Whether i finish a race or not, it was still an incredible day out in beautiful places (sorry, no tracks for me, more power to you! 😂) with awesome people. I went couch to 50k in 8 months a few years ago. I've been swamped with work the last 2 years, but I'm aiming for a 50 miler now, now that I'm a little cocky about 50ks/ marathons... I'm not fast, so my thrill is completing something scary and difficult. Love your videos!

[@ChrisBranch]

Hahahaha I won’t be rushing back to the track either 😂 but it was a good exploration of my mind. I will be exploring beautiful nature from now on though. And I love that you’re aiming at a 50-miler; I always like to have something that makes me feel uneasy in the diary; it keeps me on the straight and narrow. Best of luck with your training ☺️🙏

[@jamesbrennan5035]

Love hearing about your journey Chris. I took the plunge and did a 50k last year and loved it. Working up to a 100k this September and finding your videos really inspiring and helpful. Thanks

[@ChrisBranch]

Amazing! Nice work on the 50k and I wish you the best with your training for the hundred 👊🙏

[@oxalotte936]

You're the Bob Ross of trail running, hearing you is so nice. Cheers from France, hope you will challenge one day our beautiful ultra-trail races. Thanks for your work and videos, happy training !

[@ChrisBranch]

Haha that's the first time I've been compared to Bob Ross 😂 Thanks so much for your kind words 😊

[@lloyddodgen]

Dude this is the video I've been looking for.

[@ChrisBranch]

I'm so pleased it helped!

[@BoJackHorseman_eatshay]

Hi Chris, I am not interested in running long distances in the least bit (weights guy), yet I watched the entire 9:20 glued to the screen. Fantastic production, cuts, voice, tone, and information. Hope you gain the following your talent should have.Stay nice and humble! Cheers from across the pond!.

[@ChrisBranch]

This is such a wonderful comment! Thank you so much, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed it 😊🙏

[@JamesAlberts]

Great video - Thanks for sharing your story, Chris!

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much, James, I appreciate that ☺️🙏

[@SteveJames-nn9hp]

Bro this video is inspirational

[@ChrisBranch]

I'm so pleased! Happy training 😊🙏

[@IanMcalpine-ep9fc]

Great video Chris. Got my first 100 miler coming up in September and have enjoyed watching your journey. Given me some good tips and plenty of inspiration. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@ChrisBranch]

I'm so pleased they've helped! For your first hundred, mindset is probably the most important thing to focus on. I discuss it as the final lesson in my most recent video here if you haven't seen it yet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYGyo556mZh3mJosi=pqhxJXguQwUYAdTo Best of luck with your training! 😊🙏

[@hoopeverlasting]

This is so wonderful of you to share....thank you! So accessible and so perfect. There right now! You two years ago! But I have got the bug!

[@ChrisBranch]

Amazing! I love that beginning stage of a new journey, I'm excited for you! Best of luck with it 😊🙏

[@PatrickDelorenzi]

Fantastic video Chris, thank you. Hopefully, if everything goes to plan, I will be tackling my first 100 mile in april and will be sure to integrate some of the info from this video along the journey. TY and have a great day

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much, Patrick! And best of luck with your training for the hundred. Have you seen the video I made specifically about the lessons I learned in the hundred? There are some things I put in there that had a bit more focus for the hundred-mile distance than I put in this video. I wish you the best with it 😊🙏 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHLOnqeHatF2etksi=CEiS1PApunP1tZ8E

[@1603_theadventure_mattrix]

Again another clear and informative but also supportive vid Chris. Well done!!! Your insight helps to keep me moving forward

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much, Matt, I appreciate that 😊🙏

[@vincentcoulombe8790]

Thanks Chris! I was waiting for this video to come out as you spoiled me last fall 😝I like your mindset and your content! Thank you for sharing all this.

[@ChrisBranch]

Hahah thanks so much! I'm so pleased you like the videos, and I wish you the best with your training 😊🙏

[@michaelbatterbee448]

I liked the left the coffee shop having booked 100 mile race. You’re so easily led lol. Great channel and content 👍

[@ChrisBranch]

Haha I know! Races and running trainers ... they're my downfall 🤦‍♂️😂 And thanks so much for your kind words 🙏

[@jackcollo7738]

Awesome Chris Good luck at UTS. I’ll be there supporting generally

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much! And say hi if you see me in the mountains ☺️🙏

[@rfcorreiaiv]

i made it thru 46 miles of a 50 last year, I got so slow due to poor nutrition and hydration I was told to stop at sunset. There was no muscling thru. Great video

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much, and we all learn these lessons the hard way - I've been there too! Best of luck with your training 😊🙏

[@chrismelikian]

Loved the video! When I did my first 25k last year my plan was to stay in my Zone 2 (130-140). In the end I averaged 172bpm, my max is only 184! 😂 Am training better now! Looking forward to going through your plan, thank you! 👍

[@ChrisBranch]

Wow, that's impressive to stay that high! Must have been a tough race though 😂 Good luck with your training ☺️🙏

[@Airboosts]

Proud to see the 999 likes, for me to make it the 1000th of the video. I am just about to start running. Waiting on the new Novablast 5 that are coming out. Currently 89kg at 6"5 doing body building for the past few years. I thought now was the time to incorporate running to feel free and able to run whenever I want for a long distance and just feel more fit. Always had the idea to run a marathon for years. Perhaps it might turn into a ultra marathon, who knows. 2027 is when I will run a marathon. I however know that I won't be running for long, as I understand running is not very good for someone so heavy/tall. Also not actually good for longevity more than getting in 10k steps per day. ( Walking ) The goal was as follows: Build Muscle Mass --> Run A Marathon --> Train For Longevity & Flexibility. Now time to watch the video!

[@Ohjeezno]

I've been running for six years now, 46 yo, and I can't do more than a HM without getting burnt out or injured. Time to switch strategies... Thanks for the inspiration 😊

[@ChrisBranch]

Have you seen my 'Only 4 Runs You Need' video? Slow running is the key! Burn out, injury and hitting a ceiling in your ability to run further are probably a sign that you're doing too much running at a high(ish) intensity. Slow running is the magic that will get you further. Also make sure you're fuelling enough - that's another common mistake. I wish you the best with the journey! 😊🙏

[@Ohjeezno]

Hi @@ChrisBranch , Thank you for taking some time to react :D In the meantime I have seen the suggested video. Thank you so much.

[@ourwilliam2405]

Your videos are great

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much 😊🙏

[@marktbarr]

Thank you.

[@ChrisBranch]

You're most welcome ☺️🙏

[@P.terPan]

Congrats and thanks for sharing! 🎉

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much 😊🙏

[@AndrewBeaufort]

A while since this was posted, but would be really grateful for anyone’s insight. When doing ultras, obviously the main goal is to actually reach the finish line (ridiculous feat in itself, my first 100km I had to walk the final 10km). Once that is achievable, what pace are you running at? Do you try and negative split and build into the run, pick a pace and stick to it or go out and try hold on at the end?

[@CatsAreTheBestPeople-mm1fo]

I'd cry too if I ran around a track 403 times! 😭🤣 Give me a brutal mountain trail any day - speaking of which, I'm going to try to track down that book. Thanks for the tip and your insights, Chris. 👍

[@ChrisBranch]

Hahaha yes, 403 laps is a bit nuts 🤦‍♂️😂 It's a great book btw, I'm sure you'll like it 🙏

[@shoqed]

Ikr, it's like chinese water torture kinda shit

[@leeroy110]

Zero running but 5k in 18 mins! I need the one video for ex-smokers who abused their bodies with drugs and alcohol for years haha. Still great video and great tips, I just need to keep building.

[@ChrisBranch]

Ah, I didn't make it clear, there was a 5-yr gap between my ability to run an 18:30 and starting running again, but you're right, I wasn't unfit when I started. However, all of the principles I share will 100% work with anyone. I think @Marklewisfitness has released a video with someone who had the most ridiculous transformation if you are looking for inspiration 😊🙏

[@leeroy110]

@@ChrisBranch I've followed Mark for a while and saw that transformation, it was incredible! I've got nothing to complain about and just eager to be the future version of myself now. You guys went past me on the UTMB this year and that fitness level seems impossible but it's just a matter of time.

[@oneworldfamily]

Hi Chris, Thanks so very much for making these videos. They're so thoughtfully and intelligently put together. I've been watching a few of them already and they're great! Thanks also for inviting questions - I hope I won't make you regret that! I've just started training for my first ultra. My ultimate goal is to do the Sri Chinmoy 24 hour race (so 100+ miles) next September at Battersea, with my first ultra scheduled as a local race in June for the Maverick 103km in the Peak District. I live in Sheffield, so the Peaks are pretty much on my doorstep. I'm wondering if you could give your thoughts on, what I imagine is, the million-dollar question: how quickly do you think you could train for an ultra? I hesitate to ask this (because I'm hoping the answer isn't going to be 'no'), but do you think it's possible to achieve the 100+ miles in 11 months from average fitness and occasional running/weights? I know there are so many variables such as age (I'm 51), current fitness, training history, nutrition, sleep, recovery time, but if you could optimise everything, is it doable? I went for a 13 mile run/walk this morning. It was very slow as I was following your advice of less than 130bpm (180 - age) and it took me 3.5 hours. However, I was struggling a bit after 8 miles with my feet and walked the rest of the way. I think I need to start off on smaller distances, so I can train more regularly throughout the week. But what is your opinion on the 11 months to the 24 hour/100 miles race? Thanks for any thoughts/comments. I've subscribed to receive your 100k training programme.

[@ChrisBranch]

I love this plan, and it's totally doable! This is going to sound strange, but I think the goal of 'finishing' a hundred miler is more achievable than, say, getting a really fast marathon time. The hundred miler is largely down to mindset, nutrition and pacing, which is learnable. The fast marathon is all fitness, which you either have or you don't. I would think of the next 11 months in two halves: the first half would be focusing on running consistently (4 times a week would be ideal), but don't worry about too much volume. Becoming comfortable with the half marathon distance for your long run in that time would be good though, and also focus on strength training. Then about 16 weeks out from your race, that's when you could follow that downloadable plan in more detail and work your way up to 50ish-mile weeks. The first half is all about building a foundation, and the second half is all about building the resilience that will get you through the race. I also recommend doing a 50-miler about 8-10 weeks before the hundred. Take it super slow to avoid injury, but you learn about kit, nutrition and body management during the longer races. You can totally do it 💪

[@oneworldfamily]

@@ChrisBranch Thank so much for getting back to me, Chris. And so promptly and comprehensively. I sincerely appreciate this and acknowledge that you're busy with your family, work, training, life, which isn't lost on me. I've read and re-read what you wrote and will incorporate that into my training. I've also properly studied your spreadsheet for your 100k which is really useful indeed. I admit that I (wrongly) assumed that you should be progressively building up your weekly long run mileage until you reach 100k, if you're doing 100k race. So, for example, in the four weeks leading up to your taper you should be doing 80k, 85k, 90k, 95k. But that's obviously wrong! :-D Maybe a useful video might be on how long should your longest training run be for a 100k/100mile, and why. Anyway, thanks again very much. Adam (Sheffield)

[@ChrisBranch]

@@oneworldfamily absolutely- you’ll completely burnout if you do that. You achieve long distance ultras by building your _weekly_ volume, not by getting close to the distance in your long runs. BTW, the training I would do for a hundred miler is basically the same as what I would do for a hundred K. The only difference between the two is mindset and to eat more! (This is advice for someone who just cares about finishing; obviously if you have a time-goal in mind then there would be differences in training, but I’ve never cared about my time!)

[@oneworldfamily]

@@ChrisBranch Perfect. Thanks very much for this, Chris. I've copied both your replies into your training spreadsheet that I downloaded. This is all so very helpful. I'm sure you know how it feels to be venturing into something like this without much of an idea 😁 Best wishes to you!

[@ChrisBranch]

@@oneworldfamily haha I very much do! I can only say this now having done it for a while, but it's not that complicated. All you need is lots of zone 2 running (make it even easier by sticking to 'conversational pace' rather than stressing about HR), a bit of strength training, one long run a week, eat lots, stay consistent. Done. ☺️🙏

[@adam_doesthings817]

I'm curious about the difference in times from 3 years ago to now. Like what did your pace change by? What was the last 100 mile time?

[@ChrisBranch]

When you ask about pace, what do you mean? Like my base pace? Or how fast I run ultras? No two races are the same, and even if you run the same race two years in a row, weather and the conditions can make such a difference to time. I ran my hundred miler in 24 hrs, but I honestly don't care about the time. For me, it was the life lessons along the way. I'm a better runner than I was, and I have better knowledge than I did back then, but exactly how much 'faster', who cares 🤷‍♂️☺️🙏

[@adam_doesthings817]

@@ChrisBranch I guess the reason I'm asking about pace is to try and see the difference between you starting to apply more Zone 2 in your training and how it's changed your cardio. Like after a year of 80% zone 2 runs you went from a 4 hour marathon to a 3:30.. for example. After a year of zone 2, how has your zone 2 capability changed.. mine was 14:00 pace on the tread.. now its 12:55 after 2 months. Wondering what to expect

[@Mohsenzamanii]

I finiahed a 64km race 3 month ago(in 11 hr), and i want to tack part in an ultra race in valdaran cdh 110 km ,6500 m elevation, i saw your 16 weeks plan, do you think that i can make myselfe ready for the race in july??

[@ChrisBranch]

It sounds like it will be fun to try! I know someone who raced in Valdaran, and it's really tough, but beautiful! With the right training, and good race and nutrition strategy, you should make it 👍

[@johngeraghty1631]

Thanks for another great video Chris. Working up to that goal. Quick question for you with your osteopath hat on. I think I’ve got weak hips and that’s causing some discomfort on my longer runs. What exercise would you recommend to strengthen hip flexors or to relieve that discomfort? Thanks again for your motivating and soothing videos.

[@ChrisBranch]

Thank you, John, I appreciate that. I discovered that I have weak hip flexors too! I’ll definitely be putting some exercises into a full video soon, but in the meantime, the best exercise I’ve found is the ‘reverse squat’ using a cable machine. The only problem is that it’s a complete faff to set up and I don’t have the foot straps for it, so instead I’m going to be doing something similar using resistance bands and doing them single-leg. I don’t know the name of this exercise, but I will be supine, in a single-leg bridge with a band around both feet, and with the leg that is not doing the bridge, I will pull that knee towards my chest. This is a bit of a 2-for-1 because you’re getting the posterior hip stability of the supporting leg in the bridge, and the anterior stability of the leg doing the hip flexing. Plus the spinal stability I guess, so really it’s 3-for-1! I’m not sure if any of that made sense, but it will definitely appear in a YT video soon. I will probably share it in a little video on Instagram before I get it in the long-format here. THere’s a link for my instagram page in my channel description 👍 Strong hips are so important though, so I will continue to share my strategy for this on this channel. Best of luck with your training ☺️🙏

[@johngeraghty1631]

@@ChrisBranch thanks so much for the detail Chris. Already following on instagram so will be sure to check it out. Thanks again

[@rubenv3026]

Hanging leg raises are also good for strengthening the hip flexors (as well as the lower abs). Start with bent legs and build up to straight legs. You can also add weight later by using a pullup belt and placing the plate on your lap as opposed to between your legs.

[@johngeraghty1631]

@@rubenv3026 thanks ruben

[@breadanwine]

Great stuff! I can certainly vouch for this. I went from not - never ever -running to doing a 70k ultra 16 months later. At the age of 83! This ultra addicted me, and 3.5 years later, I've done 20 ultras, with more planned for this year. My secret? I went vegan 20 years ago, my arthritis disappeared, and I became pain free. Best thing I ever did - for the animals, for my health,, and for the planet. Go Vegan!

[@ChrisBranch]

Absolutely incredible! What an inspiration! I genuinely hope I have your fitness and mindset when I'm the same age. Best of luck with your ultras this year 🙏☺️

[@breadanwine]

@@ChrisBranch Thanks, Chris! And all the best for your adventures!

[@lukescott8566]

Found your video today, just peeled my Fat Ass off the couch and did 5K, slow pace but it’s a start… next goal is 100miles, long way to go but you’ve to start somewhere! Thanks for the new mind set 👌👍🏼

[@ChrisBranch]

Amazing! I wish you the very best on the journey, it sounds like you're off to a great start 🙏

[@roryking1000]

Im only 15 so I worked up to running 20 miles a week slowly increasing to work up to these races in about 5 years . But im focusing on strength and speed as Im only a year into the sport so far 10k38:30 Im inspired by this / Goggins

[@ChrisBranch]

I love this! I wish I was aware of this stuff at age 15. I wish you the very best with it 🙏

[@CiaoMykola]

Every time I see a 100k run, I assume it's 100 km, but it's actually 160 km... Did I miss the time/pace information in the video? I'm still to face an ultra marathon, but for the moment, I am only thinking about training for the Ironman. If it goes well this year, I am planning on running a 500k trail next year (or at least applying to run it if they still have spots in October). Nevertheless, would be nice to see Strava included in the video :)

[@ChrisBranch]

If you see '100k', it means '100k'. If you see '100-miles', that's 160k. I didn't put the time info in here because I don't think it's the most relevant thing. I'm a mid-pack runner here to share my experience in the hope to help you guys; my times don't matter 😊. Best of luck with your training 😊🙏

[@MaddenMorrisYouTube]

Hey Chris, great video! I'm wanting to run 100 miles in 24 hours. I'm wanting to do this sometime in May of this year. There isn't an event I'm doing, I'm just wanting to try and accomplish this on my own. I'm trying to build muscle, and run everyday at the same time, and so far it's going well. Although, I was thinking about how I'd manage eating on the day I run 100 miles. I did some calculations and I think I'll burn around 7k calories during this. So I'd have to eat about 10k calories, right? Im wanting to make a video of this, for my channel, and I think that I can make this video go viral. I've been planning this for awhile now, but I'm still working some things out. I made a community post on my channel talking about this. If you could comment on there, some advice, if you have any; it'd help me a whole lot. Thank you for your time.

[@ChrisBranch]

Sounds like a great challenge! I wish you the best with it 😊🙏

[@outinthesun]

Unfortunately the wife walked in and wants you to do a podcast on bedtime stories also.

[@ChrisBranch]

Hahahaha that's hilarious! 😂 (... although I'm starting to get enough comments like this to think I've got a side-hustle opportunity 😂🤦‍♂️)

[@mintymilkk]

"zero running" but can already run an 18:30 5K

[@ChrisBranch]

That was a few years ago. I had muscled my way to an 18:30 5k, then got into other things for a couple of years, then came back to running but with a better training strategy 👍

[@РоманПрочанкин]

I'm a zero runner. I run 5k in 40 minutes.

[@ChrisBranch]

We all start somewhere. Consistency is key 😊🙏

[@РоманПрочанкин]

It's true🙏​@@ChrisBranch

[@Lincriss]

fantastic video. I only ran shorter distances, but I just love running. Man that was motivating. Just let me get my shoes... 🫶

[@ChrisBranch]

I'm so pleased! Information and motivation is my goal. I hope you enjoyed your run 😊🙏