How To Run Your First Ultra Marathon - Mental Toughness and overcoming race day mind struggles

Mental toughness is critical to succeed in ultra running. But what exactly will go through your mind during an ultra marathon, and how can you best prepare to overcome these struggles? I don’t think I’m particularly gifted physically, but I’ve worked hard on my mental toughness to overcome challenges. Today, I want to help you build mental toughness by breaking down the mind stages you’ll likely face during a race and providing you with race day tips to overcome these obstacles. I’ll illustrate whenever possible with real-life example from my races such as Badwater 135 miles, Leadville 100 miles, etc.
Curious about the trail running gear I use and recommend: check out this link
linktr.ee/runn...
Every race is different, and there is no “one-size-fits -all” with mental toughness. But there are clear stages we almost invariably go through during a race. Knowing this along with simple tips will help you come prepare and armed. The doubt, the pain - these are normal and can ruin your race. You can either be your worst enemy, or strongest supporter - the choice is yours!
One could think that further you are in a race, the more difficult it will become. But it couldn’t be further from the truth! Sure, your body will progressively get tired, but your mind will play wild rollercoaster especially when you looking too far ahead, and suffering for things that are yet to come.
In this new training series on How to run an ultra marathon, I use my experience finishing over 29 x 100 miles ultra marathon, and the lessons I've learned. I may not be the fastest, but I get to that finish line - and I want to make sure you do the same!
What would you like me to cover? Feel free to leave suggestions in comments below! (some planned ones already include fueling, salt, blisters)
Work Hard!
Believe in yourself!
Push your limits!
I hope that’s helpful, and as always - Thanks for watching!
Simon
-----------------------------------------------
Instagram:
/ runningwithsimon
Strava:
/ strava
-----------------------------------------------
Music credit
- By Mokka : Lovely, Sunny Walk
- By YoungBerry Beats: Feeling Low
- By Infraction : Engine
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Track Name: ENGINE (ROCK)
inaudio.org/tr...

[@runningwithsimon]

For the record, Nora is safe and the bee did not sting her!

[@sunnygymmygirl]

I got stung by a bee on the top of San Jacinto Peak and started going into anaphylaxis. Luckily a person at the hut was putting Benadryl in it. It was the one day we took the longest almost 20 mi round trip way. What they don't tell you is the Epi-Pen can potentially trigger a heart attack from the epinephrine, so you need to get to the hospital if you get stung and administer it. I keep Benadryl in my hiking pack as well as homeopathic Apis.

[@sunnygymmygirl]

So glad the bee let Nora be! I'm in my 3rd week of training for my first Marathon after doing 8 halfs in under a year and just starting running June 2023 - shuffling the 5K Rock n Roll and walking a lot. I am competent in long runs now so will use your tips to do a comfy marathon - picked Carlsbad as I know the route from the Half in Jan. The course repeats with bits extra on the out n back ends and it has hills but nothing bad for me. If it goes well I may try a 50K ultra.

[@runningwithsimon]

@@sunnygymmygirl haha oh my - it's been a year and I totally forgot about that! Filming is usually uneventful, but not this time! And with the storm later....dang!

[@runningwithsimon]

@@sunnygymmygirl dang - glad you are ok!

[@kevinnarlin]

Great info from a 100 milers specialist. Firstly, I can feel my hair growing thicker just by watching your videos (recommend all men who are losing their hair to watch your videos repeatedly LOL.) Secondly a big shout-out to your wife for supporting your ultra journey.

[@runningwithsimon]

lol - every time I go for a hair cut, they start feeling guilty about cutting them "oh you have such nice hair". ... but 2 min in, they are cursing them as their clipper keeps getting stuck lol

[@Kelly_Ben]

This was fantastic, thank you! It's an eye opener to realize there are normal, cyclical stages of negative emotion during ultras. As for DNFs, I once dropped distances not because of the cutoffs, but for a cup of miso soup and a lazy river. 😂 My husband is such a patient and supportive guy, but this particular race was long and brutal (Jay Peak), my knees were killing me, and all I could think about was noodles and floating around in the water park with him. It was as good as I had hoped, but I do carry around the regret for that. I'll be back, Jay Peak!! 😂 I'm looking forward to more of your funny, informative videos!

[@runningwithsimon]

Life is too short for regrets. It's an unpopular opinion, but we're not professional and we race for fun, so that's also something to remember... And hey, I've taken the time to play fetch with dogs during races before. Totally worth it!

[@andrewdelprete]

This is so good. Thank you! I’ve never done an ultra and am eying my first 50k to start. I’m really enjoying long distance on trails. I feel like I’ve found my passion again for running.

[@runningwithsimon]

Good luck! Do you already have a specific race in mind?

[@andrewdelprete]

@@runningwithsimon I'm looking at the Bridge Burner 50k in Canon City, Co or possibly the Sage Burner in Gunnison, Co.

[@jameyjenkins3487]

2 hours away from the start line. This helped! Currently riding those sweet pre race shakes!

[@gabriellemurphy5711]

Thank you for the video, massive help. I'm looking at doing a 50km next year, but find myself struggling at certain stages even in the short runs atm, coming back from running from a long time off, so starting back at the basics. Thank You !!

[@runningwithsimon]

I think we all have to strike the right balance of being nice and understanding with ourselves when we aren’t perfect, but also, not falling into laziness. Not easy but either extreme are bad too

[@edwin5419]

I don't look at age or body type at the starting line. But I do look at gear and judging overall preparedness. Sometimes it's very clear who's going to DNF or at least have a VERY bad day

[@runningwithsimon]

Yeah I think it's impossible not to notice sign. But I've been surprised often enough in both direction (someone underperforming or overperforming what I would have thought) that I just try to ignore. But sure, you probably get it right 80-90% of the time.

[@alesgerjevic765]

Great. Thanks🙏

[@lohwencheun552]

If possible... I would really love to give you 160 likes. I have been going through all these hurdles for 4 years and your explanations are spot on. It's really great that you explained and reminded us these basics.... This is even more important than any other training.... Mental strength is the core of Ultra. ❤💪💪

[@runningwithsimon]

It sure is core!! But hard to explain

[@baggy2287]

Great vid & really helpful on DNFs. Had my first one 3 months ago due to cramp in both legs, it crashed my confidence, but I learned something from it & will make sure I'm taking more salt on board next time 😊

[@runningwithsimon]

That's great! Learning and coming back stronger!

[@shawnr.9681]

Wow all very true insights! Thanks for the continued motivation! I had to convert my Leadville attempt into the Leadville 100K ! It did take a while to deal with that DNF. Javelina Jundred this Oct Baby (You busy?)!!

[@runningwithsimon]

Good luck at Javelina! Are you doing the 100 miles? We'll be there - I'm doing the 100M along with some friends. Nora may be doing the 100k (still on the waitlist however...)

[@shawnr.9681]

@@runningwithsimon Would love to say hi ! I will be there !!! I will bring the poutine !

[@richardhoakterry]

Love this - thank you

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! I hope it's helpful :)

[@liamaria2782]

❤

[@jfsaine]

Great video, along with your video on preparation. Would love a video on strength training prep specifically. When I ran my first/only 50km, my knees were shot at the end. I've been advised to do strength training to reduce knee pain and to be able to carry the rest of my body longer distances. Curious what your approach to this is.

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks for the suggestion! Will likely do that at some point. But in the meantime, I try to do ~2 a week. With essentially several variations of squat, lunge, steps (up and down) and toe raise. There's a bunch of variants of them, and I try to switch it up to keep it less boring. Focusing on doing many reps, so depending on weight added 3x 10-20. Anything that is single leg is particularly good because it helps with balance too.

[@wendycooper5924]

I luv the contents of your channel. Can I listen to you in Spotify?

[@runningwithsimon]

I've been guest on a couple of podcast that are on spotify. But also, I'm working with a friend (Brian) and we'll likely launch one relatively soon! Here are the link to the existing interviews I've had (some are better than others...)

[@adventurecats4816]

Excellent timing! I'm doing a 12 hour event this Saturday and hoping to hit 50k for the first time. I tell people, "I'm not fast, but I'm stubborn." 😁

[@runningwithsimon]

Let's go! Good luck - you got this :)

[@Kelly_Ben]

Too funny, I did the same thing for my first ultra, and with the same motto! The more serious runners were a bit jealous when they saw me chilling out on a chaise lounge eating Mac n cheese 6 hours in! 😂 Good luck and have a blast!

[@DziennaDawkaDyskomfortu]

🚀🚀🚀

[@benpugh6608]

Bit of a random one, I come from a power strength background rugby, sprinting, weight etc. In can hit 16miles pretty consistently on the trails once every week twice. My question is on the days I’m not feeling it after a night shift, would I benefit just getting out in the trails and putting time in on feet and hiking. Is something better than nothing good in this case ?

[@runningwithsimon]

Moving some is always better than nothing at all. Unless by "not feeling it" you mean you feel injured or something. If it's more of a lack of time - best to save your time for 'quality' workout rather than 'junk miles'. But if "not feeling it" means more feeling a bit lazy or just not in the mood - I personally push myself to go anyway. Sometimes I get in the mood later. And sometimes I don't but I'd regret later for not at least trying.

[@benpugh6608]

@@runningwithsimon I appreciate the advice, thanks

[@valentinferreyra6736]

defiinetly, videos its your thing.. youre great in this.. sorry for my english.. hi from argentina.. keep update!!! :D

[@runningwithsimon]

Thank you! Would love to head over argentina some day - thanks for watching!

[@wesleyclay2220]

'Promo SM'

[@jamesmallion1099]

Hey man, love the channel! This video is exactly what I needed before my first 100k mountain ultra next weekend here in Japan. Keep up the awesome work. Your videos are real, raw, educational and inspiring.

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks - good luck out there! What's the race?

[@jamesmallion1099]

@@runningwithsimon Cheers buddy! The race is the 9th annual FunTrails Round Chichibu & Okumusashi in Saitama preference. There's loads of mountain ultras here in Japan. You should come and make some videos here sometime!

[@runningwithsimon]

@@jamesmallion1099 I'd love to! I'm certainly not opposed to racing Mt Fuji 100 - especially with the annoucement today of regarding world trail majors

[@jamesmallion1099]

@@runningwithsimon For sure, it's definitely Japan's most famous ultra trail race! The lottery to enter Fuji 100 has already started but if you're serious about doing it in 2024 let me know as I can help you get a media entry and have your entry fees waived. Let me know and I can send you an email about the details. I'm thinking about doing it myself.

[@runningwithsimon]

@@jamesmallion1099 Yes I figured this year was too late, but I'd absolutely welcomed the opportunity to race it in 2024! I haven't booked my races yet and could easily swap a couple for Fuji 100! I'd be particularly excited to share my experience there given the announcement of the World Trail Majors. I'm already racing black canyon 100k, and likely QMT, so adding Fuji would be great. Mind reaching out through instagram or facebook? I can give you my email from there