My 2 Year Ultramarathon Journey | From Injuries To Success

This film documents my journey into the world of Ultramarathons. Over the past two years, I ran my first ultramarathon the Hurtwood 50k, my first 50 mile ultra the South Downs Way 50, my first 100k ultramarathon the Serpent Trail 100k ultramarathon and finally my first 100 mile ultramarathon the South Downs Way 100. In this film, I recap my experience, my training and what I have learned from 2 years of ultramarathon training and races.

[@trailrunningphil]

Great video mate. To compensate this start line excitement/nerves I have decided to WALK off the line for any ultra that I run. Let the pack go, walk 5 minutes to get settled and then start to run easy. It won't be easy letting people go but I think it helps with that build up of the correct HR right from the word go.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Phil. That's such great advice! I know some of the experienced ultra runners did that at the SDW100.

[@jacobmierendorff1833]

Yeah bro that’s a great idea!

[@markthomasson5077]

Start last, then you feel good as you overtake lots of other runners….hopefully

[@trailrunningphil]

@@markthomasson5077 the hope is just stay running stronger for longer.

[@Kelly_Ben]

​@trailrunningphil But passing people isn't a bad hope either. 😉

[@janeb6903]

So inspiring James 👏👏👏 stunning views ❤ Just finished my first 50k at 50, 3 years after cancer. Now signed up for 73k next year!

[@jamesday1]

That's amazing Jane! Congrats on your first 50k! Doing that after having cancer is seriously impressive. Good luck with your 73k!

[@alexmags1989]

That's amazing, what an effort congrats 🎉

[@Kelly_Ben]

Wow, I don't like reusing other people's words, but amazing and inspirational are all I got!! Best wishes, I hope you'll update us!

[@jacquesdutoit7373]

Great video, coming Sunday will be my first 50k at the age of 44, only started running last March, and I’m feeling good and well prepared, ultimately I’m working towards doing the next distances following the 50k

[@ShepherdAtHome]

Dude… that’s so epic!! I’m on the road to my first marathon. First 50K in December. Then my 100mile sometime after that. Your video confirms my desires. I love your enthusiasm and energy!!! Bravo!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Good luck with your first marathon and 50k! I hope you love the journey to 100 miles!

[@homonym7638]

As always, great, genuine insights and stories, thanks alot for sharing it all mate!

[@jamesday1]

Cheers! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@NelsonVanDweller]

Yeh awesome mate. Im one of those guys who pushes myself . I like to compete. I have a 100k coming up and your video has inspired me to just take it easy and enjoy it.

[@dannygrays]

Amazing achievements in just 2 years. Super inspiring. Thank you for documenting your journey and for sharing it with us.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks for following the journey Danny! Really appreciate your support.

[@kenkretz6392]

Such a great message James:) Thank you

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Ken!

[@bev9708]

JAMES, just your thumbnail made me kinda well up!!! LOVE this video!! You truly have come such a long way in a very short time indeed, especially since you moved it seems, and it's been such a pleasure following your channel!! YES building!!! That max. 10% rule for making changes is truly vital, whether for volume, elevation, speed, cadence, whatever... and even 10% could possibly even be too much sometimes if we're stressed or not getting enough sleep or not eating well, or age, etc!! AND pacing, yes indeed I've seen you learning your pacing lessons and that's been a great example to us!! One big thing I've learned is yes to look to others like yourself for motivation and inspiration but NEVER EVER to compare myself to others for my own goals, progress and achievements!!!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Bev! I really appreciate your support along the way! Can't agree more on comparison. I struggle with that a lot - especially with running where it sometimes feels like you can put in more work but get less out than others. But the journey and the enjoyment of running is so much more important. I think everyone struggles with this to some level.

[@mrt8697]

Fantastic video…well done and so inspiring

[@nealcon]

What a treat it was to hear your first hand experiences! Lovely work!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danhoare2557]

Great video James, thanks for sharing all your experience! 👍

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Dan!

[@MtbTrailHub]

Well done on such an awesome few years of achievements! Very inspiring, thanks for sharing

[@jamesday1]

Thanks!

[@addieanderson2411]

A truly inspiring video! Great work.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Addie!

[@conradburdekin722]

What a brilliant video. I’ve watched all your ultra videos and enjoyed them immensely. This montage was great. I have my first 50k in November, then London to Brighton 100k next May. I’m super excited!!!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Conrad! Good luck with your first 50k! LtB 100k looks like a great race. Definitely one I'd like to do at some point!

[@starwarsvet3209]

August 19th, ran my first ultra marathon... was not even close to ready for the 50K that was ahead. The one thing I have for new runners if they are attempting this distance (especially in trail) RUN A LOT OF HILLS!!!! Great Vid!

[@jamesday1]

Congrats on the 50k! Yeah definitely! Hills make such a big difference with ultras. Always worth looking at the race elevation before signing up. I haven't done a big mountain ultra yet where the hills are crazy. Definitely need to get more strength before I try one!

[@RageForSeven]

great video mate, well done on all your races and looking forward to the next oneS

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! I've got a few videos in progress and 1 being edited so hopefully should be finished in a week or so!

[@trailfever]

A great documentary of an amazing journey! Well done!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Chris! Really appreciate that!

[@dunno1235]

What a great and inspiring video! I want to run an ultra next year and can’t wait, this has made me even more excited at the prospect..what an amazing journey so glad I found your channel 👍

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! I really hope you have a great experience with your first ultra!

[@granthouniet104]

That great work James - both in running achievement and videography. I’m going to show your video to my support crew before it 1st miler. Cheers

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Grant! Good luck with your race! Thanks for sharing as well 🙂

[@CliffordFajardo]

An amazing and beautiful journey - thank you for sharing it with us !

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Clifford!

[@aizobel4612]

So inspiring! Thank you for sharing - can't wait to run my first ultra.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Good luck with your first ultra! I'm sure you'll love it!

[@Chicong007]

Such a nice video. Not alot of people manage to make a video like thus enjoyable to watch entirely. As i’m looking for as much information as possible to train for my 1st Marathon and after that 1st ultra wich hopefully some nice elevation i find this really nice to watch. Its honest and usefull! Thanks for this and i’m going to watch much more of yours in the future!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Really nice feedback! Good luck for your first marathon and ultra! I'm sure you'll love it!

[@brandonh1133]

Thank you for the video and inspiration!! God bless you sir!!!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@clairhardywynn5620]

Omg that recount of the 100 miler I literally burst into tears, I just felt it man lol …… I have the same fears about running through the night on my own but u may just have convinced me to give it ago one day ! What a great video James - seriously u got me 😅❤

[@jamesday1]

So kind of you to say! I would definitely recommend going for a 100 miler. Running in the night is far less scary when you're in an event and you're experiencing it with other runners!

[@OlympischbriesjeNadaAverage]

great story, thanks for the tips. Keep up the adventures, really enjoyed it.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@canirunner9635]

Great video, I love the Centurion races and that is an outstanding time for your first 100miler given the temperatures that weekend! Hello from another ultra runner in Winchester!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Yeah, Centurion races are great. Very cool! Winchester is a great city for trail running. I've met a surprising number of ultra runners who live here!

[@dariuspetkus6345]

Welldone!!! Do what you doing!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Darius!

[@djones1662]

Great tips - thank you for sharing!!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Glad it was useful!

[@YoMama6000]

Truly inspiring. Loved your bit about “why” we choose to do an ultramarathon. Definitely like to push myself to achieve great things, but I’m also the type that climbs mountains just for the view. We’ll see which motivation is stronger on race day 😂 I’ll be running my first marathon and 50k next year. Can’t wait for the experiences :)

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Good luck with your first marathon and ultra next year! I hope you have a great time!

[@neilsyard]

Really good video with some great insight. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Neil! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@David-mo8rl]

Wow. Such a great video. Really inspiring for people like me - thinking of moving into the world of ultra marathon running. Thank you!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks David! Good luck with your first ultra! I would definitely recommend trying an ultra if you're considering it.

[@BradleyThompson8]

Really inspiring, you should be really proud of yourself. Big respect

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Bradley!

[@bookreadingbilly8329]

I’ve enjoyed following along your journey by watching all your videos. Lots of motivational stuff, keep it up 👍

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Billy! Glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@bookreadingbilly8329]

@@jamesday1 do you just use your watch or do you use a heart rate chest strap?

[@jamesday1]

I just use my watch personally. I know when it's not 100% accurate or when there is likely a delay. From what I've seen, the difference between wrist and chest is fairly small and the chest strap has less of a delay when the intensity changes compared to the wrist. I've struggled to justify spending the money on a chest strap.

[@NeilTurnbull007]

Really nice video - I loved your approach to pacing on the 100k , it seems to take that certain bit of discipline to stick to throughout . Im doing the Cheviot Goat this December and am certainly looking at using the same strategy .

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Neil! Cheviot Goat looks like a beast of a race! Good luck! Looks like great fun.

[@novpriory6624]

I’m currently out with a chest infection and starting to get the itch to get back out. This video is reminding me that it’s the long game that’s important - the dream is to run for years, and to just keep steadily improving. One or two weeks off won’t change that!!

[@bev9708]

AND it'll make you appreciate it even more when you get back!!!! Hoping that's very soon for you!!

[@jamesday1]

I hope the chest infection clears up soon! Definitely all about the long game. I'm currently taking a period of 6 months just to train without races. No rush to push the body too far.

[@mandrewsvideos]

Thanks for posting this video. Did my first ultra this summer. Hoping to ramp up the distance over the next year or two.

[@jamesday1]

I'm glad you liked it! Well done on doing your first ultra. I hope the race goes well!

[@simzeh]

Such an awesome video! Really cool :)

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scoredewe4297]

inspiring makes me think its definitely something i can achieve thanks James

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! It's definitely achievable! Good luck with your journey into ultras!

[@lynseyk]

Great vid, well done on your ultras 👏👏👏

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Lynsey!

[@Rpf365]

Champion effort. Congratulations.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks!

[@herdeefrancisco9161]

Wonderful story❤

[@user-qb5um1ic6l]

Brilliant video, keep it up! 😊

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Dan!

[@northender2006]

Superb, well done. I'm pretty much following the same phases as you. Just completed the Lakeland 50, need a 100k early next year with a few 45+ milers thrown in. Lakeland 100 is the goal for 2024.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Good luck with your journey! Lakeland 100 looks like an amazing race!

[@bev9708]

Btw James, the scientific data is absolutely with you when you say that it's important to truly identify and understand why you do it, especially with endurance events... and according to the data, doing it for your family, especially your wife or children, is one of the deepest motivators for the majority of runners, and that can carry them through those impossible moments!!

[@jamesday1]

Absolutely resonate with that! I think my motivations are petty selfish but I love running so I make sure to prioritise it.

[@thebigjest]

How exactly do people find motivation in doing for their loved ones? I’m not sure how doing something like this helps them…

[@anfallwotlk9797]

I'd love to see the scientific data that you base this on.

[@bev9708]

@@anfallwotlk9797 Oh gosh the research was quoted on one of physiotherapist Brodie Sharpe’s Run Smarter podcasts , and I think it’s in his book too if I remember correctly… if I come across the episode and/or chapter I’ll come back and let you know!!

[@lawrenceg9185]

Great video. Started running a year ago and completed my first 100km a couple of weeks ago. Loved every minute

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! 100k after 1 year of running is seriously impressive! Congrats!

[@rolandshapiro5265]

Enjoy your balanced approach ...im inspired to do this

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Roland! I'd definitely recommend it! I've loved my journey so far.

[@chrisshaw2810]

I really relate to your videos - thank you.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Chris! Really nice of you to say!

[@danielconde13]

Good insights, thanks for the sharing.

[@jamesday1]

Glad it was useful Daniel!

[@geromemanicia3809]

I've Just started the same journey you were on. 50k this November, 50 mile next April. Hopefully a 100 mile race somewhere in 2025. Thanks for sharing all the fun you had.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Gerome! Good luck with your ultra journey!

[@joshuaclark647]

Loved the video mate😊

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Joshua!

[@numberjonny5alive]

Excellent video. SDW100 was my first 100 miler this year too so I can confirm it was unbelievably hot, people dropping like flies around me so was pleased to just finish lol

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! It was definitely a lot hotter than I expected! Well done on getting it finished. We picked a brutal day for our first 100 miler 😅

[@amikoslav]

❤ your honest sharing, very inspiring video. Thank you 🙏

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@NielsLaenenZoersel]

Great vid! I'm in my second year. Will go for 100 miles in my 3rd year

[@nikivinogradoff1990]

Thank you James, helpful, useful and inspiring - doing my first 50K on Saturday.

[@jamesday1]

No worries! I hope the 50k went well this weekend!

[@ourwilliam2405]

Briiliant video, very inspirational.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks!

[@WhyteRabitScribe]

Inspiring journey! I'm hoping to work up to ultramarathons. Seems like an incredible experience.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Good luck with your journey. It really is a special experience!

[@Rich_1]

I’m so inspired! I’m running my 3rd 50k ultra this weekend 😬 I’m going to take your advice and start out slower and finish strong 💪 my dream is to do a 100k and now im feeling inspired to do a 100 miler one day 🫠

[@jamesday1]

Amazing! I hope the race goes well this weekend! Very exciting! I hope the journey to 100k and 100 miles goes well for you!

[@paulmulks]

I'm doing the Hurtwood 50k this year! My first Ultra, and I'm on the 2024 South Downs Way 50 miler 👌🏻 2025 I want to be on the start line of the SDW100 🤞🏻

[@jamesday1]

Amazing! All great races! Good luck with the Hurtwood 50k! Hope the training is going well.

[@Antoniooooo0]

Well done! Thanks for the inspirational video man! Just made me register for my first 100 miler, oops

[@jamesday1]

Amazing! Good luck with your first 100! I hope you love it!

[@jonnan99]

Very inspiring video! Seriously! I’ve never done anything longer than 23k trail run with 1250m elevation but at 43 y.o. maybe ultra is still something to consider getting into while the body is still able to adapt ☺️

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Jon! I would highly recommend it! Spending a day out on the trails is such a rewarding experience.

[@marathoner_Ali]

Thanks @jamesday1 what a great video journey. I'm at the other end of that (i.e., start), with a few 42k (incl. a solo with +730m) and one 50k solo (+600m) done to date, having taken to having a bash at ultras in my mid-50s as a shoulder injury has washed out my long-distance triathlon journey, for now at least. Some great tips there which I'll certainly re-review before my upcoming 50k (+1100m).

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Ali! Sorry to hear about your injury. Good luck with your 50k!

[@dkonowalczuk8476]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your experience. I am running my first 100km on Saturday 9th September, so your tips & advice is really useful 💪

[@jamesday1]

Glad it was useful! Good luck with the 100k on Saturday! Hopefully you're tapered, rested and ready to go!

[@dkonowalczuk8476]

@jamesday1 Thanks, I feel like I'm ready for this run. It'll be a hot day, but I'll still have fun😉

[@georgemarriott2809]

Well done James, can definitely relate to going off too fast. I did just that at this years 50k Serpent Trail, did the first 15 miles almost 1min/mi faster than planned which felt great until halfway 😂 Would love to see a vid on Nutrition if it’s something you wanted to do? I find there’s loads of vids saying to experiment etc but as a total beginner I found it really hard to figure out what I was experimenting to find. I know that may sound daft and it might well be! I found at the race I rigidly stuck to a consumption per hour plan and ended up feeling REALLY low and bloated. I finished the race scoffing Jelly Beans and sipping coke at aid stations and really picked up! Made no sense!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks George! It's always half way when you feel it 😅 Yeah, I'll have a think about the nutrition video. I think pacing does play a factor in how many calories you need for an ultra. The harder you run, the quick you'll burn through carbs and the hard it is to get enough calories down.

[@Kelly_Ben]

I think the faster you run, the more sensitive your digestion can be, too? I'm a slow runner, and enjoy nothing more than a big bowl of Mac n cheese with kielbasa, grilled cheese with bacon, etc. My advice is honestly that you need to eat what you like, and what will get calories in. One race, it was extremely hot and humid, and my stomach was feeling poorly beforehand. All I wanted was fried chicken, coke, and raspberry danish... not my normal healthy fair. I hit the grocery store on the way, and fueled the brutal hot hilly 50k on that! 😂 In another, i ate an entire bag of Pepperidge Farm cookies. I just tried something new before each of my long runs, especially whatever is listed on the race menu. They're supplying quesadillas and PBJ? I'll try that just to be sure I can handle it. Have fun with it, food should be one of the enjoyable parts! The only race I had serious stomach pain and GI issues in, I tried to take my nutrition "seriously", with regularly spaced gels. Never again. Bring on the yummy food!

[@prezessen]

Top content!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dango9786]

Awesome 👍

[@jamesday1]

Thanks!

[@marshovision]

Awesome job👍 💯🏃

[@jamesday1]

Thanks!

[@paulthomson6573]

UTMB next year James?? - been watching some of the previous years races on KZbin - honestly looks amazing and daunting all at once!

[@jamesday1]

Hi Paul, I've been looking at some long mountain ultras but not sure I'm ready for UTMB yet. I had been looking at the Swedish UTMB race called Kullamannen. 100 miles in sweden in the winter. Possibly looking at that race for next year. Then maybe find some shorter mountain races like CCC or Lavaredo.

[@edscottdotblog]

Nice one! SDW100 2023 was also my debut - I finished 10 minutes behind you. Massive kudos for getting through that heat.

[@jamesday1]

Ahh amazing. Congrats on getting through it as well! The heat was brutal. Have you got any other 100's planned?

[@edscottdotblog]

@@jamesday1 Quite madly I got into Western States with my single ticket from SDW. So that'll be 100-miler number two 😅

[@jamesday1]

@@edscottdotblog Amazing! What a great race for your second 100. Super lucky getting in with 1 ticket as well. I didn't even think to enter as it felt so unlikely! Hopefully you have a great race over there.

[@norwichculturalreport4445]

22hrs for the 100 miler is immense all things considered on the day! Well done mate. Awesome.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! It was a pretty special day!

[@superdavem5104]

Awesomeness

[@jamesday1]

Thanks!

[@poweredbypilatesuk4880]

This is such a great video. Loved seeing the build up.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Hope the training is going well!

[@mcmillanstu]

Great video, very inspiring! I'm slowly working up to the 50 mile mark, have loads of time to do it right and your videos have some great advice, thanks! What camera gear do you take on the runs?

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Good luck with your 50 miler. I use a Gopro on the runs. It's a model from a few years ago but still shoots in 5k so it's pretty high resolution and the video stabilisation is amazing for running.

[@Estertje93]

I laughed out loud when you said 'it was only and extra 20k', me here training for my first 15k

[@jamesday1]

Haha it's all relative! I remember going through the same journey of building up to 15k. I hope your 15k goes well!

[@Estertje93]

@@jamesday1 thanks! I ran for 1,5 hours today, longest I've ever run. I really want to get into ultra's one day I love just being out there for a long time. No phone, no music, no people. Just me and my footsteps 👌 so I'm building up sloooooowly

[@jamesday1]

Congrats on your longest run! Always so satisfying extending out the long runs! Feels great to switch off without distractions. Slowly building is definitely the best way. Build up your endurance, fitness and strength over time. No need to rush 🙂

[@TruTube.1.]

Just broke the Half Marathon barrier. Man, it's not easy .. its quite a shock to the system. In a way its a great thing. With that, that's going to be the new foundation. The take away from this video. "Eaze into it"

[@jamesday1]

Congrats on running your first half! Definitely a big milestone. Slowly building up the distance over time will make it much more enjoyable and far less risk from an injury perspective. I'd recommend looking at nutrition like gels when you go beyond the half marathon distance. Topping up your carbs makes a huge difference when running further.

[@aeriegrove]

Inspiring! Gonna go for an 80k in about a year from now

[@jamesday1]

Amazing! Good luck with the 80k! Such a great distance!

[@kellydoug8817]

well done on a great 2 years of ultra running and vloging. I have only just completed my second 50k and still have a lot to learn so will be taking some tips from you. I would love to leave you a tip as it's the only thing I have got right in both my ultras I've done. When it's hot don't wear black. If there is a reason that black helps please let me know because I can't understand. I know you're slim so you won't overheat too easily. but still can see how black is gonna help. Anyway I hope to see you smashing it in whatever you do next. one last thing my fastest 10k on saturday was the last 10k it felt great. I got the idea from your 100k

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! My choice of black running gear during the SDW100 was definitely questionable 😅 90% of my clothes (incl. running gear) are black hence why I'm wearing black t-shirts in most of my race videos. I definitely need to invest in some white running gear for the heat! Glad the 50k went well and good luck with your next challenge!

[@kellydoug8817]

@@jamesday1 thank you for the reply. my next event is in 5 weeks and it's a 50k again if it's not too cheeky could I have some tips on racing 2 so close together?

[@jamesday1]

Yeah definitely! I would focus on recovery. Don't rush back to training to early. With a 5 week gap, you won't gain much fitness, so focus on maintaining. Return to training once your body is ready and focus on keeping in shape. Any high stress workouts like speed work or extra long long-runs will massively increase the chance of injury. You've got the fitness for 50k, so just focus on getting to the next race injury free!

[@kellydoug8817]

@@jamesday1 thank you. I am focusing on recovery at the moment. I think the 50k coming up is an easier course than the last one so I am hoping that will help as well.

[@TreeofFiction]

Great video thanks! I live around there and am doing my first marathon int the new forest this September - Hurtwood 50K sounds like a great next step. How do you plan your training, do you go with the flow or have you found good plans online etc.?

[@jamesday1]

Nice! The New Forest Marathon is definitely on my list to do at some point. My training has evolved over the years. I've used a mix of plans and books to understand different approaches and then adapted it to find what works best for me. I would recommend starting with a training plan but don't feel like you need to stick to it if certain elements don't work for you. You can get some free plans online, or I've always found Ben Parkes plans on his website to be a good starting point.

[@Backstoner]

Awesome journey! Say how long was your way, from 5k to 100miles?

[@the_silver_liningg]

Nice Video! I just ran my first 30 miles (48k) to celebrate my 30th bday! First time I ran anything more than 18 miles (29km)! I think the run yesterday was harder than a half ironman 😂 Anyway! Awesome video!

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Congrats on your first ultra distance run! Has it made you want to do more?

[@the_silver_liningg]

@@jamesday1 I think with some time to train I do a 50 miler 🤞🤞 next year maybe, but I want to finish a full Ironman first! 👍🤞

[@TomvanderSandt]

wow that is amazing. I am thinking to run a 100miler a well. I just did a 105km and that was a big challenge haha

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Tom! Well done with the 105km Ultra!

[@buffywhatever1093]

Super interesting about your foot injury when you began hill running. I wonder if it was simply because you’ve mostly run flat or something else? I’m the opposite , born in the mountains and now can’t run flat for long periods. Great video.

[@jamesday1]

Yeah definitely! Our bodies get conditioned for certain types of running and any change introduces new stress. I probably should have eased into the hills more slowly.

[@manojsurya]

Thanks for sharing this. It’s very inspiring and useful. I’m assuming you covered your training plans in other videos(if not please do₹. Going to explore other videos in your channel 🎉

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! Yeah, I just did an updated video on my current approach to training.

[@manojsurya]

@@jamesday1 Awesomest man, will check it out

[@melaniebailey3446]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this video! ❤❤❤ If it’s not fun, what’s the point?

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Melanie! Totally agree! It's all about enjoying the experience!

[@markthomasson5077]

Forget the gizmos, if you can comfortably chat, you are doing fine.

[@jamesday1]

Nice! Good luck with your first ultra! The lakes are an amazing place for long distance running. I'm heading up there in a few weeks for a Christmas break.

[@markthomasson5077]

@@jamesday1 I d’éther 55k last summer, will give the 100k next year. The 55 was relatively easy, as the cut offs so generous you could walk it. ps, I am from the Scottish Highlands, so the Lakes are a bit tame!

[@fecardona]

The Ben Parkes hat! 12:46

[@jamesday1]

They are great running hats!

[@JuzzyG]

Awesome video - amazing watching your race journey. What was the total elevation on the 100km race you did?

[@jamesday1]

Thanks! The 100k was around 1800m elevation with most of the hills in the first half of the race. Not super hilly for a 100k event.

[@daveyearp1499]

Thanks James, great video 👍 Can I ask, in preparation for the 80kms what was the furthest distance that you ran in training? Cheers 🙂

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Davey! Yeah, I think I planned to run 50k but only ended up doing 40k. I think that you could definitely get away with running less but I got a lot of confidence from the 40k long run.

[@TruTube.1.]

SUBBED.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks!

[@antoniopadilla6343]

I tryed running a 50 miler on Saturday. I ran 29 miles. I pulled my groins,and calf. I couldn’t finish. I’m try again in April

[@jamesday1]

Sorry to hear that! It's never fun when an injury stops you running. Good luck finishing the race in April!

[@evansilva9451]

How do you avoid injuries? Like lateral knee pain, upper knee pain. I got a stress fracture on my tibula from running and it set me out a few months and recommendations to avoid injuries like stretching or anything

[@jamesday1]

Good question. I think part of it is luck. Some people are more susceptible to injuries than others. But there are definitely things you can do to reduce the risk of injury. I don't do much stretching or strength training - I should do more to be honest. My biggest recommendation is to steadily and consistently build up your running over the long term. I started running 7 years ago. In the first year I only ran 20k a week. I then slowly built up my volume each week. After a few years, my body could comfortably handle 100k per week. Any new stress on the body increases the risk of injury. Stress comes in many forms - more running, different terrain (trails, road), faster running (speed sessions, strength training, races, diet, life stress. Try to limit the amount of new stress you are adding each week. Also make sure you focus on good recovery. If your muscles are tight or fatigued, ease off the training for a week until you feel fresh again. Hopefully the stress fracture recovers soon!

[@larrylarry3549]

Im running my first ultra next month. My girlfriend was wondering if theres a way to track my progress as the race goes?

[@Dinckelburg]

Do you have a gps watch? Some of them have a function where you can share your location in real time. Maybe the race organiser will give you a tracker which your partner can track on their website

[@jamesday1]

Good luck with your first ultra! Two main ways I've seen are via the race organiser having a tracking website, or using a watch/phone with a live track feature. Centurion races have a tracking device on each runner so spectators can see exactly where the runner is. Others just have timing mats at aid stations. Alternatively, my garmin has a live track feature, and other watches have a similar feature. Or strava subscription I believe has a beacon feature you can use. A few options. Hopefully that helps!

[@wallyevans4228]

Curious if u ate all the traditional gels for fueling ?

[@jamesday1]

Yeah, used a combination of GU and Maurten gels, tailwind drinks powder and then some more solid food for the longer races like crisps.

[@mitalibhowmick5841]

Where do you live buddy that's a scenic view my god?

[@jamesday1]

Currently living in Winchester in England. Lots of beautiful countryside near us!

[@OreMan]

So, what's the next step after that 100-miler? Badwater 135? Spartathlon? 🤔

[@jamesday1]

Good question! I don't think I could handle the heat of Badwater! I'm looking at some harder 100 mile ultras like Kullamannen. I'd also like to try some other formats like a backyard ultra, a track 24 hour race and maybe a mountain ultra.

[@VelvetPrince]

Ive just ran my first marathon in 3 hours 41 minutes. My body feels a little beat up but its getting back to normal. How long should i take off before beginning training for a 50 k? Or should i continue the pace i was training at and attempt a 50k soon whilst im prepped ?

[@jamesday1]

Amazing result for your first marathon! I would definitely recover from the marathon first. You'll be surprised at how much damage your body takes during a marathon that isn't instantly obvious. I think I took 2 weeks off running after my first marathon. Take at least a full week off running so you're avoiding any injuries.

[@VelvetPrince]

@@jamesday1 thanks for the advice James! 🙏

[@OmahaTonyG]

I’ve done 2-50Ks and a 12 hour endurance run. I’ve also done several hilly trail races in shorter distances. Where I’m from these are all super hot races with temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius. It takes a lot to complete an ultramarathon in those conditions.

[@jamesday1]

Totally agree Tony! Makes the events so much more challenging! I have no idea how people run events like Badwater 135!

[@danielstewart5208]

Why does your voice sound so familiar? As if you use to film world of Warcraft videos or something.

[@Shevock]

So fast.

[@jamesday1]

Thanks Dan!

[@edwardpage9996]

My first ultra next year has 8084ft of elevation 😅

[@jamesday1]

Blimey! That's a pretty serious first ultra! Good luck!

[@edwardpage9996]

@@jamesday1 thank you! Could of picked a lighter one but I like a challenge 😅