My First Ultra Marathon

[@somdrum]

Way to go Sarah! It was so sweet to hear that your first 5k was 45 minutes, as I finished my first 5k last autumn at 42 minutes. TBH I've been down on myself about how slowly I ran, but this is great encouragement to just keep going and keep improving at my own rate :)

[@ericagor327]

It never gets any easier, you just go faster.

[@gemmalramsay]

Don't be hard on yourself. My normal 5k time is around 38 mins but I've done marathons, half marathons, countless 10k and 5ks. Your speed does not define what you can do. Only your resilience. Be proud of your achievements.

[@phoebeandkaylee7927]

Key step to running is never compare yourself to others my 1st 10k at an actual event was 1hr 17mins run a pb few weeks ago 43:10 and be honest more proud of the 1hr 17 one because it was far more challenging to me at the time.

[@somdrum]

@@macree01 Good for you! Everyone has different abilities and skill levels. Trying to tear someone else down doesn't make you faster, it just makes you a jerk.

[@jonathandamours9967]

My first 5km took me around 40minutes too and a few months later, I am close to 25min! Never compare your time, the importance is to get your heart pumping and enjoy the process!

[@prashamthakkar1183]

A marathon and ultramarathon within 2 months?! Hats off to you👏👏😱 like I could never!!

[@runningchannel]

One lead to the other. Thanks for watching.

[@craigfaulkner8455]

You never know what your capable of until you try.

[@markchavez738]

She is really amazing! I still can’t even do a 5K 😢

[@hairyairey]

@@runningchannel Wasn't it one of your guest presenters that said that parkrun was a gateway drug to ultras? Like any good dealer, the parkrun is free...

[@allinotte4263]

You totally could if you put your mind to it 👍🏻 I challenge you!

[@janetohlsen6712]

Yes! Well done! I will be trying my first 50k soon at the young age of 65 and this was so inspirational and extremely well filmed. You are a delight.

[@MichaelJanos1024]

Makes me feel young. I'm doing my first at the age of 60😀

[@martinengelbrecht5384]

@@MichaelJanos1024 well done!

[@martinengelbrecht5384]

Well done inspirational!

[@andrewrobinson-morris1852]

Massive respect. Not just an ultra, but that ultra. Not just run it, but also carried a go pro and narrated. What a superstar.

[@wendydavan4979]

Fantastic 😍 very inspiring

[@dliedke]

Wow, I loved this sentence "Time is a lost concept in an ultra". Only who ran an ultra knows that. I ran a personal ultra 50k running for 5h45 but total time was over 9h. Crazy stuff. Congrats Sarah!!

[@runningchannel]

Glad you could relate to it Daniel! Any ultra's lined up?

[@dliedke]

​@@runningchannel Hello!! I have the local marathon postponed from 2020 that I will run with a friend and also 4 more races. It will be fun!! Thanks so much for your videos and I just love this channel!!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Woop woop 🙌🏼 well done, Sarah! We just watched this before we go to bed and it brought back good memories. What an achievement and, I’m sure, just the beginning for you! Great to meet you (and Freddie). Great video. Well done all round 🤟🏼😊

[@TheManCadian]

Watching your videos, and then this one, made it all so much more real.

[@Tonyr2]

When this started I was wait a minute. Ben and Mary are running it too...but you know of course 👍. Think it's awesome when 2 channels I follow cross over into each other.

[@davesharratt917]

We were watching this saying that we'll find Ben and Mary's video next.

[@leespain2228]

As odd as it may sound to some, when you crossed that finish line made me emotional as the elation that was visible reminded me of my first half marathon. You should be proud of yourself, that was amazing! I have that niggle to do a marathon, at least once and that is something im now working towards. Thank you for re-igniting that desire and inspiring me to achieve what i thought only other people could do! Happy new to everyone!

[@fatrunner]

Exactly the same here, reminded me of every one of my running milestones, from first 5k all the way to first marathon.

[@nicagerona59]

Felt like crying once you ran past the finish line! You're an inspiration Sarah! Real proud of you and so so glad to discover this channel and be inspired by all the running challenges that everyone does here.

[@P3rd3n2]

Same😅

[@danielaknecht8994]

I would love to see tips on managing long hair during runs. How about when you run 4 days in a row? How often do you wash it? I see Anna and Sarah having their hair in braids a lot and that's my go-to hairstyle as well. When I first got into running I tried ponytails and ended up having to brush out huge knots after each run, because of all the re-tightening I did during my runs....

[@allinotte4263]

I have a hard time with flyaways in my face 😑

[@DanciestCheese]

I keep mine braided all the time as well. Everyone’s hair is different but I run 4 times a week and wash my hair after my long run on Sundays usually and that works for me.

[@Kim-spiration-UltraRunner]

5K to 54K! Good girl! Your dedication has paid off 10 fold! Bravo 👏

[@Jack_Alexie]

I just started to get (back?) into running and I’m determined to fall in love with it this time! So, naturally I found TRC and have been totally binging all their videos and I specifically gravitated towards Sarah’s videos. I love Sarah so much but my one thing was that she’s too fast for me. Like unrealistically fast “I’ll never run those times, I’m just trying to get to 5k without stopping” fast. But hearing that her first 5k was 45 minutes stopped me in my tracks. I couldn’t believe it. She started where I am, and look at her now!! ❤ 🏃

[@ellhaynes]

“Don’t stop me now…”…. I had this song in my head at the start of a 50 miler. Ended up singing it all the way …. Although I think I knew less words than you! 🤣 Awesome running and filming, thanks for sharing!

[@TheManCadian]

So much fun to watch, I love when that moment of pride hits, Sarah is so genuine.

[@almasisk1047]

I just ran my longest distance of 25K (and then some I was later told), a few weeks ago and I still can’t imagine any other race being more difficult. It took me just under 5 hours and I wanted to die. Thank you for sharing this experience. It inspires me to keep moving forward and for a little bit farther each time. You crushed this race! Congratulations!!! 💪🏻🎉👏👏👏

[@janicegagnon2294]

What an amazing race and experience! Your first ultra is one you never forget . I ran a 50km race and leaned that I am capable of so much more than I dreamed of ! Way to go Sarah !!!

[@RoelCuylaerts]

Thanks for putting "Don't stop me now"in my head for the rest of the evening. 😅 No, that's so bloody inspiring, Sarah, you did a great job and made an awesome vid in the process. Multi kudos!

[@nadiajohnson2522]

Barely just gotten into trail running. 8 months into my wellness journey and 3 months into running trails. I can't even do 1km of non-stop running yet. Watched loads of ultra marathon videos & documentaries for tips & inspiration. Looking forward to completing my 1st 5km this year some time. This was motivational and spurred me on - 1.5 hour into the new year with renewed drive for what lies ahead. Soon! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ Thank you for your video.

[@jacquesthebeau9380]

Sarah…. That was awesome…. I am 55 and training for my 1st 5k! It’s been literally 25 yrs since I ran for various reasons! Absolutely inspirational! Txs

[@sparksdrinker5650]

How'd your 5k go?

[@mxrored]

Not me crying as you came over the finish! Would love to see how you trained and prepared for it! Congratulations, massive inspiration to complete an ultra one day 💗

[@gregifurung2115]

Looking forward to your preps videos too!👍👍👍

[@jasonly6491]

Would love to see how she trained for this too

[@michaelrheiner2415]

Congrats! Really happy for you!….the older I get the softer I am….I’m not gonna lie, some tears of joy for you were shed….right before I head out for training run number 22 and it’s -8c outside….42 more runs before my first marathon at age 54. I’ve accomplished many things to this point in my life, and now the season allows for running and athletics to be a focus. Live life and rack up experiences! Congrats Sarah….truly happy for you.

[@abbagel779]

A “like” is not enough for this video. Sarah, you are a marvel and a true inspiration. I know this mammoth task is two years in the past already but you deserve endless praise for believing in yourself and bringing confidence and determination to the lives of so many people. 🙏 I hear your voice in my head every time I go out for a run. I’ve already done things I never thought I could have done before and I’m truly excited to see what is next in my future thanks to you. 🙏

[@kathydriscoll8189]

Way to go Sarah... You are awesome. Keep going. You are one tough lady. I run my first 50k in April on 22. I am.... cough.. skittle older, but This Nana will not let grass grow under her feet. You are such an inspiration. Love that you shared this.

[@Kelly_Ben]

I got turned on to ultras by someone in their 70s, who didn't even start running until their 60s. "Wiser" runners are a total inspiration! Good luck!

[@keithfalconer2870]

Wow well done Sarah that was amazing. I have my first marathon in April and am panicking already but your videos keep me going xx

[@runningchannel]

Good luck!

[@tenor9216]

The "that was awful" at the end was so relatable! The quote "Do I regret it? Yes. Would I do it again? Probably." by Nick Miller from New Girl very well summarised my thoughts immediately after the finish line of my first race a few weeks ago 😅🙈

[@sonicwind1901]

Sarah is such a inspirational creator. really enjoying this channel

[@fatrunner]

I welled up when you crossed the finish line. Well done Sarah, got my first Ultra in May.

[@applejack1418]

This channel is being a huge inspiration for me. I've been running off and on my whole life (I'm 22) and have stopped running while in College. Senior year, just finished a mini triathlon, and watching this video makes me want to go on a run!

[@nempulet7828]

Congratulation for your first Ultramarathon! My first Ultra was 50k a few month ago. Next challenge is 100k in june, oh my god what i've done, i'm totally scared 😄

[@chrisshaw2810]

I'm still struggling with the envy (and if you had not enjoyed it I don't think I would have been able to bear it) but it was lovely to watch, and actually I ran my first marathon around the time you ran yours, and I have my first ultra in March, so I do share the excitement of the unknown. Well done you.

[@jamesmartin1573]

Amazing effort Sarah and love the music suggestions!

[@AlexBernaquez]

The highs and the lows we go thru we go during an ultra marathon are priceless and I've felt it on this side of the screen, thank you so much for sharing... Good recup Sarah!

[@syafiqamin7711]

The Running Channel never fail to inspired me to continue working for my first marathon (and hopefully then ultramarathon)

[@damongreen6433]

I'm proper welling up watching this - congrats and well done Sarah!

[@JonsConsciousLife]

Amazing job Sarah! What an experience watching this video as you go through the process. I’ve been running for 5 years and will be doing my first 50k next summer, but it surely won’t be with that kind of elevation! Congrats

[@robdevine4361]

Great job on the race and narrating the vid. Well done!

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Rob!

[@jamesglazier772]

That’s amazing! I ran my first marathon this year without enough training and said never again. Watching you here and a few others online makes me really want to do it again! Can’t wait to run again

[@MarieRossiter]

Sarah!!! Look what you've accomplished! You never cease to inspire and amaze me! I just recently broke the 45 minute mark in a 5K race--but I'm 50 and 275 pounds--down from almost 400. I have so far to go, but hearing your start times made me feel that I can accomplish more than I believe! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@jamespeters5043]

I must have something in my eye...it appears to be leaking at the same time I watched you cross the finish line! Only just discovered TRC and Sarah, you are an absolute inspiration. I also love Thailand and building up to taking part in this event would be a very good excuse to go back again and a massive target to aim for. I have just started running 5Ks and knowing that you went from that to this in a few years shows what can be done with hard work and determination! Keep up the excellent content :)

[@aylaamon3267]

So, so inspiring, Sarah! Congratulations! I'm running my first ultra in April (Umstead 50 Miler) and I'm terrified, but so excited after seeing you run! Keep up the amazing work!

[@innesdunbar]

What a great result Sarah. It’s been great to see how well your running journey has gone so far. You ran that really well, it looked a tough one.

[@EdGutierrez69]

This is why I love The Running Channel, I love seeing you accomplish extraordinary things you really are an Inspiration Sarah!

[@derrunn3r613]

"How to run an ultra - I think we are about to find out!" Nice start^^ What an accomplishment, massive kudos, very inspirational and also emotional towards the end. I really want to run an ultra now :) Another epic quote: "time is a lost concept on an ultra"

[@kimturner5270]

So amazing! Feeling inspired. Cried happy tears when you said how proud you were of yourself. Congratulations!!!

[@creativechimp03]

Watched this tonight doing my first 10k on Zwift in prep for an event in October, helped me get through it! What an achievement Sarah, your personality in these vids really comes through, they are a great, fun watch! Congrats.

[@oliverdolphin1993]

Well done Sarah ! Amazing … I’m in Thailand now .. the running community is huge here . Can’t wait to do my first ultra soon . You’re an inspiration

[@EricGulliver]

The most endearing and spirited ultra runner I have come across, what a wonderful running partner you must be!

[@gabs3077]

Huge congrats Sarah! What an achievement. Love how you’re vocalising all your thoughts as it’s exactly what everyone else is thinking at the same time too!!!

[@bricelosseau5169]

Huge kudos Sarah ! What an amazing journey in 3 years. I do trail running for 6 years and in 2022 I'm going for a 50K, a scary challenge to me. Thanks to inspire me and to show all the emotions you go trough while you're running. You can be proud of you !

[@tito247guts1]

Love this! 💯💛🏃🏻‍♀️ Congratulations! I just added an ultra to my bucket list. Thank you for this video, for inspiring and for being awesome! Keep smiling! 😃

[@jamesjacobson4534]

Well done, Sarah! Love your heartfelt emotion in the last few kilometers there --- that experience of tears of pure happiness is the best.

[@jaydesimone4297]

Sarah, you are an inspiration to us all! I am really impressed how happy you sounded, even when you were saying how much you were hurting.

[@simonbatty6371]

Yes bro. Well done. Just watched the full video. I ran it too. Thanks for filming it 👊

[@kush1cohen]

Lovely lovely video. Well done. Such a great achievement . Take that wonderful lesson with you always. You're amazing!!!

[@giovanbattistafichera8439]

Great job, Sarah! You're a true warrior! I started in 2017 running 5Ks and I decided to dedicate 2021 to ultra races. I did a 6h time trial (ran 52k there), Tarnovo Ultra 48k, Vitosha 100k and K3 53k. Also, I set my PB in a road half marathon in October. You should definitely come to Bulgaria because the views here have nothing to envy Thailand, I promise you (plus it's closer) :P

[@joejoewalters]

There is nothing like the feeling of finishing a marathon or ultra .. I think I cry every time. Well done!

[@nicmarlow6388]

Oh Sarah that got me right in the feels!!! 😭 your unwavering sense of excitement and joy was delightful to watch and you should very rightly be hugely proud of what you achieved!! 😍 I've got my first ultra in July (RTTS day 2) which i'm looking forward to and scared in equal measure. Watching you take each moment as it comes and enjoying yourself so much (maybe bar that last hill and the little bridge) has given me confidence and inspiration! thank you. x

[@davidarana3232]

Inspiring, Sarah. I planned a marathon followed by an ultra (50K) for my last marathon adventure many years ago and unfortunately left everything on the table after the marathon and didn’t do the ultra. Maybe 2022 is the year it finally happens. A little older, a little wiser. Ok, a lot older. 2022, here we come.

[@TonyBarclayNI]

'That was awful'. Sarah, you are INCREDIBLE. First marathon, followed by first Ultra (and this beast, too), in such a short time. You are an incredible, inspirational young lady. NOTHING will stop you. I have a motto, and you are living proof of it: 'Believe in YOURSELF, magic WILL happen'. Keep on going. Looking forward to your next adventure.

[@ruthjohnston-wood5541]

Incredible ! So well done ! Thanks for a great inspiring channel . Doing my first 10km race in Greenwich in April. I’m 58 and it’s been a long consistent build up but determined to do it ! And hoping it will lead onto more.keep up the good work , such a great channel with great real people participating . Makes a huge difference making you realise that you can actually do this .Best decision I ever made to start running .

[@Baureo]

outstanding! Big Kudos for pulling through not only the distance but also the tough elevation changes. Whoop Whoop, you did it, you did it.

[@miriamadcock1607]

I've trained twice for an ultra and got injured both times. Now training for the 3rd time - fingers crossed. Loved seeing your video - you're right - ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Here's hoping :)

[@OrdMandrell1]

Honestly, the most impressive feat in this entire video is your ability to sit cross-legged so soon after running your ultra. I've run multiple 50km's and haven't been able to sit comfortably after any of them. You're a beast!

[@Pierre-qp4je]

Brilliant Sarah...congratulations. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@philbrown9901]

Sarah, I have been so inspired & motivated by watching your progress with the marathon & leading up to the UM and watching some other videos on Jim Walmsley etc that I have decided to sign up for my first Ultra Challenge - the Lake District challenge 11/12 June. My mum passed away from Pancreatic Cancer three yrs ago today and I have been trying to do arrange a charity event each year since to raise money for St Gemmas hospice who took amazing care of her in her final days 👍. All the best for 2022 😊

[@3elmdesignfurniturebydesig538]

fantastic, great going Sarah, got my first ultra coming up early Feb22, & pretty much bricking it 🆘

[@Kelly_Ben]

Good luck!! Sounds like my training style! 😆

[@kimhunter5164]

Congratulations!! Well done Sarah. Loved watching you. You did a brilliant job. Now I’m thinking about doing it

[@bunjaratsuharitdamrong4551]

We're so proud of you Sarah. We're also glad for your visit to Thailand by UTMB. Pls come again.

[@mvzinn111]

Well done Sarah! Loved your 'running' commentary. One of my favorite videos ever!

[@alanshrimpton6787]

Well done Sarah. You've come a long way since that 5k. I'm 58 and doing my 1st 50k Tarawera NZ in Feb. Not sure if I'm looking forward to it or not but I'll try and smile when it gets tough. Thanks for the tip.

[@rogerrichards8048]

Hats off to you Sarah. That was inspirational to many I’m certain. Brilliant videography by the way & some stunning scenery shots. You will look back on that in years to come with proud memories I’m sure.

[@cormacmccann3608]

Fantastic Sarah. Well done.

[@TheAnatous73]

Well done Sarah!👏👏👏👏 I was so excited to see this. Fantastic video! ✨

[@dirkvonhoegen5365]

You could be so proud of yourself. To increase the level of difficulty by a multiple only 2 months after your first marathon is a great achievement. This deserves the greatest respect.

[@wardybwfc]

Amazing achievement Sarah! Congratulations. Very inspirational. 👏👏

[@RedDonEvil]

I ran my first 10k last weekend in a time of 1:03:28 and also hadn't thought that I would actually finish that race. :)

[@thecoachnicktomich]

Congratulations welcome to the ultra club! There’s no way to describe the feeling when you cross that line after a tough race. Hats off to you, looks like a super cool race.

[@faykellett9589]

Well done Sarah, that is a massive achievement 👏 you have done fab on your progress & are an inspiration. I'm doing my first half marathon this September when I'll be 9 months postpartum

[@kimmcb8037]

omg Sarah, that was properly inspiring! I am the wonkiest of wonky runners, and I have signed up to my first ever ultramarathon in 2022 to celebrate (?!) my 50th birthday. Runners are strange and wonderful people!

[@davidjuson5608]

I confess myself inspired. A great run Sarah; and a seriously professional and entertaining documentary from the Running Community. Keep up the superb work and Happy New Year and big TA! to all concerned.

[@ckinsin]

I'm soooo jealous!! glad you tackled it in such a beautiful place.

[@kierlak]

Well done. This is so inspiring... Not gonna lie, had a tear in my eye when you were approaching the finish line 😅

[@tnan123]

What a great experience. Well done Sarah! Great job on such a good video to all the running channel team involved!

[@ScarletRain818]

You are such an amazing inspiration Sarah! Incredible results! Also, those ending words really got me 🦸🔥🏃🏻‍♀️

[@TheDangerousKid]

This was so good! Having been in Thailand over Christmas and running in the heat all I know is this must have been HARDCORE! LOVE IT! so cool and amazing how you’ve gone from casual runner to marathon to “oh I’ve done an ultra in Thailand” lol. Major respect!

[@dstarley]

I really loved this video! A perfect blend of Sarah's struggles and the beautiful scenery and context of the race. Kudos to Sarah for smashing this out, especially liked when you referred back to your first 5k time - how far you've come!!

[@debhastheruns]

Sarah!!! You are incredible!!! Congratulations on a job well done!!! I’m so so proud of all that you’ve accomplished!!

[@ndickie]

I came across this video just now never knew you came here! 🤩 Well done Sarah I’m your big Thai fan 😊❤🎉

[@runningchannel]

Thank you! It was such a beautiful ultra marathon!

[@TheDancechick801]

Wow Sarah! You’re such a light! I LOVE your attitude!!!!!! Amazing job!!!!! 👏🏼

[@virtuocitygowf7272]

Wow. Just wow. Incredible effort, attitude and spirit. Congratulations

[@lauraemily138]

I’ve been looking forward to watching this video when I saw your Strava! Well done! Such a great achievement🥰

[@sasanach8]

well done and congrats ;honestly you did great i run my first marathon in 2018 wheels fell off at 30 k and i struggled to finnish at 5;15 but 2 months later i ran a trail ultra 50 k 2000 mtres elevation and completed in under 8 hrs i was ecstatic ive ran many marathons and ultras since most were very rewarding and i loved them im 63 btw

[@danielll5571]

Great job Sarah! You have become one of the lucky few who can say they've completed an Ultra. How amazing is that? Thailand looks spectacular and I'll make it out there one day.

[@lukewilliams4782]

Congratulations, what a great effort! Thank you for sharing!

[@alittlepeaceofheart7083]

Congratulations!!! So awesome! Goals ⭐⭐⭐

[@sun.2801]

Totally brilliant effort, Sarah! Love those battle braids!

[@chandaharkins4418]

Congratulations, Sarah! Thanks for taking us along.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Chanda! Would you ever consider running an ultra?

[@dliedke]

This video is SOOOO COOOL!!!!

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Daniel! Would you take on an Ultra?

[@dliedke]

@@runningchannel Hello!! I ran 3 small ultras but all on the beach with zero elevation. No plans to run over 50k for now :):):)

[@LeeSmales]

Picked an "easy" one for your first ultra... All that elevation and no doubt humidity too. Well done! 🎉

[@4KOutdoorVibes]

Congratulations , AGAIN :). Good Job Freddie with the filming and editing :)

[@helenwoollven3116]

Woe, Sarah, that was fantastic, well done, great video 👏👏👏❤🏃‍♀️

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching Helen!