Stepping Up From Marathons To Ultras

[@runningchannel]

Have you ever run an ultra before? Let us know your tips in the comments. Or maybe you’re considering taking on an ultramarathon? Tell us your goals below.

[@jamesgirvan5761]

I have run a marathon before and want to run a ultra at some stage but I probably shouldnt be eating a big bowl of chips while watching this video from Sarah!

[@robertwright88]

After 14 marathons I have stepped up to ultras. I have done two 24 hour races in 2018 and 2019. 100km on the first one and 140km on the second one. Trying for 160km (100 miles) in September. I do a 16 week schedule and during the last 8 weeks I found 20+ miles on Saturday and Sunday every other weekend worked well. Lots of protein and flexibility exercises in the last few weeks also worked for me. I’m 64 years old so no excuses for you youngsters!

[@runningchannel]

Great tips, thank you for sharing Robert!

[@mikowhy9608]

I am just 13 Marathons away from you, so I'm catching up. I might be just 42 but I'm aging quickly. Just beware 😁

[@haskeldinho12345]

I’ve ran a few now rob, 31-35 are fine as the trainings not to bad. However 50m plus needs massive training which Is tougher with my job 😐

[@stacylamb5607]

Even though I am not at the point to run an ultra, I still love to watch the videos and read the comment section . My daughter said runners are the best people to hang out with. No matter what level you are at, you always have a cheerleader . Sending positive vibes to all of you .

[@runningchannel]

Love this! Thanks for watching Stacy 😊

[@yinhoukhor7109]

The only ultra I've stepped up to is an ultra intake of ice cream after my runs.

[@runningchannel]

Hahaha - I love this!

[@massi888]

Thank you really nice video, very useful, I have a question about drinking, during my last marathon I had issues because the drinking station drinks were too cold for me, if you plan to carry the drinks with you is not going to be adding too much weight on your body?

[@janicegagnon2294]

Ran a 50km and it was not easy but quite rewarding to see how far I could push myself in a race. Not sure if I will do another but it was a bucket list distanceS

[@runningchannel]

Well done Janice! Yep, ultras are a whole different kind of race. Thanks for watching!

[@markbrosinsky5230]

I love ultras they are by far my favorite races. I think this is great info for a beginner to ultra. I would add a bit to the section about kit. I always bring in my vest on race day and every long run a small stick of body glide, small first aid kit and a small baggie of wet wipes....its gross but true that when out on trail you will have to poop somewhere you don't want to at some point. The wipes are key.

[@runningchannel]

Great tips, thanks Mark!

[@michaelb5432]

Great tips, planning on running my first ultra; 38 miles on my 38th birthday, in April. Glad I seem to be doing training correctly based on your video. I need to work on eating while doing my long runs, normally I wouldn't take anything even water when doing 30k runs, I don't want to ruin my run by not fueling properly. Time is not a priority for me, finishing it as all I want to achieve.

[@AdamSielicki]

Meanwhile me : Stepping up from my Couch to the Fridge

[@runningchannel]

Hahaha - well done Renni!

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

Every extraordinary journey starts with the first step.

[@tonyscottinFrance]

I have never ran a marathon but have started to train to run from my home address to La Rochelle which is about 83 km. It starts of hilly but most of the route is flat and along a canal path. I plan to to this in the late autumn or early winter due to the weather over here in France. I may fail, I may succeed but I am enjoying the training anyway.

[@Kelly_Ben]

You've totally got this! I skipped marathon distance too, going to a mostly flat 50k with the goal to just finish. It was so much (type 2) fun, and the easiest entry into ultra running. Good luck with your training!

[@tonyscottinFrance]

@@Kelly_Ben Thank you.

[@runningchannel]

You've got this Tony! Do let us know how it goes and so glad you are enjoying the training 😊

[@inspector_dave8786]

I love this series... 5k ✔ 10k✔ 1/2✔ now the marathon, then an ultra 🙃. Thank you TRC for all your content. 🤩🤩🤩

[@runningchannel]

Glad you enjoy it David! Have you been inspired to try an ultra?

[@inspector_dave8786]

@@runningchannel yup, I'll get there and you'll know about it 😀. Without TRC, I would never have made it this far, and Im not stopping. Ive lost over 100 pounds and just ran my first 1/2 three days ago. You guys change lives 🤩🤩. Thank you for all you do!!

[@TonyBarclayNI]

Love ultras - my first was 3 laps of a 960 foot hill. There is something special about going the extra distance, pushing the body to the limits. My ultimate goal is the Belfast - Dublin Ultra (107 miles in 36 hours max), as a guided (visually impaired) runner. Stepping up from marathon to ultra, like half to full, is not to be taken lightly. Plan carefully, increase distance gently, learn about the route for every ultra before you attempt it, and BE PREPARED.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for sharing Tony! Great tips and do let us know if you do do the Belfast - Dublin Ultra!

[@Pav9001]

Right before the lockdown last March I was signed up for my first trail 50k, never ran more than 20k beforehand. I was able to finish (although I was cursing myself after about 30k :D) and I even placed 3rd in my age category! I am hooked now!

[@runningchannel]

Wow! That's fantastic - well done!

[@andrewroberts8139]

Who else is watching this recovering from an 8k run/walk effort :) Nice to see you again, Sarah, hope you'll be doing a lot more videos

[@DaanVerhaar]

Me! Actually a 7.3K easy run this morning, but who is counting :-) But I am intrigued by the idea of once being able to attend an ultra.

[@andrewroberts8139]

@@DaanVerhaar Yeah me too - I watch a lot of KZbin vids about ultras like Ethan Newberry's and it would be good to try that once

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much Andrew!

[@DaanVerhaar]

@@andrewroberts8139 Same here! Started running in September, never ever ran before. Now at the point of doing my first 10K runs but wanting to step up to half marathons and maybe even marathons and ultras next, what is wrong with having a dream right?. The terrain (and scenery) over here in the Netherlands is not that great unfortunately, I envy the runners living in the UK, or any other country in the EU for that matter.

[@larslaird]

Just finished my first ultra! What an amazing day it was! Really enjoyed it, and proud to complete! My calves (and a bit later my hamstrings) cramped like anything, though! Either didn't manage to replenish enough salt, or just wasn't prepared for the pounding!

[@runningchannel]

Amazing, congratulations!! Hope your legs are ok now!

[@jaysfan1910]

Yep, 51km is the furthest I have gone so far with a 68km planned in May (Malvern Ultra). Goal is 80-100km run by the end of the year.

[@runningchannel]

That's fantastic! Well done and good luck with your goal distance too!

[@matthewguenther6925]

Something that was a game changer on longer (100km+/4 hours+) cycling rides for me was "Rice Cakes" like pro cyclists use (not the dry rice disks). For me 1 cake replaced ~3 gels, I found that I needed less water, and I felt better at the end (usually 5-8 hours of effort). Pros: Lots of slower release carbs, have a fair amount of water in them, can put electrolytes and fats in to preference, any flavor you want (orange-cranberry and chocolate-almond are my favorites), easy on the stomach, cheap. Cons: Somewhat bulky/heavy, perishable, mouth feel for some people, don't freeze particularly well. Pro-tip: White rice works better than brown rice, brown rice has a lot more fiber and indigestible bulk...

[@runningchannel]

Great tips, thanks for sharing!

[@MrRampro]

Ran my first ultra a couple of months ago. A great time for sure. I ran with a friend which helped a lot. I would say train more and build up to the distance slower than you think you should. Stretching every couple of miles helped too.

[@runningchannel]

Great tips, thanks!

[@Pultrafuto]

My First Ultrabalaton (221k) is on the plate for May... I hope it will arrange and the pandemic situation will get resolved.... Thank you for the video, I totally agree ;)

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for watching and good luck with your ultra! 221k - wow!

[@pandajay2007]

Great video and thanks for the tips! I ran 100K almost five years (from London to Brighton) and am in training for Race to the Stones 100K this summer (deferred from last year!). I've set myself the ambitious challenge of sub 10 hours 😬

[@MeSRussell]

Ran my first marathon last October and will be running my first 50k this October. Good to know I don't need more than four months to train, as I just got a calf injury and now have to take a couple weeks off.

[@ZiggySheppardUK]

I complete my 10K training this week after completing my first 5K in December. Next week I begin half marathon training. I may end up going for an ultra later in the year or next year. I started later in life than most runners but I'm really enjoying myself. Thanks for all the help this channel is giving me.

[@runningchannel]

Amazing progress well done!! Thanks for watching 😊

[@Mookiethedog]

Really great summary Sarah. I've done two ultra's on trails and you nailed all the really important stuff! The mindset is so important and I always like to tell myself to actually "enjoy" the challenge because nobody is making me do the ultra.

[@runningchannel]

Thank you! Great tip 😊

[@twilight_gachatuber]

I ran two 50ks last year but have been struggling with motivation so far this year. This video is just the kick I need to get back to training. Thanks.

[@runningchannel]

Amazing - thanks David! Happy running 😊

[@oliverdolphin1993]

This is my next goal.. 1st ultra . Great video super-team

[@gary6514]

I thought I was Superman when I completed my first 5K! After watching this.....I'm not so sure now!

[@mikowhy9608]

Simple, next time you will be a Batman. Ha! No matter short or long, when I run through my favourite wild path at the river bank I become a Robin Hood 😎

[@11tobago]

I'm training for my first 54km ultra in May. I've run 5 half's and one full marathon. Very excited to try an ultra. Thanks for the great tips 👍

[@runningchannel]

Amazing! Good luck for it Kerrie and do let us know how it goes 😊

[@pushinghumanstupiditylimits]

As an amateur runner, I had completed two 101km ultras and two 51.5km ultras, but also DNF several. For me: 1. Mindset is #1. After 60km, I started questioning my ability to run another almost marathon distance. At 70km, I started wondering why did I even started. These were moments when I wanted to just DNF. But after another 10km, it was a different mindset. Because 20+ km seems very doable, as I had ran that distance during training. 2. Rest stops or breaks. Do rest or take breaks in between but not for too long. Too long and your body will start to relax so much that you feel like napping. Another DNF moment.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for the tips!

[@nikthevicar]

Did my first Ultra last year 60 miles, then had planned ankle reconstruction surgery. Getting back to a good level of fitness looking forward to my first big ultra this year in May the Hardmoors 110. I will be happy to get round!

[@runningchannel]

Amazing stuff - glad to hear you're recovering well 😊

[@charlescommins]

Great video. My first ultra was the Lakeland 50 in 2019 (I still occasionally wear my medal around the house!) and I’m planning my second one later this year at the Warrington Way in November. Favourite picnic, er I mean refuelling snack has got to be a pork pie. You’ve not lived until you’ve been 3/4 of the way into an ultra and you’re chewing on a pork pie and a jelly baby at the same time!

[@runningchannel]

Haha wow pork pie and jelly baby is some combination 😂 Great tips thanks! Hope the one later this year goes well!

[@nik9401]

Still looking to step up from 25k to 42. Great video! Thank you 😁👍

[@runningchannel]

Nik - you can do it! Glad you found the video helpful :-)

[@kingmaker007.]

Super update with convincing tricks and kit to get into running exercises, Well done for such a good video, try keeping it up

[@nicksrunningandadventureschann]

I've done a self supported ultra ran from Catterick garrison to Scarborough South Bay took around 16 hrs ,

[@runningchannel]

That's awesome Nick! How many miles was it?

[@nicksrunningandadventureschann]

@@runningchannel 67 miles I picked a pig of route ,

[@Kelly_Ben]

Great video! One thing you could have addressed more was walking. You mentioned there's no rule against walking up hills, but the reality is, even the elite ultra runners usually walk at SOME point, and the rest of us walk even more, often as part of our strategy. (Walk all steep uphills, or walk every 30 minutes, etc.) Unlike in road races, walking is not a sign of weakness or a failure- it's an important component to completing the distance. Looking forward to more ultra content!

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much Kelly, and absolutely this is so true! Ultras are a different kettle of fish and, as you say, walking is an important component. Thanks for watching :-)

[@kevinslattery7647]

Loved this video, thanks Sarah and crew. Last year when training for the London Marathon I was loving the long runs so much I thought about changing up to ultras, despite this being my first marathon. I really want to do well in London this year and then will consider which one to do next year.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Kevin!

[@andrewreinwand4942]

This is quite eerie timing... I’m running my first ultra (50k) on May 2nd. Great video!

[@runningchannel]

Haha we are mind readers 😂 Good luck for your first one, do let us know how it goes!

[@peterseager6970]

Thanks for this very thorough vid team. Just ran my first 50k Ultra a couple of weeks back. The psychological element is really important and applies during training as well as the event. The intensity can get pretty tedious and a bad run knocks your confidence. I found strength and conditioning training really useful. Also a bit around tapering would be useful. I think though you have covered these in other vids. Also, some other tips on blister prevention would be useful. I ended up with the worst blisters I have ever had 😖 Thanks again. Pete

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Pete - really great suggestions! Well done on the Ultra 👏👏

[@marktaylor9973]

Doing my first ultra in October in Yorkshire. Simultaneously really looking forward to it whilst regretting quite how hasty I was! Have done a couple of road marathons before but nothing beats getting out on the trails... hence the ultra 😁

[@runningchannel]

Amazing Mark - you'll love it! Good luck with your training!

[@hearthjunkie8173]

Glad to see Sarah back again. Another great vid Sarah you did great. I wonder how many bloopers there was in the making of this vid lol

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for watching and yep - Sarah did a fantastic job!

[@galeriestrasbourg2527]

Great video Sarah! Thanks for the tips! I am going for my very own first 50k run in October.

[@haskeldinho12345]

Yeah done a few next is the oxe 50 miler whitestar running. Should be decent 👀

[@fabianirsara9846]

2:02 YESSSSS muddy (used-to-be-white) cloudventure peak's. love it.

[@runningchannel]

They did Anna proud across 260km in the Azores!

[@LetsTalkSurvival123]

I don't do carbs and mostly run fasted... Training to tackle an ultra using a fat-fueled, zero-carb approach later this year.

[@runningchannel]

Good luck - let us know how you get on

[@Ab-qp2yu]

More of Sarah stepping out of the house plz!

[@runningchannel]

Coming soon... lol

[@SamMartinPeakPerformance]

Would love to do an ultra one day but I also want to keep all my toenails

[@runningchannel]

Haha very fair 😂

[@spirosbesis4973]

You can't have both.

[@kylestephens9593]

I'm a casual runner. My ultimate goal is to be as fast as possible (for my abilities and free time allow it) in the 5K. No real aspirations to run longer distances than that. Anybody else here like me? :)

[@JontyMaster]

I came here because I peeked out my window and saw my neighbors watching this! G'day!

[@runningchannel]

Hey there!

[@CraigRowand]

Love this video! Just on week 3 of training for a London to Brighton 100k Challenge. Looking to do a run/walk but going to experiment with the durations of each.

[@runningchannel]

Amazing stuff Craig hope the training is going well!

[@davegibb3175]

Outstanding tips as always, great channel.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so mcuh Dave!

[@hoorumfatima334]

Very interesting and helpful

[@ZotmundSzele]

Welcome, Sarah, we love you too ✌️ Great video!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you!! 😊

[@SimonBerry]

Perfect timing, getting ready to start my Ultra training for summer 50K, I've skipped that marathon bit, and too be fair organised halves due to Covid, but got three HM distance runs under my belt, so starting to build on that foundation

[@runningchannel]

Sounds good Simon! Hope you found the video helpful. Which ultra are you doing?

[@SimonBerry]

@@runningchannel The Round Reading Ultra Marathon (RRUM), seemed a good place to start seeing as I live there :-)

[@jasonree]

Great video with some top tips, think I will stick with the marathon for now...

[@runningchannel]

Great to hear Jason!

[@mikeshaw714]

The thing with an ultra is that they are nearly all off-road. In that respect I think a 50k ultra Is easier than a marathon (42km) on the road. Why? Because off-road is so much more interesting and it keeps your mind off the pain! I’ve done 3 ultras and 3 trail marathons but I couldn’t face a road marathon!

[@runningchannel]

That’s a fair point Mike!

[@Tonyr2]

I think I am right. Was this Sarah's first solo TRC presentation ? Either way nice job Sarah.

[@runningchannel]

Yes it was 😊 Thanks Tony!

[@gwilymeades]

I think you covered everything. Now go read the Finn book and you’ll be ready!

[@nkoeppen]

When do we get a cook off of the best homemade protein balls?

[@runningchannel]

Great suggestion thanks!

[@lorrainecowan7288]

Hi running channel enjoyed listening about longs run good help I got 26Milesin oct virtual one thanks

[@runningchannel]

Best of luck for the virtual race! Do let us know how it goes 😊

[@ohaiitsarielle]

Omg I was literally thinking about tackling my first 50k (goal is to just finish) a month after the Chicago Marathon. Are you mind readers?!

[@runningchannel]

Haha looks like it!

[@qaismughal4613]

Good tips and tricks

[@augustusgreen7881]

Can you do a field day challenge

[@runningchannel]

Great suggestion!

[@richardpureveen6040]

What age is recommended to start running ultra runs?

[@Ab-qp2yu]

42.2 !

[@Jigacmurphy05]

Anything under 23 is a bit risky I would wait a little while maybe late 20’s

[@wasiftauqeer3840]

Helpful video

[@TheRunningCommunity]

A huge step up indeed 😊

[@fozeatauqeer137]

Good informative

[@arcticrunning8370]

Yeay, Sarah!

[@nathans3771]

Running my first marathon this year and already eying up ultras. I prefer trails and hills to road, which is basically all we have in Yorkshire 😆.

[@runningchannel]

Good to hear Nath - hope you marathon training goes well! Which one are you running?

[@nathans3771]

@@runningchannel running the York marathon in October, but starting to work on my training plan now.

[@johankrushammar7336]

Anyone know how much weekly mileage/km you should do for a pretty flat 52K ultra?

[@george26633]

Depends on your history and goals. 90 km should be OK, 130 km is even better.

[@johankrushammar7336]

@@george26633 thx, then I’m getting there.

[@jamesrenwick6130]

Ran the virtual London last year. 50k ultra booked for March has been postponed till 13 days after this years London marathon😂

[@runningchannel]

Oh my! Are you still going to run it, James?

[@jamesrenwick6130]

@@runningchannel hell yeah. Just need to stay injury free👍🏻

[@joachimgutsche]

Good content. Thanks. BUT: 6 ads were too much!

[@craftswithelliellc]

I want the grey sweatshirt 🥺

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Elizabeth! We don't have grey available at the moment, but do have red, black and navy here: the-running-channel.creator-spring.com/listing/runner-crew-sweatshirt?product=378&variation=100077&size=3033

[@andyclark8991]

Running Channel Love your videos, put a challenge to you, it would be awesome for all to see,

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Andy!

[@smhanna]

Good tips. You say “whilst” quite a lot, btw.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Steven!

[@augustusgreen7881]

Can you do a axe throwing challenge

[@runningchannel]

Ooooh who do you think will win, Augustus?

[@peterjanbo657]

I'm in a 5k training now. My goal is a 💯.

[@NeillyVille]

Sarah and Anna 5k TT race, anyone 🤔

[@chrisdawes3944]

Does Sarah or the rest of the team have a favourite distance?

[@runningchannel]

Hey Chris! I think my favourite distance is 10k, but my goals at the moment are all distances a lot longer than that haha! Sarah 😊

[@emilyw1267]

Hi everyone, in March I’m running everyday for mind, on the first day I’ll be doing 500m, on day 2 1km all the way to 15.5km on day 31. I’ve never done anything like this before so I have no idea how much time off I should take when I’m done. (I’m only 16 and I’m the youngest in my running club) I obviously don’t wanna take too much time off because I don’t want to start getting slow again, but I don’t want to injure myself. How long should I take off after? 3 days or a week

[@runningchannel]

Good luck with the challenge Emily! Yes you're definitely right to take some time off - it's important to listen to your body and see how you feel rather than sticking to a specific number. So just really listen to your body and phase running back in slowly. If you can talk to a physio about it they'll be able to tailor some specific advice to you which could help 😊

[@augustusgreen7881]

Hi

[@runningchannel]

Hey Augustus!

[@maverickgoose4679]

I ran a 50km ultra with 3000m of vertical climb before tackling a road marathon... I guess I'm somewhat backwards.

[@runningchannel]

Nice one! Everyone works to different goals. Which did you prefer?

[@maverickgoose4679]

@@runningchannel nothing beats road running for mindless easy training kms but trail running is so much more enjoyable and such a bigger mental challenge.

[@jessicaphan8816]

I want to run an ultra marathon of 26.3 miles

[@runningchannel]

Haha!! If you manage to do an organised marathon when they’re back on, you’ll probably find you do run 26.3 miles or more with all the weaving in and out!

[@jessicaphan8816]

@@runningchannel I honestly hope I do!

[@jesseblack5812]

me watching this barely able to run walk 2k: 👀👀 😂😂😂

[@upi5864]

Sarah? Where is Anna? 😢

[@nobogiedr]

She hasn't recovered from her loss on treadmill 😃