Things I Wish I Knew Before My First 100-Mile Ultra

[@ScottMartin-iz1dn]

Hey Chris, your channel inspired me so much that I created my KZbin account specifically to engage with your content - I'm a first-time commenter, subscriber, and donator, all thanks to your channel! The way you share your journey resonates deeply with me. Your unique approach, blending a gentle and casual vibe with a clear, focused presentation, is not just refreshing but incredibly effective (compared to the overly flashy/dramatic/'hardcore' style of others. The editing makes each piece a pleasure to watch. Your content is a breath of fresh air in the KZbin community, and I eagerly await each new video. Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you for the impact you've made!

[@ChrisBranch]

Hi Scott, thank you so much for such a wonderful comment, this really means a lot to me. I'm so pleased this content helps you, this is exactly what I'm making it for. I've got plenty more videos in the pipeline, and I'll keep them coming! I wish you the very best with your training 😊🙏

[@Kelly_Ben]

Yes, this!! I dropped from my A race one year, the toughest mountain 50k in my area, because I convinced myself it would be best to end my husband's long day of boredom... though I'd trained for months and we'd driven hours and rented a hotel room for that race. I dropped in my recent one because of the "it's getting dark, I didn't sleep last night, I'll need a nap, the drive home will be dangerous" narrative! Ironically, as I sat at the end of the parking lot ready to leave, I realized I'd just needed a break from running. I'd met up at the race with a friend who didn't believe in taking rests during a race... but I know that's what works for me. 10 minutes in a chair and I'm a new woman... for a few more miles. I knew, 100%, that I had the last 10 miles in me... but at that point, I'd already pulled, told the husband I was on my way home, packed and dragged my gear to the car... the lure of the sofa won. Thank you for addressing this!

[@ChrisBranch]

I totally get it; I have the EXACT same voices in my head! I’m hoping that I will learn to accept these voices, or do what I did in my last one and make plans so the voices can’t win. And yes, it’s amazing how quick you can feel okay after deciding to give up. The brain is such a pesky thing 😂 Best of luck with your next adventures ☺️🙏

[@plowestv]

Thanks Chris

[@ChrisBranch]

Thank you so much, this really means a lot 🙏😊

[@newbarker523]

For someone who is considering doing ultras, this is great information, thanks.

[@ChrisBranch]

I'm so pleased it helped. Best of luck with your training! 😊🙏

[@SiriusScientist]

Keep up the great work! How are you planning to address the core strength issue you mentioned (or have you already started to incorporate a fitness adjustment for next time)?

[@ChrisBranch]

The video I am filming this week will be showing how I am writing my plan for the next training block (thanks to one of your recent comments 🙏😊), but this will be more on the structure of my training, rather than specific exercises. A couple of people have asked about the lower abs exercises I mention here, so I will make another video with more details about this. And yes, I have started it already. I've really been enjoying strength training recently, but I have to drag myself back to higher volume running now to be ready for the next ultra, so I will have to keep my strength work _efficient_ from now on 😊🙏

[@matthewpaulden9604]

Thanks

[@ChrisBranch]

Thank you so much, Matthew, I really appreciate that 🙏🙏🙏

[@JamesAlberts]

Another week, another video full of great content! Thank you.

[@ChrisBranch]

Thanks so much, James! I hope it helps ☺️🙏

[@FertanUK]

Extremely helpful, thanks.

[@ChrisBranch]

You're most welcome 😊🙏

[@plowestv]

This is great Chris thankyou, the sort of psychology you can only rely upon from someone who has been there and done that. This will hopefully help me in my 12hr track ultra this year. Thank you for being a gentle warrior.

[@ChrisBranch]

Thank you so much. And 'gentle warrior'; I like that 😊🙏 Best of luck with your training for the Track Ultra!

[@plowestv]

Also... Chris, I wonder if you could put a film together on how you plan to strengthen your lower abs etc, there were some hints about it here. In my longest run so far last autumn (50km 6 hr track event) the most suffering was in my hips, groin area. Glad it's not just me :-) thx again . Win

[@ChrisBranch]

Definitely. I'm going to put together a video about all the things I do so I don't break as a runner. More of a focus on the lower abs will be in there for sure 👍

[@matthewpaulden9604]

Hi Chris ..do you think it’s an issue doing bulk of my mileage on a treadmill ? Just seems easier with keeping pace consistent and less distractions from roads and people etc 😅..I have put in some 15 milers on trails near me once a week however ..great vids ..super thanks 🙏

[@ChrisBranch]

Great question. I have developed a love for the treadmill too in the last couple of winters. I always used to think it was stupid and a waste of being out in nature, but I totally see the point of them now. In answer to your question, I agree, it's great being about to control the metabolic stimulus of either a perfect aerobic base run, or dialled-in intervals, without having to worry about traffic, crossing roads and dodging people. The downside would be a lack of 'specificity'. As we approach our races, we want to try to have as much specificity as possible, not just for the metabolic stimulus, but also for the connective tissue resilience and even our nervous system training (it will increase proprioception and help us balance in the terrain). Balancing that out at the mo with your long trail runs is great, and I would just transition away from the treadmill as you get closer to your big races. But, like you, I'm definitely spending more time on the treadmill while it's dark and boggy 😂 Best of luck in your training 😊🙏

[@platosbeard3476]

I'm reading _The Rise of The Ultrarunners_ just now, and I'm honestly kinda tempted to do an ultra. The only thing putting me off is that it could make the arthritis in my feet and knees worse. I really love running and hiking in the mountains, it's something I do almost daily. If the cost of doing an ultra was that I couldn't do that anymore? That's a very high price to pay (and probably an identity crisis 😅). Having said all that, cross training _could_ minimise any joint damage. I'm pretty awful at swimming, but I could learn/go in very early and use the float of shame... There's no harm speaking to my GP

[@ChrisBranch]

It sounds like you have a great routine at the moment, and you're right, it would be sad to lose that. The way I think about it (and this is true with arthritis or not), is that we need to carefully and gradually increase our volume. If you find doing that upsets the balance, then you know it's not for you. But with the right training, maybe you would surprise yourself? And yes, having a good professional to help you with the decision is a good idea. I would find a good physio or osteopath (I'm an osteo) who has experience in helping endurance athletes - they may be better in this area than a GP. It's a great book btw - that book is what inspired me to do the Track100 :)

[@BannyRuns]

You should do a quick vid on fav ab workouts to help combat these issues

[@ChrisBranch]

Definitely, I'm on it 👍🙏

[@plowestv]

how can i make a small donation Chris?

[@ChrisBranch]

Thank you so much for offering 🙏, I never expect it, but it's a joy when they come in and it helps support me making these videos. There is a button under the video called a 'SuperThanks' which allows a 'buying a coffee' level of donation. Thank you so much, it means a lot 🙏😊

[@plowestv]

Sorted. I look forward to hearing more about groin and hip area strength exercises. As you say its something ignored by many runners.

[@ChrisBranch]

@@plowestv Thank you so much. This topic has been bumped up the list 😊 My next ultra is in the mountains, so I really need it myself and I'll film what I'm up to 👍

[@lucycartwright9053]

Really useful, not just the standard tips. Also I too have recurrent pain in my low abs / groin. Thank you for reminding me why I am doing those hanging leg raises!! Also helps me keep committed to Pilates which I think will also be helpful, alongside the strength training

[@ChrisBranch]

@@lucycartwright9053 Amazing! Hanging leg raises are such a good exercise, and Pilates is great too. It sounds like you have a solid routine 😊🙏