Why I'm DONE Ultrarunning (don't let this happen to you..)

Yeah...my initial love for ultrarunning has quickly turned into a feeling of burnout. Today I'm going to reveal the top 3 things that have led me to burnout from ultrarunning so hopefully they don't happen to you.
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[@ChadLubinski]

What's your take on ultra marathon training?

[@hunterabbott2011]

At the beginning phase of it all. Been running for a year and have only now just signed up for a few 50ks this summer that I’m currently training for. So I’m loving it lol bc like you said you learn so much about yourself from it, I do believe I’ll be at a point where I’ll feel that same as you but as long as you’re doing what you love then I believe you’ll be healthier for it, I’ll always run but after 100 miler one day I’ll stick to just a healthy running routine and use alot of my time I’d spend “training” to do other things I enjoy and spend time doing things with the ones I love.

[@ChadLubinski]

@@hunterabbott2011 Love that mentality! You're gonna crush the 50k!

[@ChadLubinski]

@@hunterabbott2011 Well said Hunter. You're gonna crush your 50ks!

[@MountainVenture]

This is a great topic. Everyone has to know their "why." Is the why of running is to achieve a goal or complete an event? Is it to explore what we are capable of? Is it the pleasure of running itself? Is it the comradery of your running community? Everyone is different. I think the "why" determines the longevity of our interest in running. I am currently running 40-50mile weeks for an upcoming ultra event. This is great for a training block but I find that I cannot sustain that kind of time commitment year round. My sweet spot seems to be around a 30mile week. This keeps me in good shape with plenty of other outdoor options open: mountain climbing, mountain biking, fly fishing, thru hiking, etc. Then, when I want to do another ultra, I have a great base to launch another big training block. Thanks for posting!

[@ChadLubinski]

Great comment here! I really like how you've identified you're sweet spot for mileage that will keep you in shape but also able to explore other options in the outdoors.

[@guin3666]

Go find the love and we will be here upon your majestic return.

[@ETCubing]

Some of my running friends like to (lightheartedly) make fun of me for how little weekly milage I do leading up to an ultra race. Normally I’m not afraid to skip or cut down a run if I’m feeling burnt out or if I feel an injury coming on, and I’ve been transitioning more into hiking mountains because I find it a more enjoyable way spend a day on my feet and a more enjoyable way to stay fit. It’s detrimental to my ultra running for sure but I’ve learned to also not take races too seriously either, doing fewer per year, and not being afraid to drop out if it’s not worth the added recovery time to keep going. Right now is the first time I’ve been injured in a long time because it’s the first time I’ve taken training and racing super seriously as I was going into my first 100 miler. Sticking to a strict training schedule and pushing through slight injuries that I wouldn’t normally push through doesn’t work for me anymore. I’ve decided that I have a greater understanding of how I can push my limits, and I don’t need do anything longer than a 50k race for the time being until my fitness goals shift back toward trying to push my limits again.

[@Kelly_Ben]

Good luck in healing quickly! I'm the same... I focus on overall fitness, only "train" for 6-7 hours max a week, and have plenty of time and energy left for life, and can still enjoy ultras.

[@ChadLubinski]

Great feedback here. Awesome self awareness! What 100M program were you following?

[@AveryFalash]

Reassuring take. I can relate heavily, this helped confirm some things to what I am experiencing.

[@candacetoms4927]

I don’t know if ultra running will ever be on my radar, but I would love to get into trail running more seriously, and start increasing the distance I cover.

[@ChadLubinski]

Trail running is a superpower!

[@austinjeffers6828]

100 percent just transitioned into this season of my life. Thanks for the video!

[@ChadLubinski]

You're so welcome!

[@dansouth2088]

I find that I can still do ultras when training very modest weekly mileage. Doesn't lead to your best performance, but it's still enjoyable to get out and challenge yourself. Doing new races also helps with the motivation factor. These days I typically keep it to 50k, but have done 50 and 100 milers.

[@mcsingleton]

The time commitment is what keeps me away from training for a full marathon. Once you get to those longer runs, you're losing a whole weekend of doing other things. I found that running two half marathons a year works well for me. One in early spring, which allows me to train in the winter. And one in late fall, where I can train for about a month since I'm usually more fit at the end of summer.

[@ChadLubinski]

Great points here. Those longer runs do indeed take a toll. Half marathons seem like a good distance too.

[@Mr_Fairdale]

Easy to get burnt out on a singular focus. My main focus is road running and specifically a 2:45 marathon. That seems impossible at this point but I also kind of like it that way. I do the odd ultra here and there to mix it up without getting too far away from the main goal. I also started doing calisthenics and KB training and might do an Ironman or even Hyrox just to break up the monotony. I saw some guys canyoneering once when I did the narrows in Zion. I've always wanted to try that too but I probably won't get around to it until my marathon goals are met. There's so much fun to be had though. So yeah dude ditch the bib and enjoy it. There will always be ultras if/when you want to get back at it!

[@ChadLubinski]

Thanks for the feedback brother. 2:45 marathon is badass!

[@funghaimedia]

I feel like I'm missing out on going to the gym(amongst other things). Love trail and ultrarunning, but the amount of time it takes away from other things, makes it tough.

[@ChadLubinski]

I feel you. I feel WAY better when I'm lifting in the gym regularly.

[@johnpetersson9853]

I thought I was the weakest man alive for not wanting to run big milage week in, week out for 5 years. Kept doing in and burned myself out. Thank you, this helpt out alot. Stay strong!

[@ChadLubinski]

Haha! I feel you man...I could never understand people putting in big mileage weeks year after year...you really have to love it.

[@manniezubia]

Great video bro 👍

[@ChadLubinski]

Hey thank you Mannie!

[@dorotejadnb]

Ultra running takes a lot of resources not just time. You really have to love it to do it. I stopped years ago due to injury (not related to running) and now that I finally have a chance to get back on track again… I find myself going for long hikes instead, running if I feel like it but that’s less than third of my mileage… I just got myself a pair of flashy trail sprinters bc I’m really starting to enjoy high intensity work, sprints. Not only does it take me only half hour 2x per week (including warm up and cool down) but it’s also super healthy for me, it really makes me feel good and agile. My priorities have changed through the years. I chilled out… I do other sports too but when I run, I run for health and pleasure and those runs of course are way short of any ultra distances. I find it freeing that I no longer need to stick to any running plans and training. I run when I want to and it’s so much more fun this way. I wouldn’t say this sort of approach would work for everyone but it works for me.

[@ChadLubinski]

This right here is what I'm looking forward to doing after this current training block. What would you say your weekly mileage is now?

[@dorotejadnb]

@@ChadLubinski 60km max weekly. I think that’s about 40 miles.

[@alwaysevolving281]

I started in 2018 and absolutely loved it. Ran many ultras, made many friends, saw some amazing trails, and became part of an awesome community. Then I became a father and it all went on pause simply because my 10-16 hours devoted to training went to being a father. Don't get me wrong, it's been a great transition in my life, but it wasn't until that point that I realized just how much time I was spending ultra training. INSANE.

[@ChadLubinski]

Spot on brother. Do you think you'll ever go back?

[@alwaysevolving281]

@@ChadLubinski I do see myself venturing back some day. Mainly because I love how it transformed my way of life and thinking till this day. That’s something I never experienced before ultra running. I’ll always be thankful for that and it’s the main reason I’ll get back to it.

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Just get some inline skates 😅

[@Ultralexander300]

Bye

[@allgoa]

Yeah have a like and a subscribe with a comment on top. Interested in hanging around and seeing where you go in the future!

[@ChadLubinski]

Thanks for the sub an coming along for the ride!

[@Kelly_Ben]

I think maybe you attained your goal, and it's time for a new one. I love ultras. Not just the challenge of accomplishment, but the entire scene. The ultra community is like nothing else. If I wait until I have 10-15 hours to train to perform at my best, I'd never run ultras at all. I run 3-4 days a week, with a max of 25-30 miles at peak, and plenty of strength and conditioning and cross training- which includes hikes with friends, rock climbing, etc- and I have the time and energy for life. I'm in it for the experience, not the performance. When I hit one goal, I switch it up. Flat 50k? Check. How about a mountain 50k. How about a 24 hour, or a relay, Ragnar, different distances, new PRs. If you don't have time for 100 milers, I bet you could DESTROY a 100k. If you're bored with what you're doing... change it! Ultra running is so much more than 100 mile races. That being said, everyone's reasons for running are different. If you've gotten the badass badge and you've achieved your one goal, no excuses needed... do what makes you happy.

[@ChadLubinski]

Awesome feedback. Have you seen decent performances in ultras with 25-30 mile weeks? When I trained for my 100 thats all I was averaging - not including a big mountaineering day during the weekend that was all about time on feet.

[@hunterabbott2011]

This isn’t the best but sometimes I get past the “ boring” runs by taking a small hit off a joint or a marijuana gummy 👀 time flies and sometimes the focus is better

[@ChadLubinski]

Haha!