Completing an ultra gives you bragging rights in all running circles. But training for one is a real challenge. It takes time, many hours on your feet, and, most importantly, the right mindset to pursue this lofty goal.
Years ago I set out to run my first ultramarathon and DNFed. While it wasn’t exactly the debut I had hoped for, my fascination with ultras only grew since then.
I have interviewed numerous ultra runners to get their take on the demands of the sport and what drives them. You can listen to episodes with:
On today’s podcast, I’m sharing my tips to successfully training for and completing your first ultra. And next time around, I’ll make sure to follow these suggestions myself!
Tips for Your First Ultra
This episode is a repost from the My First Ultra show, part of the Becoming Ultra podcast, with Kris and Carly. I met them at the Rocky Mountain Trail Camp where we bonded over running, training, and of course, podcasting.
This conversation is for aspiring ultra marathoners. After my own attempt, I have no delusions about the challenge that you’d be taking on, as I mention here:
Here are the 5 tips I offer to anyone pursuing their first ultra:
- Give yourself enough time – remember, it’s a mountain!
- Don’t put the race on a pedestal
- Don’t skip the speed work, it will pay off even during an ultra
- Incorporate strength training
- Find a course that is manageable
Diving deep into those tips, we talk about injury prevention and the value of a coach. I also share how I almost didn’t become a runner, what got me into the sport, and why I’m still here doing what I love.
Listen to the full episode below and I hope you’ll come away inspired!
Subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or Google Play.
Links & Resources from the Show:
- Follow Becoming Ultra on Instagram
- See more on their website
- ITB Rehab Routine
- Standard Core Routine
- Check out Strength Running’s training programs
Thank You InsideTracker!
Our show is supported by our longtime sponsor InsideTracker. Today, more than ever, it’s essential that we’re making the right decisions to keep our bodies healthy. To help us be resilient, prevent over-training, and optimize our running to get the most from it.
InsideTracker is the ultra-personalized nutrition platform that analyzes your blood and DNA biomarkers along with your lifestyle habits to help you optimize your body and reach your goals.
InsideTracker’s patented system will transform your body’s data into knowledge, insights, and a customized action plan of science-backed recommendations. The data can help you determine whether you’re running too much, not enough, or have some other issues that could be affecting your recovery or performance.
I’ve had my own blood drawn with InsideTracker several times and have been amazed at the valuable information that they provide. Not only are the results very detailed, but they also share guidance for how to improve any markers that are out of range.
If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, InsideTracker offers a selection of plans that best suit your needs with a limited time 25% discount.
Thank you Elemental Labs!
A big thanks to Elemental Labs for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. And you can get a free sampler pack of 4 flavors and 8 individual packets when you pay $5 in shipping.
Elemental Labs’ products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.
The citrus flavor has quickly become my favorite. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.
There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense.
They just released their first new flavor of 2021, their most requested flavor, watermelon salt. So check out Elemental Labs to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack.
