“ make running a part of your lifestyle one mile at a time ”

Is There An Ultra-Marathon In You?

“ For those of you who do make it, you will cross that finish line as a different person. You will be forever changed by the experience. You will learn more about yourself in the next day than you have previously known in an entire lifetime.” - Dean Karnazes, ultramarathoner

Running is a series of steps. There are the physical steps you take every day on the road, one foot in front of the other. There are mental and emotional steps that come with committing yourself to a running lifestyle. There are steps involved in building speed, strength, and endurance. And of course, there are the races themselves. Thousands of steps make up every 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full marathon.

But what's beyond the marathon distance? What happens if you take that step beyond 26.2?

"Ultra" means far beyond the norm. Most people, even runners, agree ultra-marathoners are "beyond the norm." But most runners would be surprised to learn that an ultra-marathon is not reserved for the elite (or the mentally insane). Just like every other race, ultra-marathons are filled with average, everyday runners - people just like you.

Just How Far Are We Talking Here?

Technically, anything over a standard marathon distance is an ultra. Standard ultras come in at 30, 50, or 100 miles. Fifty milers tends to be the bar for claiming true ultra-marathoner status�at least among ultra-marathoners.

If you're thinking, "Right. I'm exhausted in a marathon so there's no way I could make an ultra," you're not alone. Ninety plus percent of runners will never attempt an ultra, many because they think it's unattainable. Also, they wrongly assume they will spend all their time training.

Train & Still Maintain A Life

"The secret in running ultra-marathons is to restructure your training, not merely add more miles," states running coach and author Hal Higdon. In other words, ultra training doesn't mean doubling your time spent running. What changes is how you train. Speed takes second place to time spent on your feet. Slow and steady is the key.

Your training will involve learning to take nutrition while running and learning to run with a back pack, if you don't already. There's also a lot of walking involved in ultra-marathons, and this is often incorporated into training plans. Twenty minutes running and five minutes walking is common. Expect to walk most hills.

Ideally, you'll train with other ultra-marathoners. Don't be shy about asking for advice. Ultra-marathoners, while competitive, are known to be highly supportive of one another. Ask for help and chances are strong you'll find it.

Picking Your Ultra

Which ultra should you run? Most coaches recommended finding an ultra that's as flat and close to home as possible for your first. You'll be nervous enough without facing thirty miles of hills. However, a trail ultra might be kinder on your body than thirty to fifty miles of paved road. Just be sure to train on a route that resembles the ultra you've selected.

Why Do It?

Is running an ultra-marathon something you have to do? Of course not. But therein lies the glory. Ultra-marathons are for people who push harder and want more. Many people crave the challenge of testing their limits, both physically and emotionally. Running an ultra can be a confidence inspirer, a spiritual journey, and simultaneously the worst/best moment of your life. Running an ultra is an option for everyone but undertaken by only a few.

Will that few include you?

Ultra Tips

How long will you be out there? For a fifty miler, double your marathon time and add two hours. If the course is hilly, multiple your marathon time by three.
Find a point-to-point race or one with few laps. That way, there's less chance of stopping.
You don't have to run a marathon before you attempt an ultra.
Why do you want to run an ultra? Write down your goals and post them where you can see them daily. You can draw on these golden nuggets around mile

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