The Secret Ultra Runners Want You To Know...

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Ultra running has been a wonderful journey for me, and I know more people can get into it with the right mindset.

[louisbuisson]

I just completed my first Ironman at 60 and took my time to do it. After the bike leg I calculated how much time I had left for the marathon and I knew then that I could walk it and I'd be fine. Ended up running/walking with different people and made it with time to spare. Now I'm looking at Ultra's!

[Reckoning]

I find Ultras to be Kinder to the body and mind than regular marathons.
Regular marathons are all about PRs, racing, competition and pressure. You’ll push yourself to verge of death to hit a new PR.
Ultras, while still being races, are much more about the experience itself and the mental strength to get to the start line.
I’m a marathoner myself but I have to admit that the trail and ultra community always seem like the more fun and more relaxed bunch of people. They seem to be more in tune with life if that makes sense.

[keithkool]

A quote that I think is perfect for running ultra marathons:
"Your mental resilience is your greatest asset. Cultivate a mindset that thrives challenge, embraces discomfort and finds beauty in simplicity. Your thoughts can be a wellspring of strength. Celebrate small victories for they are the stepping stones to survival and success."

[OmahaTonyG]

Im a marathon runner but I do Ultras from time to time.

One of the best suggestions I was given was to focus on beating the cutoff times and only worry about completing the ultra marathons.

After you have done a few you have a better feeling of the pace you need to do and the fueling strategy.

Also you will be less sore after a 50 miler than after a 26.2 road race.

[snickersthingz]

Ultra cutoff times are very generous, provided you don't get any kind of injury it is entirely possible to walk most of it. Its truly inspiring to see the variety of ages and body shapes getting those finisher medals.

[BaurJoe]

That bit about *not* thinking about how you felt at the end of a particular distance is key to me. I remember when I finished my first half-marathon and couldn't imagine going a step further. Then after my first marathon, I couldn't imagine going a step further. But because I was smart about how I ran my first ultra, and I know I'd run differently in a longer distance, I *can* imagine going further.

[jimatsydney]

I became an ultra runner through a bush walking club. As a group we went in a 100 km, 4100 m vert event, just prepared to walk it. I ran 20 km and walked 80 and I was hooked. I agree, you need to change your mind set for ultra trail events.

[hicky]

Not an ultra but when I did my first trail run I was wondering why everyone was running so slow. Was passing a lot of people then the first big hill came - which I knew to walk - but man at the top I've never felt so gassed 😂. Doing my first backyard ultra in Feb so will definitely conserve the energy and 'enjoy the views' - I like that!

[seedmole]

Once I came across the advice of "walk the uphills, run the flats, jog the downs" it all clicked for me. Just because it's a run doesn't mean you aren't allowed to walk some portions. Maximizing distance and pace (including number of runs/hikes) means you're gonna want to walk a whole lot.

[michaellane]

I am not officially a trail runner, yet. Starting this journey at 68. Have been a casual road cyclist over the past 25 and throughout my life but decided to give it a go. Was a sprinter in school, many moons ago. As a cyclist I have learned pace. Now getting my walks in and starting the what I refer to as the shuffle, still staying with this pace concept. Goals will be to do maybe a short distant trail, 5k, 10k & upper the ladder to possibly a 30k next year. Also kind of giving up on the road somewhat and venturing over to gravel. Mountain biking doesn't interest me. Bike packing distances and trail utras are on the horizon. I say that to myself each day I'm out, it's better to be out than in so take care of the frame that carries you.

[TrailRunnerReviews]

Love this, absolutely is the best approach. Most of my runs are that sort of “micro adventure” and it’s not about speed but time on my feet. Your head space is so important with these longer efforts I feel like. Cheers- Tom

[r-pupz]

Got my first 50k ultra booked for next May, I'm so scared but so excited! Videos like this are so helpful, thank you :)

[Glasshousebc]

Spot on about that marathon runner… your following words were perfect.

[wyliemacbean]

Hello, you have such a beautifully calm voice to listen to and I enjoyed listening. I have run most of my life and I am now slowly increasing my distance for more long distances after surviving Chronic myeloid leukaemia ( CML ). I hope you continue to tell your running stories. Have a great day, cheers. Wylie

[MadJugglerTV]

Thank you, Chris. The video is just what I needed and was looking for. I ran the Eugene Marathon 10 years ago with only 4 months of training. I weighed 255 lbs and finished the race in 6:54. Finishing is all I cared about and I enjoyed the whole experience. Now, I am 48 and am signing up for the Mckenzie River Trail Run that will take place this June. I've lost 20 lbs and am looking forward to enjoying this race as well. I am not a consistent runner, but I walk a lot and work in construction, so I am a pretty active person. You, reminding me of this proper mindset, is what I needed to remember how to do this. Thanks :)

[combinasion]

Thanks for creating genuine content rather than some click bait, this is very useful information!

[bev]

GREAT video Chris, so happy to find your channel and subscribe!! The "adventure attitude" you mention I found to be by far the most important factor to start truly pushing my distances and volumes into the lowest ultra distances now. There is SO much inspiration here on youtube too, it's changed my life ... for me it was especially Kieran from Manvmiles when he ran the entire length of the Danube River summer 2022, following him totally changed my attitude. THANKS Chris!!!!

[SD-euht]

If only other professionals spoke with the same clarity. Great one

[piotrrostow]

I am still on my 5k… but this video got me thinking lol 😊

[bsljkvh]

Great video! I turned to ultras after a few years of triathlons (5 full Ironmans) and it is a totally different adventure! I worked my way up in distance and earlier this year did my first 200 miler.

I will celebrate my 55th birthday shortly by running my 10th ultra of 100 miles or more and I feel the healthiest ever.

It is 100% achievable for everyone if you take it slow, follow a good training plan or approach, eat great and enjoy the journey.

Life is for living !