How to Be Totally Ready for Your First 100 Mile Run

This is the video I wish someone had made me, when I was preparing for my first 100 miler. Running your first 100 miler is ABSOLUTELY as big of a deal as it seems! While the task is daunting and filled with all kinds of reasons things could fall apart on race day, it's worth the feeling of pride when you finish (and for all those years after). I give you a full breakdown of the mental, physical and logistical details necessary for finishing. Good luck and let me know how things play out!

Great resources for your mind:

How I Took Care of Blisters:

Gear I like:

Electrolytes/nutrition I like:

[GreatCoveRunningTV]

"My mind is going to give up before my body does". Lots of good stuff in this video, but that phrase is a big one! I tell people that to finish an ultra, especially a 100 miler, you have to be stubborn. I've had plenty of moments where I simply ran out of reasons to keep running. All I had left was stubbornness. I just keep telling myself "I came here to run 100 miles, and I'm going to do it". Thanks for the informative video!

[kingtrumpet]

Thank you Coach Holly, I love your vids. You, know it's vids like this that have me wishing I was 25 years younger, you are inspiring. I would definitely be "thinking", yes let's do that 100 miler, and I would have hired you as my Coach. The "badass" coach, who walks the walk, and who can be pushy, but yet so motivating and encouraging. For now, just know this: your vids at TRE and these vids have totally helped "this old guy" over the past 3 or so years to become much healthier. I'm always grateful for you.

[steevoridgeline]

Such a great coverage and perfect timing for me ! im struggling with Achilles tendon issues since my last year prep for 100k and yet still 359 days later still cannot run more than one minute without pain despite all the efforts i invested into the recovery process... also, my dad stage 4 brain and lungs cancer too right now like you had to deal with... the 100k is june 17th but ill have again this year to give up on this project im afraid to say, because the pain and also the 2 months death sentence for my dad. Maybe next year i guess again ill have a shot or for the following years... i just try to stay sane and do everything i can to heal this Achilles mess. Your video today was so refreshingly welcomed to my day and give hope for whats next for me. thanks again ! ☀💚☀

[moremilesmorefun]

Such a great video! I'm running my first 50 miler in November. I'd love 100 miles but honestly I'm scared to run in the dark and don't like the idea of running multiple days in a row so 50 milers might be it for me until I get over that haha!

[jmcgee]

I just ran my first one and the mental aspect is HUGE. I read some books, kept a journal, and really dove into the mental preparedness. Im confident that mental toughness and a great crew are the ONLY reasons I finished.

[cloo]

Great advice! I think it’s also important during training to find ways to trick yourself to enjoy the pain. It’s crucial for 100 mile runners to learn to enjoy suffering or it’s hard to get through it.

[johngardner]

Great content as always, Holly. I am following your advice 100% for my first 50 miler next month.

[Kelly_Ben]

This was fantastic, you covered a well worn topic in such a fresh way! I took away so much from this, and I'll check out your links and resources. Thanks!!

[mickreid]

Thanks for that Holly, you covered everything there. I'm doing a 50k in April and will see how that goes before commiting to anything longer. I'm retiring in July so hope to have more time to train so who knows? Thanks again it's a big help. 🖖👍👊😊

[yveslaingui]

Thanks for sharing! Great content. Are there runners who run 100milers without support crew?

[Mooghasi]

Awesome video. Full of great info and tips. Thanks. I have done the Goggins 4x4x48 once in 2021 it was wicked. Kicked my ass but like you I watch his stuff a lot and not only read his book twice but I use the audio book for some of my longer runs. My question is what 100 miler did you do?? And do you know what 100 mile ultras have the longest cut off times. I wanna finish and I will finish. I dream of one day doing western states or Leadville but living in the Midwest and still being overweight those cut off times are daunting!!! Thank you Holly

[tsubakichan]

Don't think I'll ever train for a 100-miler, but ... I am considering my first 50K later in the year. I think most/all the principles you laid out are good advice for that distance as well!

[Mericroy]

Added to my Favorites! Im currently training for my first 100 miler... your video was very instructive. Thank you so much! :)

[mandalorianhunter]

Saw you left the THE after you posted your last video months ago.

Decided to look you and glad I found you. I'm going to try to get back into running again.

I did last year and kept it up for months before slumping back into procrastinating. I'm going to get my act together.

[tyhigby]

Great video! Thanks for the info! A no BS approach to training, and I love your focus on the sustainability of the running. Definitely a misconception in the sport! Doesn’t need to be 3 hours of running every day! Just 3-5 days of running!

[jackycamos]

Awesome tips and advice. Thank you so much!

[Mark_Hemmings]

This was very helpful and wise advice. Thank you!

[MrBootsElectrik]

Holly, this was a great video. Well spoken and super insightful.

[MJ]

Thank you for your great comprehensive advice.

[drbleachers]

Thank you so much. Your videos are full of so much information and useful/practical tips. I appreciate you and your willingness to share your knowledge.