How To Run Longer (without getting tired) – Ultra Marathon Training Tips

How can you run longer without getting tired? Long distance running such as marathon and ultra marathon requires specific training to increase endurance and allow you to run long distance almost without effort. Basically, zone 2 hocus pocus stuff. Those back-to-back long runs will get longer and longer, but you will somehow manage to be less tired during – reaching a state where you could keep going all day. .. And all night. … And some of the next day too!

Curious about the trail running gear I use and recommend: check out this link

Now let’s be clear, I’m not saying being able to run long distance such as a marathon without getting tired is easy – quite the contrary, it is very difficult. To “make it easy” is in itself quite an achievement. It requires persistence in training, hard work, and patience. But it can be done!

And today, I want to discuss about some tips to help you reach this. These tips I’ve discovered while racing 100 milers every month for the past 2 years. They are personal, and although they are quick to give, they are not quick or even easy to follow – but they are simple (and hopefully, helpful!).

Lastly, as mentioned in the video, Nora my wife, as been such a great partner through these years of racing. Crewing, pacing, training together. She is a wonderful person – and if you are not familiar with her, have a look at my Ouray 100, Badwater 135 or Leadville races. She is a wonderful person who always gives to other – and she’s been nominated as Best Pacer of the year by ultrasignup. Taking the 2 min to go vote for her would be greatly appreciated as none of these videos would be possible without her tremendous support!

*** Please Vote For Nora (Honora Einhorn) as Best Pacer Here:***
Sadly the voting period is over, but leave a comment below to thank her!!!

As always - Thanks for watching and remember -

Work Hard!
Believe in yourself!
Push your limits!

Simon

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[runningwithsimon]

You can vote for Nora as Best Pacer (Honora Einhorn) here! She's been such incredible support all year, and I'm sure you've seen how lovely she is :) Thank you so much!!!

[josiebones]

I have long understood the concept of running slow, but when you say it's OK to walk to keep myself in zone 2 and the idea is to arrive as fresh as possible not as fast as possible, well that's such a great way to put it and honestly how I need to hear it. Great video, thank you!

[craignason]

Honestly being in that ‘in the zone’ zone is incredible. 0 stress, 0 anger, just blissfulness.
Running helped me massively going through a breakup, now I run 3/4 times a week and been feeling as healthy as ever

[eingast]

Make pain your friend and you never run alone

[wallyevans]

Doing my first 50k this august . Using zone 2 training for say 2 months. Can’t wait to see the progress over spring. Only running 3% more per week gets me to 30 miles + . 👍🏽🌈
At 69 I’m lovin it!

[barryward]

Run like a Zulu warrior. They used to surprise/shock their enemies by turning up unexpectedly after travelling by foot over very long distances - fresh enough to fight and win a battle. How ? - by run /walking. Lord Robert Baden -Powell ( who created the Scouting Movement) noted this in Africa and introduced "Scouts pace" into the Scouting movement as a skill to learn

[RichRuns]

Running Slower is something that took me awhile to get used to but now it's easy to do.

[rrofdcc]

Been running ultras for years but still struggle with this. Have my first multi day coming up so these messages are critical. Thanks for the great tips. 😊

[anikaenger]

Great video, thank you. As someone who's always enjoyed running but can get caught up in tearing myself down for never being a "fast" runner, i appreciate the reminder to still slow down and remember why it's important. I ran my first trail half last fall and have no idea my timing, i just followed my body and smiled and enjoyed the run and can't wait to do it again. But i would like to run a marathon this late spring and am nervous, but this is encouraging and good ideas, thank you

[ashhopteach]

What a perfect video for the start of 2024! This is EXACTLY what I need to work on the most in my ultrarunning. Thank you so much Simon!

[sebastientorres]

Nasal breathing! Yes! Completely agree as a technique to keeping the pace down, and thus keeping in zone2

[dannyhendricks]

Thanks for this information! 100 miler every month is insane. I did 7 ultras last year (5 50ks and 2 50 miles) you have definitely inspired me to push further!

[iterato]

Great video, thanks. A couple of comments on breathing: 1) there is definitely research on benefits of nose breathing, e.g. book "Oxygen Advantage" goes into a lot of detail on this. 2) there is some good evidence that odd-number-of-steps breathing pattern is better than even, so something like breathe in on 3 steps, breathe out on 2. This is better because when we breathe out, there is usually a bit of weakening in the core, and with even pattern, we tend to then make that happen on the same side all the time. Going with odd distributes this between left and right. Incidentally, it avoids the problem of side stitches that some people experience when running. P.S. Voted for Nora!

[Tovashi]

This is the first video I've seen by you. Immediately liked and subbed because of the Megaman X intro. Looking forward to your content!

[evanwakelin]

For the last 2 years I've been slowly building up to runs longer than 10k. But it's like hitting a wall.
I'm 100% going to try your advice, and start by just running to stay fresh, instead of to the finish. Thanks!

[banksburke]

Ouray hat is such a flex. Loving these vids Simon

[blessedlouis]

Brother. I have been running and making progress. I seemed to hit a plateau then got injured. I was trying to get faster and lost sight of running slow in order to run fast. Great advice from a pro and, thank you Nora for everything, keeping my boy grounded ✅ There is no shame in walking‼️

[coolhatadventures]

Great advice, I just finished my 75th ultra marathon and ran my best 60k time. I recall hiking about a half a mile with another runner and this reset my entire aerobic system.

[lukegilchrist]

Great content demystifying the 'how' for aspiring ultra runners. Thanks, Simon!

[benjamintingkahhin]

You are talking about getting into a mental state of 'flow' through running. The Greek American has also touched on this topic few years back. Thanks ❤