Training for my First Ever Ultra Marathon

We've set Sarah a few challenges over the last year but none will be as daunting as her next one, completing an ultra marathon in Thailand. Before heading off across the globe, Sarah caught up with ultra runner Paul Tierney, who gave her some advice on how best to prepare ahead of a punishing 54km UTMB event in Thailand.

Paul is a great person to speak to about this as he has previously completed the Lakeland 100, a 100-mile ultra marathon through trails in the Lake District National Park; he completed the race in 20 hours 42 minutes and he now works as a running coach based in Cumbria, specialising in natural running techniques.

↓↓ What are your tips for running an ultra? Are you thinking that 2022 might be the year you finally begin training for one? Let us know in the comments below. ↓↓

What’s in this video?
00:00 Training for my first ever ultra-marathon
01:03 How do I train when my goal is to finish?
03:20 How do I stay motivated while walking in an ultra?
04:55 How do you tackle hills?
06:28 How do I pick up the pace after a climb?
07:00 How do you manage speed?
08:36 What kit do I need?
10:49 How do I run downhill?
11:38 How do I fuel for an ultra?
14:10 What should I do at an aid station?
15:50 What do I do on race day?


MUSIC licensed by Artlist:
• Brainstorm by huan
• Waterfall by MILANO
• Tell it in a letter by Straight White Teeth
• Motion by LiQWYD
• For You by Ziv Moran
• Patagonia by Platonick Dive

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[runningchannel]

What are your tips for running an ultra? Are you thinking that 2022 might be the year you finally begin training for one? Let us know in the comments below.

[prashamthakkar]

Sarah is no more an "average runner". Massive props to her, just finished her first ever marathon 2 months ago and now doing ultras.. WOW. We're so proud of you!!

[ThatRunningGuy]

Love how Sarah comes across on camera. So positive and such a natural. Keep on inspiring

[Ralsar]

Wasn't Sarah an "average" runner who had never run more than a half-marathon just a few months back (okay maybe 8ish months back)? You aren't average anymore Sarah. Doing great!

[ciaranokelly]

The two best pieces of advice that have got me through all my ultras are 1: practice your run/walk strategy, getting used to that start stop feeling is critical for later in the run when starting to run after walking gets really hard. 2: rather get to the start line underprepared then injured or sick, listen to your body in training and take the extra rest days when necessary.

[si]

I love Sarah's attitude. I remember her feeling like crap one day in her "follow my watch" video and still, she's always like "lets get this done." She just does it and ticks it off. Great attitude and energy. I want to be more like her. Go, Sarah!

[Jazmin_Ortega]

This is very timely! After 22 marathons, I’m finally ready to tackle an ultra and the advice is very helpful. One subject I don’t often see covered is whether someone needs a crew for support or if ultras can be self supported. Would like to see more on the subject, thanks! Greetings from Los Angeles.

[Bolastristes]

First of all good luck!
Regarding advices (in no particular order):
-check the food it will be available during the race (see what works and what doesn't)
-about 4-5 weeks before the race do a 6:8 hours run (loops are great for this... So you do not need to carry way too much)
-chafing can be a problem, take with you K-Tape (different lengths) and applied them as soon as you start to feel that something is not working good
-start with K-Tape in the areas that can be problematic, .. normally areas of your feet.
-learn the trail... Check elevation maps, YouTube videos, and talk with people that already run the specific race.
-my advice for most of the stations is in and out as fast as possible. Cutoff times can be a b**ch.
- be more on your feet than usual... We normally seat way to much, your body needs to adjust to the change. Stand-up desks are great

Enjoy the race and the training (much better than marathon training)

[dennytong]

Did my first 100km self-supported and self-navigated mountain race this year. Things I've learnt:
1. Eat at regular intervals to sustain your energy (I bonked after 70km after not eating after 3 hours). Took about 1, 5 hours to get out of the rut.
2. Practice race day nutrition to see what works, things that might upset your stomach, etc
3. Train the mind to be positive when things get tough
4. Wear new socks on race day. Don't want them blisters 😂

So excited to follow this journey you're on Sarah! Can't wait for the next set of videos and all the best for your training.

[MsTrinichic]

I 😱!!! Sarah is crushing these goals...I'm here for the ride! This will be epic

[CalmingAnxiety]

First off, THANK YOU. As a "non runner" I now go out not running every day I can, training towards my first ultra in October 2022 (Now August). From being a chunky powerlifter to losing nealy 20 kilos as I am also doing this on a keto lifestyle.
So, no gels for me. Once I was not running over 5k I started with training my body to eat while moving. I eat cheese!!! My body burns fat for energy, all my long sessions (over 10k) are done very early morning and fasted over 12 hours minimum.
I have yet to feel that shaky sugar dip .
But my take away from all your videos - inspirational.
For anyone who is older (I am 58), yes you can do this, just dont do it with your 18 year old brain.

[PapiShrekTV]

Runnng my first ultra in october so I'm Happy i Found this channel!!

[Jess-Rabbit]

Wow Sarah is hard-core. I just ran my first marathon the same day as her but I want to do a few more until an Ultra. So intimidating. You got this!

[akfilms]

I'm training for my first marathon next year. At first I thought I will just sign up for classic marathon, but then I saw beautiful trail event in my country in October and it is 47 km. A bit more than marathon, but it's ultra already! Sounds so cool! I'm in!

[spoons]

Great video Sarah....
A friend told me the week before my first Ultra and said there is no wall.... THERE IS NO get that in your head.... you can't stop.... you have to keep running only 6 more easy chatty pace, doesn't matter just get them in!!! Job done !!!

[chrisbennett]

Can't wait to see the actual event video The picture of you crossing the line clearly shows how all these challenges are having a positive effect on you physically !!!

[petraalma]

Great video. You didn’t talk about running poles. I know it’s more of an alpine thing than a UK thing to use poles, but I find them a great help in longer distances especially because my feet are quite clumsy on technical terrain when I get tired. Also helps to keep me more upright on the uphills which aids breathing.

[thomasaussem]

Thank You -- Just completed my 3rd marathon 9 days ago at Myrtle Beach, kept with the 5:30 pacers and thinking about taking the next step

[jurgenwolfgang]

Sarah, you doing awesome. I can't wait for your first Ultra dear. All the best wishes & prayers for strong finish.

[ldickens]

Great video. Got my first 60k ultra in January. Some good info on this 👍