How Long To Train For An Ultramarathon | First Ultramarathon Training Advice

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In this video, I explain how long you should train for before your first ultramarathon. Some people believe you should train for many years before running an ultramarathon while others do it in only weeks. Learn how long you should train for your first ultramarathon. What would you like to see next?

[guskoerner]

I am 61 yrs old and a regular walker. I am planning on my longest walk ever, 62 miles at my 62nd birthday, in Aug. 2021. I am listening very carefully to your advice. Thank you.

[st]

Couch to 50K. I planned a half marathon, but my son entered me for a 50K Ultra for my 60th b'day, so 9 months from the couch. 1 month to go, and I'm ready; done 40K runs and feeling good!

[VRietySociety]

I would suggest 4 months for a half and then another 4 for marathon and then another 5-6 for ultra for someone that's new to running but relatively healthy

[vratislavjindrich]

Please be careful, Goggins was a navy seal (and a ranger) before he got into long distance running, who had quite an experience with physical stress over long periods of time. Yes, he was not a runner, but he was used to prolonged hard physical activity, so he was in a way better position for going from a non-runner to ultra-runner, than your regular run of the mill couch potato. Great video nontheless !!

[rqrttil]

Um sir … the majority of Americans can’t even run a mile, let alone a 5k. I’m so confused. How can you say that you can get from couch to 50k in 16 weeks? Let alone 100mi? Are you being serious?

[conradburdekin]

When I started running last year, if I’d started with week 1 20 mikes and finished week 16 50 miles I’d have been injured almost certainly.

[adamsadams]

I signed up nearly 1 1/2 out for my 100 miler- but I am slowly filling in smaller races to help keep me motivated so I feel confident and strong for it. I have two 50ks, a 50 miler, and a 100k before I run my 100 miler (also, the farther out you sign up, the cheaper it can be!!!)

[alexm]

I hadn’t worked out in years, got up last Sunday morning and jogged 10 miles without stopping. Felt okay, a little sore that day. Woke up the next day and was limping, both knees sore as hell and my hip flexors were on fire. Started a marathon training plan and just completed the first week. Already feeling better and ready to build. May try an ultra in a couple years after I complete my half marathon, marathon, and sprint triathlon. Good luck everyone

[mbengaful]

I agree on one thing. In order to keep motivation you need to set short term goals. If your only goal is more than 1 year away you're very likely to grow tired and back off. But you need to set realistic goals, and for 99% of the people going from virtually zero exercise to even just a half marathon in a few months is not realistic.
Yeah, if your life depended on it you could leave your couch tomorrow and walk/crawl your way to a 50k finish line but it would be pointless.

[JDMimeTHEFIRST]

I started doing 50 some weeks. This is difficult with a full time job where you don’t work from home. I’ve only done one marathon. I figure I will do a few marathons (at least 3) then do an ultra. Some people think I have been training for an ultra only because I did two long runs on a weekend. Winter running is easier for me. It’s difficult to get miles in in the summer when it’s hot. But I find I can run 20 miles now one day and then 13 the next with no issues. I need to improve strength training to prevent injuries, but I think otherwise, I would do okay.

[ziadirida]

Most people cAN NOT do 50k ultra without training

[joekern]

Good video. My first 100 miler is in 8 weeks. Really nervous. Longest so far is 56. Mentally I got this. I'm a bigger guy, about 230lbs and 40 years old so I'm a little worried about all the joints holding out

[michaellane]

I'm 67 and just getting into this program, at a very safe pace I might add. Know what you are capable of first. I started just walking a 5k 6 days a week at mostly a comfortable pace, Not pushing each time, merely finishing within a certain amount of time. I've now moved it up to 6 miles three days a week, 3.6 miles two times a week and an 8 miler on Saturday. I am moving this up each month now, moving forward. This will go on until February of 2024, by one mile added to each three day period and same with the two day. Saturday with also just be an additional 2 miles. In February I will change my two days a week with runs of the same distance and the Saturday the same. There's a possibility that I may enter a 50k by late summer, early fall of slow, as in a good walk pace for the first 3-4 miles then move it up to a slow run for a few miles with a walk break of around 5 minutes then back to a run. The idea is strictly for finishing strong, regardless of the time and not injuring myself. Have been a road cyclist for many years. Knowing one's limitations and pacing yourself accordingly from the start will lead to hopefully an injury free event. Pain is edible, the mental grind undoubtedly by far is the destroyer of those unwilling to prepare, in both arenas.

[michaelgrimes]

So im guinea pigging your theory, or at oeast very similar...heres my situation..
50 mile ultra in 6 days..(may 13)
Running since February...
Averaged 40ish miles a week.
I have a pretty strong base fitness level, so i tend to have "gains" fairly quick..
Basically i did daily 1-1.5 hr runs with 4-6 hr long run every sat.
I did a solo "5k" every week on one day where id work on a little speed, but mostly it was just 8:30-10:30 min miles.
Mostly it did what i hoped, forced a healthier lifetstyle...i look great and trim, always feel strong, havent been sick, i lost 15 pounds that i honestly didnt even know i needed to lose...so i feel like a winner already...i will make sure to cone back and conment my result(prayers accepted)

[coops]

Learn early a good efficient running technique & how to maintain a low heart rate and in particular the ultra shuffle, it will save you in those dark times.
To prove a point to myself I recently completed a 65km road race with absolute zero training and no food 48 hours (fasting) prior to the start. Relied on muscle memory & technique from 15 years of ultras. Finished just outside top 10 place.

[richardcollins]

50k feels scary, though I’m tempted. Did two half’s in Sept and one in Oct. Started my 25 week marathon training block today for May next year. Kind of feel that a 50k in July next year is doable. I’ve been running consistently for 4 years now.

[corpsmankind]

I'm 34 and quit drinking 6 months ago. Former combat medic and state champion wrestler- so decent atheletic history. Running replaced booze and I'm getting in 10miles 5 days per week. My 10mile is with 9min mile pace, knees and feet are good. You think I have a shot at an ultra?

[marianobruno]

Where can I find my 16 week training plan? 😊

[mbengaful]

Rather misleading. Someone who runs 40 miles per week is far from a begginer, let alone a couch potato.
I think you should have at least 2 years of experience running consistently before even thinking about preparing a marathon or ultramarathon.

[navalravikant]

I like you right from the start when you say 'many ppl have the mental capacity to go for a no-cot 50k race'. That's my mindset right from the start lol