Writing my 100k mountain ultramarathon training plan

👉 Want a deep dive into the strength training I do during a training block? I have now created it as a program, 'Mountain Strong' here:

And here are some of the videos I mentioned in the video:

Happy training 😊🙏

[JamesAlberts]

The views on those mountain runs are stunning! Another great video, thanks, Chris!

[eric-running-to-chamonix]

Just a few random thoughts. I looked at the cutoffs for UTS 100k. They seemed generous, but then I looked at the course profile and understand. One-third of the starters in your race last year DNF'd (which is the same ratio as a 100k I did last year with "only" 3500m of elevation, albeit in a tropical storm). At the race I did (also UTMB), the cut-offs were based on when you left the aid station, not when you arrived. I noticed that people (with crew) were spending what seemed like a lot of time at the aid stations, chatting and taking care of their feet. Also in the night, it became a death march through the dark (and rain). I hadn't done night time training and it was hard going over the wet, technical terrain. This is where I lost the most time, especially since it was far into the race and my printed-out race plan didn't match the distances showing on my watch, and I became disoriented/dispirited. Fortunately I had trained a lot on running muddy downhills and picked up time on those (except at night). Simon Guerard put out a video recently in which he distinguished "hill training" from "training for hills". I don't know UTS, but I bet that there was a lot of quad-trashing. Looking forward to more of your training story.

[ChrisVidouras]

Thanks for sharing, the value of your videos for all of us is wonderful! The bigger YT numbers are definitely coming and you deserve them! I started running this past fall and I fell in love with the damn thing. I'm currently on the 9th week of a 20 week marathon program and I think I can see the benefits of a shorter program. Best of luck!!

[mattheap-producer]

Running my first ultra (50mile) in May and your videos have been great at giving me ideas for training. Cheers man

[TT]

Very good video and sharing how you develop your training plan. I am in a similar position to you and previously used those two books for my training plans. I've signed up for the Eiger trail 51km race in July and following Personal Best Program which is a MAF based. Will watch your progress with interest, especially the 4 runs/week to see how that helps you. Good luck with your training!

[timeonfeet]

Thanks for sharing this Chris. Great to hear how you're approaching your training. I've signed up for the same race and also don't live in the mountains so this was super useful!

[adelesparke]

Great video thanks and super useful. I’m in a very similar boat with work, family and time limited. Also don’t live near any hills without a long drive. Great that you have put together your own plan. I’ve taken set race plans and juggled them around to suit my availability and back to back days are a winner 👍🏻

[JHF]

Thank you for this video. I will be revisiting your content regularly.

[marktbarr]

This is fantastic. Thanks for making it!

[winskiii]

I'm happy to see this new series of videos about training!
I would love to watch some content about how to effectively manage the increase in running mileage while still incorporating strength training. For me, this is the toughest aspect.
Looking forward to seeing you in May at the UTS100! 😊

[_theadventure_mattrix]

Hey Chris, all your tips and tricks are super useful for those of us that are completer’s not “competer’s”. I have signed up for my first 50klm and Al on an online training plan but just trying to maintain fitness until the ultra training block!!!! Also city dweller!!! Keep it up I have added in ALOT of your suggestions. Thanks Fish 🇦🇺

[palmerprod]

So glad i found this video. I'm 7 weeks out from my first 100k and this exactly the info i needed.

[CatsAreTheBestPeople-mmfo]

I'm a recovering "Expert Sitter"! 😂 Over a year into abstaining from excessive sitting, now.
Attempting an ultramarathon is a long way off for me, although I would love to get there in the future. Currently training for my first half-marathon, which I'm planning on being be a hilly trail adventure.
Thanks for the great videos, Chris. 👍

[paulinew]

I've been doing zone 2 run training for Paris marathon since watching your videos. This will be my 10th marathon but all the others I went for time and feel awful after. This one I want to finish feeling good so will run it zone 2 all the way. I really like your video the only four runs you need and will add in the other 2 training sessions after my marathon because I'm doing the OMM in October. Will keep watching your progress as it inspires me to do better....Thanks

[peterlee]

This is a very well-thought-out training plan. My biggest problem, and I presume for so many type A ultra runners, is burnout and subsequent injury. I'll borrow some of your principles for my upcoming training block, which happens to be a 100K as well (albeit mostly flat).

[michelleharnett]

I love your philosophy in developing your plan.

[matthewpaulden]

Great video Chris thanks ..using your videos as motivation and a guide to working towards my first ultra.Just signed up for my first trail half marathon in Cheddar so looking forward to this ..keep them coming 👍

[ttsff]

Just found your channel and I love it. Some brilliant advice here. I going to have to go through the back catalogue. I'm currently training for my first 100km mountain ultra.

[moeezmalik]

Great insights here Chris, i think an interesting follow up video would be your approach to nutrition during this training block

[lakelandtrailrunner]

Looks like a good plan mate. Hope the training goes well, staying injury free in the build up is the name of the game for me ☺️ signed up for the UTS100 too so might see you out there 🤘🏻