Amazing! Best of luck finding your first ultra ☺️🙏

Amazing! I would love to do a backyard ultra. I was doing a race at the weekend where someone had run one recently. He said that the winner always came in the laps last. Most people were doing them in about 50 minutes, but the guy who won it would come in at 58, until his victory lap which he smashed in about 30 minutes 😂

I ran m'y fatest half marathon was 1h17 marathon was 3h00 . The ultra is moré about always moving and always being consistant. The intervalle for a marathon and ultra is the dame, the long run are différent. Personnally i rather run an ultra fast hiking

I love this advice! Ultras go so much better if you start slow. If you make the first couple of cut-offs and feel like there's energy in the tank, then you can push at the end, but most people go out too fast (I made this mistake in the early days too!). And yes, I definitely ache less after ultras - I still find this so counterintuitive, but its true ☺️ Good luck with your running ☺️🙏

If you're not doing active recovery as you go, you're probably not going to finish! Shorter distances let you self-destruct your way to the end and pay for it later. (Though what constitutes short is all relative.)

I agree, I love seeing everyone on the start line, it's so inspiring and I wonder what peoples' stories are that got them there 😊🙏

Go and do a Mud Crew event and get back to us. 😂

What a wonderful quote, thank you 😊🙏

It's such a helpful shift in mindset. Good luck with your running 😊🙏

I love this! I'm sure you will get there. I much prefer trail to road too; there's something about covering distance out in nature that is good for the soul. Good luck on the journey ☺️🙏

The man who convinced me to try ultras in my 40s was a volunteer at a race. He was in his early 70s, had only started running in his mid 60s, and now did mainly flatter ultras! Completely inspirational! Good luck on your journey!

I completely agree, it sounds like you've got a great approach. Good luck on the journey ☺️🙏

My weight is 180 pounds I've weighed my pecker too it's an extra 2 lbs dry.

I discovered in my last ultra how important this is, as I DNF'd because of a poor mental game. I'm going to make a video about this soon, because it's such an important aspect of ultrarunning. Thanks for the comment 😊🙏

I love this! And I'm so inspired by these people too. KZfaq has genuinely helped me in my life, and I hope to share a little bit of that positivity back ☺️🙏

Bit by bit, you'll get there if you want to 🙏☺️

Thanks so much, I appreciate that ☺️🙏

Ooh amazing! I've heard that race has such a good vibe, it's definitely on my bucket list. Good luck with the training 😊🙏

Love it! I hope you enjoyed your run ☺️🙏

Amazing! You will love it! I was terrified before my first 50k too, but the fear is good; it helps you stick to the plan and get the training done. Best of luck with it! 🙏

I’m also doing my first one in may! Good luck!

50k lol bloody hell

Amazing! Your active lifestyle will definitely help you. Just add a little bit of interval slow running to those long walks, then gradually shift the ratio, and you're an ultrarunner! Good luck on the journey 😊🙏

Amazing! Best of luck training for your first ultra. It's so exciting building up the distance, and getting ready for that first race. I have plenty more videos in the pipeline that I hope will help 😊🙏

Thanks so much ☺️🙏

Sorry for the slow reply, this slipped through the net! Best of luck getting into ultras ☺️🙏

😂 I've definitely turned into that special kind of idiot 🤦‍♂️😂

Amazing! I really hope your training goes well for your first 50k. It sounds like you're off to a great start already ☺️🙏

I ran my 1st 50 miler Sept 30. I tested positive for covid 2 days before.

Haha I love that run forever feeling! ... although I've found it doesn't last forever 🤔😂 It's wonderful while it lasts though 😊🙏

Thanks Rob. And yes, slowing down for some of the runs can be a game changer 😊

Hey fellow osteo! And I wish you the best with your ultra. I've never raced in the Lakes, but I really want to. Hopefully next year. I'm so pleased my videos have helped too 😊🙏

This is brilliant! I have no doubt you will get there 😊🙏

Amazing! Best of luck tomorrow! ☺️🙏

How'd it go!?

Thanks so much! Focus on consistency and you'll get to ultra distance before you know it ☺️🙏

You're an inspiration! Thanks so much for the comment. I really hope to be continuing my journey well into my 50's and beyond. I'm only 38, but I also feel the best I've ever felt. I've just hit my first hundred-miler a few weeks ago. At first, I was thinking, 'never again!' but I'm already planning my next one 🤦‍♂️😂 200-miles though? That's incredible! Thanks again for the comment 🙏

Thanks so much for the comment, and I wish you the best in increasing your distance in running. Happy training 😊🙏

Absolutely, this is so true 🙏

Amazing! You'll get there, it's a fun journey ☺️🙏

Thanks so much, I appreciate that 😊🙏

Amazing! What a wonderful journey you're on. Best of luck with your training :)

It sounds lovely! ... and yes, climbs always suck 😂

Wow, that's incredible! I'm a big fan of barefoot training and I wear minimal shoes to work and the gym, but I treat myself to a bit of cushion in running and wear Altra. To cover that distance completely barefoot shows incredible resilience 💪☺️🙏

Amazing! When I was 22, running really far just wasn't a thing; it was such a niche subculture, and I didn't think it was possible for normal ol' me. Our understanding of the science and training has shifted so much in the last 20 years, and it will be so interesting to see how you go having all this knowledge at such a young age. Keep up the great work!

Thank you , that's so kind to say 🙏 And yes, that's a great idea! It will definitely come from the perspective of 'this is what _I_ do, and I'm not an expert', but I would be very happy to share what I eat in a week. It's taken me a long time to dial in my nutrition, and I am still trying to improve it. I have come up with a few strategies to help me eat more because I struggle with that too. I'll add this video to the list, and thank you for the idea 😊🙏

Thanks so much 😊🙏

@@ChrisBranch 👊🏽🔥

Thanks so much 😊🙏

I wish you the best of luck with them! You've got this 👊😊🙏

I'm so pleased ☺️🙏

Absolutely! It's a different approach ☺️

Amazing! And that is a true Goggins' principle of adding more than you need to do 👊 I did the Goggins Challenge a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. I was pleased not to set my alarm and sleep through the night on that third night though 😂 Good luck with your training 😊🙏

@@ChrisBranch Thank you sir! And completely agree about the lack of alarm :)

You'll get there, I'm sure. If you have the opportunity, go to the start line of a local ultra. You'll see there are all shapes and sizes there, and plenty of people 100kg+. It's truly inspiring, and it makes you realise it's possible 🙏

This is amazing! The slow running is often the piece of magic people need to overcome injury and build consistency. We need the strength and speed work too, of course, but only when put on top of the slow-running base. I'm sure you will get your first 50k! 😊🙏

I love this! I say that shorter races are a brilliant test of fitness, but an ultra is a true test of your spirit. I'm addicted to them 😂

Good luck!!! (Or maybe you've started already? I hope it went well!). I wish you the best with it 😊🙏

@@ChrisBranch Thanks - I finished it! Couldn‘t be happier! 😄

This is wonderful! That little shift in mindset will change everything. Best of luck with it 😊🙏

Thanks so much 😊🙏

I'm so pleased 😊🙏

Amazing! With your background, you'll nail the 50-miler 💪 And yes, I love how ultra running feels on the body. It's counterintuitive, but running further is much nicer for the body 😊

Sorry to hear that, that is a shame. Have you seen a professional about it? I treat things like this often in my clinic, and it's usually a strength issue, or occasionally a technique issue. It may also have contributing factors from other joints like the feet or hips. A good therapist local to you who has an interest in running should be able to help you figure it out.

You're most welcome 😊🙏

I totally agree 😊🙏

You're most welcome 😊🙏

Amazing! I'll have a watch 😊🙏

Love this! And I agree, letting go of pace is soooo liberating. It's a wonderful way to train, and far more sustainable. Best of luck with it 😊🙏

This is a great point, and definitely a topic for another video. Last weekend I ran a hundred-miler around a 400m track, and that was WEIRD! I definitely ache in different places to usual due to the complete lack of variation. (This will be my next video out). Thanks for the comment 🙏

Absolutely! ☺️🙏

Thanks so much! And it sounds like you have a great and sustainable plan. I'll make a video about this in early January - I think it will help people map out their 2024. I went from doing no running to my first ultra in 6 months, BUT I was doing lots of calisthenics and HIIT prior to that, so I wasn't unfit. I had also been a keen runner a couple of years earlier, so I could get back into it quickly. In my video I'll map out different timelines depending on fitness starting points. Your timeline sounds great and would really set you up for the future with a solid foundation, but I reckon you could bring a marathon/ultra in sooner than 2 years with the right approach ☺️🙏

I've recommended so many of my patients to use Jeff Galloway! It's great to help increase distance, and I use it in the context of getting my patients back to running after injury. Best of luck with your training for the 30 ☺️🙏

Hahaha you're right! 😂

Gosh, there are so many! My advice is to do a bit of research, and you will have a 'calling' to one. For me, my first one was UTS and when I saw their promo vid I just _knew_ I had to do it! There is a new one that has had great reviews in the Lake District called 13 Valleys (it has shorter distances too), maybe start there 🙏😊

Thank you so much, I appreciate that. And yes, I have learned a lot about this over the last couple of years, and I used to get it very wrong! That's a great topic for a video 👍

This race is definitely on my list! Best of luck with it 😊🙏

Thanks so much ☺️🙏

😂

Best of luck with it, I'm sure with the right training you will be fine! And yes, going slower is the superpower that unlocks the distance (plus strength training, I have a few videos about that which might help you too). 😊🙏

@@ChrisBranch thanks! I’ll check your other videos later! So grateful for your sharing helpful information!

Ultrarunning teaches you that the body and nervous system are weird! I've had exactly the same; being convinced I will drop out because of an injury, then forgetting about it by the next aid station and never feeling it again 🤷‍♂️ it's so bizarre 😂

Hmmm , tricky one. What was your running volume like in the run up to the race? My first two throughts are: 1. Not enough weekly mileage, or 2. Not enough nutrition in the race. Do either of those sound like the culprit, or do you think they were both okay?

I don't have a program I'm afraid, but I have had a few people ask for one, so I feel this will be in the pipeline soon. In the meantime, head to www.trainingpeaks.com/ and buy a plan there. If I ever did write a plan, I would host it on TP because they have great features that send the plan to your running watch and host it on a calendar etc. I recommend looking at '80/20 Running' plans. Also, I can't think of any reason why being a lady over 50 would change the general principles of training: prioritise your aerobic base with mostly zone 2 running, drip in some speed, do one long run a week, build volume by 10% a week. I guess the only thing is that you mustn't skip your strength training and you should focus on good recovery, but we should all be doing that too (and it is programmed in the 80/20 Running programs). Good luck on your journey, I'm sure you will do well 😊🙏

@@ChrisBranch cool. Thank you!

Absolutely, I love it 😊🙏

Absolutely, I hope it didn't seem like I was suggesting one is better - I like both too! They're just different, and we need a different strategy for each 😊🙏

"Patience and spiritual perseverance" ... love it 😊🙏

I try and maintain good posture and place my foot under my centre of mass, but I don't worry whether it's midfoot or heel strike. The research is taking us away from that, and inevitably your foot strike will change as you fatigue. And yes, when I run further than 15 miles, I wear the Altra Olympus, which is their max cushion shoe and I find it really helps my feet ☺️🙏

@@ChrisBranch a lot of ultra runners I know swear by jogging/race walking because it's meant to be more energy efficient, but it feels so unnatural to me. As soon as I'm not paying attention, I'm back to midfoot striking lol. I've not done an official ultra, but I've done a 40 mile charity run that was quite good fun. I've also done a few death marches of 60(ish) miles that were a right pain because of the heavy backpack. But not liking jogging has put me off having a go at a proper ultra

@@platosbeard3476 they both sound like proper ultras to me! It doesn't have to be an official race to count; have you heard of the concept of FKT's? People just go off and do their own thing - that's another difference with the ultra community ☺️

@@ChrisBranch thanks for saying that :) I've not heard of FKTs?

There are too many variables to give you a clear answer. Elevation, terrain, weather .. they all play a massive role in your likely pace. Also, there is a HUGE difference between how fast the front runners go and the back runners go. In my last race, the Track100 (my recent video), the winner beat me by 8 hours 😂. So it depends where you are. I generally place somewhere in the middle, but my pace varies from race to race depending on many factors 👍

The thing that gives me confidence that it will make you better, is that you said you have time for a marathon block after the ultra. In the short term, ultra training may take away some of your marathon speed (just a bit), but it will build your aerobic base which is fantastic for marathon runners. If you do a marathon-specific block after the ultra, you'll build back your marathon speed and you'll smash it. The speed comes back relatively quickly compared to how long it takes to improve your aerobic base, so I think you should be fine. Best of luck!

This is amazing! It just goes to show what the human body is capable of; we all have more in the tank than we think, and this is why I love ultrarunning - it proves that to us each time we race 😊🙏

I always say to my patients that aiming for a sub-30 5k is the first step. That proves you have a solid foundation that you can build from, and you can now do anything if you are consistent and train smart. Getting to that sub-30 is a big deal, so you're doing really well! Best of luck with your training 😊🙏

@@ChrisBranch thanks mate:-)

You've got me thinking now, I actually use this phrase in many contexts, it's often true! 😊🙏

Definitely! That's all I manged to fit in in the run-up to my 100-miler. That will be plenty of fitness, and then you need good pacing and nutrition strategy to get you to the finish line. Good luck! 😊🙏

@@ChrisBranch Thanks for answering, I want to run the Manchester to Liverpool, I'm following Relentless Forward Progress as a guide. Your videos are inspiring.

@@ourwilliam2405 this sounds great! Best of luck with it 🙏

The research seems to suggest it's the other way round - running helps prevent knee pain - but there are also strong genetic factors at play. It's an unfortunate fact of nature that some people are predisposed to get knee degeneration, even if they follow all the best practices. And yes, in situations like this it is great to take up other modalities which are kinder to the knees 🙏

Wow, 200-milers! 🤯 I've just done my first hundred, and I'm amazed at how well I've recovered - it definitely felt better on my body than some of the shorter races I've done. When it comes to nutrition, I tell people to 'pick one; carbs or fats'. I definitely see the value in becoming fat adapted and I have tried it, I just found it didn't work for me and I've gone the carb route, so I have to keep fueling. Thanks for the comment ☺️🙏

@trailsandbeers I am carnivore and preparing for an ultra. What do you eat while racing and training? I was thinking a big meal the night before, breakfast before the race and I will be fine, but plan to take some jerky. Thoughts?

@@colleendevere7491 Eating normally the night before and breakfast (a few hours before the start) should be good, as carnivore you will be well fat adapted and probably good on just water and jerky during the race unless you are trying to go really fast. If it's a long race and/or in hot weather you can also add electrolytes to your water. Did you already try some long runs on just water? Jerky and cheese would be my choices if I wanted to be strict carnivore and eat during a race, but be careful what is in the Jerky they are not all just plain beef and salt. I don't think that eating carbs is a problem during races as long as you stay hydrated and don't take on too much that you get sick, but if you want to stay carnivore then you would need to get the carbs from milk, eggs, cheese. I did see a video recently about Mike McKnight winning the Cocodona 250 mile drinking lots of milk. I sometimes eat carnivore for a few weeks or a month, but usually I am not so strict and try to eat lowish carbs avoiding sugar, processed grains and seed oils. Training for up to 3 hours I run/hike fasted and just drink water. Anything longer I do add some foods like cheese, nuts, chocolate, beer. Before races I fast for at least 24 hours and then take black coffee and 50g carbs (usually a croissant) 3 hours before the start. During the race I try to not eat much in the first 3-4 hours and then just eat what/when I feel like from the aid stations but still avoiding too much sugar and processed foods.

😂 funnily enough, you're not the first person to mention my voice 😂 ... Maybe there's a side-hussle out there for me ☺️🙏

Ooh, I feel for you! That must have been tough, but on the flip side, if you can sort your nutrition out, you will feel SO much better next time :)

Amazing! I wish you the very best with your training and the race 😊🙏

Thanks so much! Next video is coming out this week about an attempt at running one hundred miles on a track 😊

@@ChrisBranch looking forward to it 😊

Aide stations

Whatever works! Candy, nut butters, jerky, gels, tailwind drink. General goal recommendations per hour are 200-300kcal, 50-100g carbs, 5g protein for longer efforts, 250mg sodium, 500ml+ fluids to thirst. Easiest way I've found is just drink tailwind or gu roctane drink mix.

I've just uploaded a new video about a recent hundred-miler I did, and I show the food I eat in that. But as the others have said, it's a combination of lots of things: powder in drinks (Tailwind), gels, brownies, flapjacks, pizza, bars ... It's not exactly health food, but it gets you round! And your gut is trainable. You have to practice eating in your long runs 🙏

This sounds great! I love a birthday age run , I've done a couple of those myself :) What's your weekly mileage like now? If you're running regularly, that will be fine. If you're not doing much at the mo, I would maybe increase it to a 20-week training block. You'll cover the distance easily with a 16-weeks block, but to stick to the 10-minute mile would need more training maybe. ... but of course, there are lots of unknowns here (I don't know your existing fitness etc...). Maybe you'll be fine with the 16-week block, but I would probably do a bit more myself though 😊

@@ChrisBranch Weekly mileage is zero to be honest, but I'm in the gym doing cardio and playing football twice a week. Reckon I could jump into 4-6 mile runs during thr week and around an 8-10 on a weekend. I have the base but been off running distance for for 2 years

@@samnellis1558 NIce! Like I say, it sounds like you'll be fine with the distance, but if the 10-minute miles pacing is a strong goal, I'd start running a bit more now. In my experience, the pacing can drop off significantly after a few hours if you don't have that long block of conditioning. Best of luck with your training!

@@ChrisBranch Really appreciate your feedback, thanks for taking the time.

Wow! That's an incredible event, well done! And I totally agree with you; I'm as surprised as anyone that I finish these races and that the body is capable of it 😊🙏

Consistency is key, and bit by bit you'll get there 😊🙏

Thanks for the comment, this is interesting. I recently ran my first hundred (shown in my most recent video), and in that I hit a real wall at mile 90. I genuinely thought I couldn't finish. But then I kept going, got it done, and I cried tears of joy on the finish line. It wasn't my pace that made me so joyful, it was pushing through the barrier. I've never experienced that joy in shorter ultras, because none of them have been that hard. Maybe you would experience more satisfaction with something like that? Or maybe they're just not for you; there is a real pleasure in doing shorter races and aiming for a fast time too. Either way, good luck with your training 😊🙏

@@ChrisBranch I've thought about it a little more over the past 24 hours. Maybe the goal of finishing, as opposed to finishing in a certain time, is what makes them feel strange to me? To finish is certainly an achievement, don't get me wrong, but without a time goal, or a meaningful placing, to numerically anchor it down, it's more of a personal achievement than a qualitative one. That said, at the end of each ultra, once I've had a cup of noodles and my brain's back to normal, the feeling of "wow, I'm never doing that again" is replaced by "wow, I wonder how much further I can go." Already locked in for a backyard and a 100 next year, so I guess I can't really hate them that much.

@@Jytube231 I'm exactly the same with the 'I wonder how much further I could go' feeling, and for me, that is part of what I enjoy about them; we do these things to find our limits, and I'm always pleasantly surprised that I didn't find it. This carries over into day-to-day life and makes me feel a bit tougher and more confident. From what you're saying, I think the Backyard Ultra will be a great model for you! I really want to give that a go too. Best of luck with it 😊🙏