Eh, so you’re thinking to run a marathon as part of your ultra training eh? 

I love it. 

So most people use marathons as “races”  – going for PRs… 

OR 

we can use them as a fun way to get a long training run in – which really happens pretty frequently in the ultra world – using other races as training runs for our main races. (I do this too) 

In 2022 I ran a 12-hour race in August, as a training run for a bigger race in September I had planned. 

Just like we can run marathons to train for ultras, we can use half marathons, 25k’s, 50k’s, timed events – really any type of running event – to train for ultras.

Running races, or organized events, as training runs just makes it all the more fun. 

Let’s get into it! 

5 tips on using races to train for ultras 

• Use the race as a long training run – this means don’t go crazy hard. If this is a training run, treat it like a training run. (this is easier said than done once race day comes around) 
• Race-specific – stimulate your main race day as best as you can. (run on a track or on trails, how packed you are, whatever your real race is going to look like) 
• Feel your body out the week before and after races. Embracing that taper and focusing on post-race recovery. Recovery is most important. 
• Use the marathon as an experience for your ultramarathon gear, nutrition, fluids, pre/post-race routine, etc.
• Perform your After Action Report after the race: What went well? What didn’t? What am I going to do differently? This is valuable information for your ultra. 

Just as you cannot run your best marathon with 10K training, you cannot run your best 50-mile race using marathon training. You must train for a 50-mile race. 

That means – in the beginning – running longer distances at a slower pace.

Endurance over speed. 

Many ultra-runners will train by time and run two long runs per week, on back-to-back days (think 3+ hours)

For the first ultra? Just get it done. THEN try and beat your time on your next race. 

Some people may think that they can hold their marathon pace for 50 miles… 

and then they don’t finish. 

We have to understand that focusing on long slow training runs for our first couple of 50 milers and 100s will lead to a loss of leg speed, a temporary price most of us pay to run ultras.

After we get the distances knocked out, the speed will come back. 

It’s up to you

Everyone trains differently and races for different reasons. 

Evaluate YOUR goals. 

Do you want to just run ultras for fun? for the comradery? To push yourself? To win? 

There is a difference and a price to pay… 

Are you willing to pay that price?

Get out there. Try your best, and gain that experience.

Start small, think big. 

I appreciate your attention!

Thank you so much for tuning in, LMK anything!!!

Go get your miles, Peace!!!!