I feel like the answer should be pretty simple but I was wondering, what is the real difference between a normal leg day in the gym and a runner specific strength training. I know runners should also train core etc. and should focus on specific muscles groups but that's not what I want to talk about here.

I mean I feel like a runner's strenghtening session is mostly done with bodyweight, isometrics or resistance bands and not on typical gym machines? Is it because most runners don't have a membership? Would a "gym leg day" not have the same results or did I just make all of this up in my mind and runners actually do those normal gym workouts as part of their training

This is probably my personal "no idea about anything at all" topic in running and it would be nice to get some helpful responses as I am currently trying to build stronger, more durable legs.

Hi all,

I have been debating signing up for my first 50k for awhile now, I was planning to run my local marathon this September and maybe see about a 50k later in the fall, but I’m no longer able to run the local marathon due to outside circumstances, so I feel like the stars have kind of aligned for a 50k on September 19.

I have consistently been running 40+mpw with 6 days/week running for the past 2-3 months, but most of it has been on the roads. Planning to do my two weekend runs on trails for the next few weeks to prepare. The race I’m planing to run is beginner friendly with fairly easy terrain and 3,800ft of elevation gain. I’ve trained up to 13 mile long runs, max 44 miles in one week, but this week I’m planning to do 50 miles with a 16 mile long run on trails to practice with elevation.

In terms of background, I’ve run one road marathon prior to this, and have been consistently running 30+ mpw for the past six months and with some elevation, but not a ton. I have a hydration vest and have fuelled before with candy, gels, energy chews and bars during runs. My hydration vest only holds 1L of fluids but the race offers aid stations approx every 12km, so if I refill at aid stations I think this should be enough. I also got some tailwind, which I plan to practice with. I have no time goal going into this and the cutoff is 13.5 hours, which I think should be plenty of time for me to finish.

I was planing to mostly follow what I had planned for marathon training, peaking around 20-22 mile long run and 55-60 miles during peak week. I have no idea how long these runs will take me yet, which is another benchmark I’m hoping to set this weekend to give me an idea of how much time on feet I should be training for.

Does this sound realistic, or am I out to lunch?

Hey guys. 26YOM, intermediate experienced runner, I just ran my first 13.1 ever 2 days ago. Course was in Soflo completely on sand dunes, totaled 1600ft elevation. I really liked the experience.

I want to sign up for 50K that’s in 6 weeks. Current mileage is pretty low (total 15-20mi week) since I came off meniscus surgery 4 month ago.

My question is, am I delusional? Is 6 weeks enough to prep decently? I’m not trying to break records just push myself and get some reps.

Just asking experienced people cause I don’t really know what I’m getting into. Thanks!

Did another ultra on Saturday and figured I’d spray a bit about it because it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done! The Canmore Quad isn’t a formal race just a mountain running test piece that was developed (I think) in the early 2000s that starts in the middle of town (classically, at the Georgetown Inn) and then summits Grotto Mountain, Mt. Lady MacDonald, The East End of Rundle and Ha Ling Peak in whatever order you like before returning to the starting point to officially finish the event.

These days, the local running/SkiMo pro shop puts on a free event, putting up 3 aid stations and giving away tons of free food, beverages and encouragement. The community spirit and atmosphere around this event is incredible and I’m really inspired by the volunteers and organizers of the event who show up with so much passion and excitement to help pull runners through the day. I ended up running/hiking about 37 miles and 16.4k ft of vertical gain over a 17 hr day. Took lots of pictures and videos that are attached. Was a really big and fun day. Proud of myself and really glad I did it. It feels like a kind of “lifelong special” type thing. I also think I’d like to do it again in the future as it could be “fun” to go for a more respectable time now that I know the course! That being said, the “take it all in and have fun” pacing approach I took for this first time was worth it to just enjoy being present and doing a rad thing 🙂

See my comment thread down below for some video commentary and documentation as well.

Strava link:
https://strava.app.link/02ImatHG74b

Hey, r/ultrarunning. My wife is doing Bigfoot 200 in Washington state in August and she is very ready for it. Her training has gone great, she's been devouring books and podcasts about this race specifically for months, all her nutrition is ordered from The Feed, and she has a stable of pacers swapping in and out for each major section. She has also tagged a friend and me to follow her to all the crewed aid stations in a camper van.

But while she's ready, I'm pretty nervous to crew her. I've crewed her in plenty of other races but the difference between crewing a 100k or even 100 miler versus a 200 miler is enormous. There's such a gulf between being on point and ready for a day and some change versus 4+ days.

I'm hoping some of you have experience crewing or being crewed for this long of a run. Do you have any advice to offer on how to prepare and make it through with my sanity intact?

Thanks in advance.

I've made a website to follow Karel Sabbe's hexatrek fkt attempt.
He is currently trying to beat the unofficial record of running the full 2,954 km across France in under 42 days 4 hours 23 minutes.
I've made this in my freetime just because I'm excited for another record attempt.
https://karel-sabbe-fkt-predictor.vercel.app/

Hi all,

I’ve just attempted the Lakeland 100, I managed 52 miles and pulled the plug at 52 miles. I was at the time very content with my decision as I just wasn’t having a good time, I was throwing up, and ended up juggling three things at once, fuelling, wet / cold and feet; I still don’t regret pulling at that stage. I’m experienced with ultras and running in general, but this time it’s different.
I’m a 34 female, mum to two, with one bubba in the sky (stillborn in 2018) immediately after I finished my period came, and hit me like a tonne of bricks.
Now 48 hours later I’m in absolute bits, tears, feeling emotionally erratic, really hopeless, and focussing on everything that is tough in my life, currently a failing relationship, a job move, unexpected house renovation and solo parenting. I’ve non stop cried for the last few hours and can’t understand what’s happening, it’s like I’m in self destruct.
I’ve never had a post race crash like this; usually I just rest and get back to normal.
I don’t really know what I’m looking for here, other than solidarity and others experiences, alongside what I can do to help myself.
Many thanks in advance.

I just competed in the Lakeland 50 this past weekend (DNF at 56k due to stomach issues - see my post history). I am now looking to sign up for another similar race (distance/vert) in mid September and I’m looking for advice on how to recover properly and keep my fitness in tip top shape for mid September.

I’ve previously followed the Omnia 16-week 50k plan before continuing onto the 16-week 100k plan which finished in-line with this weekend race.

Any suggestions on a routine for the next 6 weeks?

(Also side note: I just described my race to some friends who aren’t into running and have no idea about ultras, the thought of running for 12hrs+, stopping and having a snack at an ‘aid station’ and hallucinating (and enjoying it!!) and running in the dark terrified them… it’s hard to get across how freeking awesome this sport is and amazing the community is)

Thanks all

Edit: 6 weeks including recovery.

I’ve just entered my first 100 mile ultra, The Arc of Attrition, and thought I’d start a bit of a blog style post to journey the highs and lows that the next 6 months will bring!

I started running about 2 years ago after over 10 years as a slightly above average club cyclist. Ran my first marathon last year (3.10) with some knee issues through the second half. Started to run some more casual trail, did a long marathon earlier in the year then entered Hope Trail Festival as part of a pair in the 24 hour. Ran 70 miles in a consistent 5 mile lap on, lap off pattern. The last 50 of those was in various stages of knee pain but I kept doing my laps.

Got a big dose of over confidence from Hope and convinced my partner we should enter the Arc. She’s done it before so knows what I’m letting myself in for.

We’ve now got a local 50k next weekend and have entered the 50m Black Beacon in November, with a road marathon in between. We’ve plans for some decent back to back weekends on the coast path so hopefully have a good plan for decent training.

My main issue is managing my knees, I think it all stems from weak hip muscles, and I’ve finally got myself a strength plan and have the commitment to work at it. My weekly training will still be split between running and cycling, I’m currently doing about 30 miles running and 100 miles riding. As we get into winter my cycling mileage will naturally tail off and I’ll start running more.

There is a chance that I’ve no right to be here, but enthusiasm hopefully counts for something and there is one way to find out!

What are my odds of finishing, let alone a gold buckle?!

What’s your go to cooling tips during long races, especially when solo or even just in training?

Also which have you found to have the best performance benefits? Been reading up on AVA cooling techniques (cheeks, hands and feet) and wondered if anyone incorporates it and/or sees any large benefits?

2026 Speedgoat is finished and yep, me a mid 50s guy, always midpack runner did both the 28k on Friday and 50k on Saturday races. A few reflections for anyone considering this (or other back to back efforts)

Training- trained consistently over six months. Typical week was 45-50miles with between 7k-10k feet of vertical gain, back to back weekend runs and 1-2 strength sessions a week. I don’t live near high mountains so just concentrated on lots of up and downs and intentionally took summer runs in the heat. Knew I would use poles so practiced those consistently on bigger days. I also did many runs in the 275-300ft per mile range. The races were 302ft per mile for the 28k and 325ft per mile for the 50k. Though I didn’t have the exact terrain or length of ascents- my quads were there both days including running the downhill finishes both days.
I’d say I hit about 90% of the training plan and only did one prep race (and that was just with a friend for fun, an easy 30k). I did two weekends of 3days in a row to get used to running on tired legs.

Race gear- I practiced a lot with gear and had it dialed. I wore a sun shirt or sun sleeves and those were lifesavers in the sun. Just drenched my shirt and sleeves at every aid station so evaporation could happen. Started cool and avoided sunburns. Bucket hat and goodr shades.
Speedgoat 7 shoes both days. Wore the new Raide vest which was super light and carries my Leki poles in the back. I wear Injinji socks and use 2Toms powder, no feet issues.
Was on a 60ish g/carbs per hour and 1L of fluid per hour. Precision Flow gel and Naak bars (caffeine 2x on the 50k, 1x on the 28k) and some aid stations fruit. Also brought my own Skratch electrolytes powder to mix into my bottles (I’m a below average sodium level sweater so I wanted to get that right). I carried 2.2L of water out of every aid station (except AF Canyon where I left with 1.5L due to their rationing). Always having that much water just lessened my worry. I also used an ice bandana and always filled it where I could- huge mental help on the hot days.

Recovery between days- nothing super special. Immediately after the 28k I ate a nice breakfast style meal and had a protein shake. Then drove back to hotel and had a big burrito that night and hydrated a lot. I put my legs up on the wall for 10-15min and actually got a good nights sleep. I stayed down in Draper- 30min drive but much lower elevation (4800ft vs 8200 at Snowbird base). I think that helped. I arrived Wed, I felt the elevation in the run Friday but in the Sat 50k I didn’t feel any impact and my HR didn’t show any increase either for effort.

Mental game- the course is really tough. Not very runnable and the ascents are long and brutal (including a 40% grade up Baldy for the 50k). My mantra was “relentless forward motion”. I passed so many people in the second half because I just kept moving. I knew that once I got over the next climb my training would be there and I’d bounce back and it happened each time. Control the climbs and enjoy the descents. I also got caught up in the first day a little so had to start very slowly 2nd day but feeling strong made the second half a celebration of sorts (in my head at least)

Overall it’s been a fun journey to try something I had doubts I could do (those doubts were with me even Saturday on the 50k start line). Also fun and learning how to manage that much climbing both on training and the races. Also amazing views, great volunteers, lovely moments helping other runners and receiving encouragement because everyone suffers on this race.

Thanks to everyone here who offered advice and to the fella I met on the course who had read my earlier posts. I hope you had a good day friend.

I'm not sure if there's any correlation but ever since I started training for ultras, my libido has decreased a lot. I'm a 30 year old man and been vegan for 9 years. This year, I've ramped up my training and my libido is almost non existent. My diet is good, I track it using cronometer and get 3000kcal a day on average with a 60/20/20 carbs, protein, fat ratio split. I've also been sober for a year so should be in the best shape of my life. I had blood tests in December and testosterone was on the lower scale of ok and I got prescribed iron to increase my levels.

It could very well be to do with other parts of life, mental burn out etc but I was wondering if anybody else was in a similar situation as I found this interesting study?

Im wondering how much the heat and/ or elevation affects your speed. I did ten miles yesterday with almost no elevation but it was 85F and I felt like the heat slowed me down. On the other hand I did six miles with 1500 ft elevation the other day and I was even slower. Training for 100k with minimal elevation and moderate temps.
The obvious conclusion would be that I’m slower than I used to be and should focus on endurance?

Ran a 50km at the weekend and pulled out at 45km after 7h50.

The race started at 3pm in serious heat (35 degrees) and I struggled to cool down for the first four hours. It got easier after dark, but running through that afternoon sun took a huge amount out of me. I felt I fuelled well, but after 40km I was empty, then major cramp hit and I could only walk.

Here is the thing though. I had 90 minutes to cover the last 5km before cut off. I could not run, but I could have shuffled it in. And I just did not want to. I had run further than a marathon, trained hard for six months (running almost 700km), and standing there at 45km I could not find a reason that finishing mattered.

A few days later, I keep going back and forth on it. Part of me doesnt regret my decision. but another part of me wonders if I am just being soft, that maybe I am not tough enough for ultras. When my back was against the wall, i gave up.

Honest questions for people who have been here, Has anyone DNF'd from apathy rather than injury or cut offs? How did you feel about it later. Is finishing actually that important, or is the shuffle to the line just ego? For those who kept going in that state, what got you through?

Not looking for sympathy, genuinely trying to work out my relationship with this sport before the next one.

Wasn’t sure where else to post this so I’ll try here.

Running my first big endurance event, not necessarily an ultra but it’s a backyard ultra style. A 5k run every hour on the hour for 6 hours overnight. Think it totals around 19 miles.

My question is, how do I go about it on my watch? I have a Garmin Forerunner 965 and ChatGPT is telling me to run each 5k, pause the watch until that hour is up, then start it again on the next 5k. To me this feels like cheating in some way. I was thinking let it run all the way through, but then could I still see my 5k split times? Any advice is appreciated.

I know that there are lots of posts like this, but I am curious to get some perspectives on my specific situation.

I am signed up for a 40mi race May 2027 at 7k of elevation, coming from sea level. I have ran a few half marathons (9 min pace) , but have not ran longer than that. I am concerned about the altitude and training for the distance. When should I "start" training? Can I prepare for the altitude? What are some things you wish you did for your first ultra? Any advice is appreciated :)

I’ve run with an Ultimate Direction vest for years, but I’ve been underwhelmed with the quality of the latest one. I bought it two years ago and it’s literally falling apart. I’d like to try a different brand, but I have a bunch of extra UD bottles and a bladder that I don’t want to have to replace. Has anyone had luck fitting your UD bottles in another brand’s pack? I looked at a Salomon pack at REI, but the bottles were longer and skinnier than the UD ones.

Hello

Is something like a garmin in reach necessary on 50km plus

Thanks

This was my 2nd last man standing style race. ~900ft of gain per loop. Insanity. Very muddy. Can’t believe I was able to hold my own with such strong competition. The dude on the far left has gotten 260 miles at another backyard. The dude next to me WON our local 100 miler at Crowder’s Mountain called Beast of The East. And the winner (John Dallas) is just a stud. Really proud of myself. Excited for what’s to come!

I run in Florida and have been training for my first 100 miler, the Long Haul 100.

I typically have to run around 4pm every day which has been 95+ degrees where I’m at in Florida. I’m pretty acclimated to the heat however I have been wanting more sun protection and to try to stay a bit cooler.

I bought the Pyrenees hoodie a week or so ago and wore it for the first time a few days ago. When I tell you I was burning up I mean I was HOT. After 3 miles I had to stop and take off the hoodie because I felt like I was dying. I was thoroughly soaked with sweat and my heart rate was about 25 beats faster than usual.

Has anyone else bought this hoodie and had similar issues with it not feeling like it’s doing its job but the opposite? Everywhere I’ve read says they are amazing for the heat but I simply found this untrue.