Thanks I'm 67 running my first 50 miler this coming Sat. I've averaged 6-7 hours a week for two months... includes some walking. Here's to success!! I'm hoping to finish in under 12 hours!!
Good advice! My experience has been that ultras are usually more about mind games (with myself) than physical. How to turn off the voice in your head that's telling you you're going to die, and how avoid having a "pity party" with yourself or others who have decided to stop. Everyone hurts at some point. I can see why having a crew and pacers during a race is good.
Hi John! I signed up for the Terre di Siena 18 k but unfortunately it has been cancelled due to Covid situation here in Italy. So I' aiming for the Chianti trail 20 k with 800 m ascent, wich for me is challenging because I only did a 21 k with 400 m ascent last year. I thought I hated racing but the truth is that I really enjoyed it and I was so happy because I couldn't believe I finished it! Now I' m dealing with a little injury (a mild tibial periostitis, thanks to my cheap treadmill) and I' m going back to training coming from a period of quarantine for my five years old girl who tested positive for coronavirus. I can't wait to go back on trails again! Thanks for your always useful advices!
I ran my first 50k trail race with 2800m of elevation (had never run farther than 25k prior to that), and I only trained about 4 hours a week on average. I was certainly undertrained for the race. I did finish this race with a satisfactory time. But much of my success was due to pure grit. Fortunately I didn't get any major injuries! -- I just signed up for 50k race which is 20 weeks away. Hopefully I learned my lesson and will train properly this time!
Super advice, time on feet esp with some longer efforts...KOOP is on point, as are your comments. Holistic changes need to be challenged and great comment :: depends on your base you are starting from. Nice job Coach John.
I wish you'd finished that cert sooner! 😆 My first year of training was extremely busy, so i was putting in 5-6 hours a week, but that included strength and yoga. I finished 3 out of 4 races, and the DNF was the toughest 50k in the NE, but hearing this, maybe if I'd been able to eek out an extra 30 minutes a week, I would have performed much better for them all! Live and learn; I start running again in February, I'll pick up those books in the meantime!
@@motivationtheoryrunning I use an affordable online coach for trail/ ultra runners, so I'm covered there. I usually rave about them, but I won't here in case you decide to coach. 😆
My goal of the year is a nice 47km trail run in october. That would be my first ultra of my life. Too bad registration opens only in june, so in order to not lose motivation I probably should sign up for couple of shorter trails as well.
Nice advice! Thinking about doing my first 50K this year. I have done one regular road marathon race, and one trail marathon alone. I have one question, how much would you say the difference is between a 50K and a 80K? Keep up your inspiring vlogs! 👍
A 50k, like a marathon allow you push a little more with the risk being low...50 miles(80k) keeps you honest as after the 50k mark you still have 30k left...so being more conservative and smart with pacing is important. In a 80k you may and probably will go through another rough patch mentally, so fueling and hydration is important as always.
Wow! That's good to know. My 100k trail event is this July and I only started to train for it 5 weeks ago. According to Jason, that should be quite ideal in preparation for the event. The hard part (for me) is putting in the hours. I can't run during the working week due to work commitment so I can only cram as much running during the 2 day weekend. 9 hours total is quite a stretch for me. 😓 I don't need to be fast. I just need my legs to last the duration (29 hour cutoff). The usual pains (joints, sole, muscle and toe blisters) are the areas I need to overcome. Hopefully, I can overcome those niggles by the time race day comes.
Hey! I'm just stumbling on this video on my ultramarathon journey and saw your very relatable comment How'd you fare with it!? Were your legs able to hold up for the distance? And more importantly Did you keep your toenails with that distance? Sorry for the year late reply hahaha any insight you can offer is much appreciated 🙏🤙
@@bojameston9530 I did better than I had expected. Completed the course in 25 1/2 hours, I think. Just slightly below the 27hour cutoff. For reference, the winner completed the race a few minutes after 12 hours. My strategy is to go out slow. Hike the hills, walk the flats and jog the downhills. I know my limitations. As for toenails, I lost 6 of my toenails within 4 months of me taking up this sport, which was in September 2017. Now I use toe separators and toe protectors to minimize the recurrence of black toenails (which eventually drops off) and that also prevents my last two toes from getting blistered.
Good video. As someone who is trying to get up the nerve to sign up for a first 50M this fall, I’d love to hear your thoughts (maybe in a video?) on how to choose a first race at a new distance. I’m trying to identify the “Goldilocks” race that ticks all of my boxes (mild weather, not too much elevation gain, etc.), but each race seems to offer something that scares me a little, besides just the new distance (e.g., I worry that the crowd of runners on the AT portion of JFK would stress me out). Thanks for all of the fun content! 🏃🏼♂️
I have found most races, especially picking a first will have the scary part or parts to them. Ultra signup (I have a video on how to use it to find races) allows you to filter by many factors. What about the JFK and the AT that worries you? It’s a great first 50…
@@motivationtheoryrunning I generally don’t like running in crowds and worry that I will either slow other runners on the single-track portion or get trapped at an uncomfortably fast pace and not run my own race. But maybe I need to let go of finding the “perfect” race in favor of finding a pretty good option, since I live in the DC area and JFK is relatively nearby.
The AT is not that bad and there is only some of the areas that are single track and jam up, I shoot for a certain time like I want to be at weaverton cliffs in 3 hours 15 min and just worry about that and and if I am in a “too fast” pace I just step aside for them and let them go. The 6 mile climb at the start basically lets the speedy go ahead and allows you to fall in a good pace.
Was same as you last fall. Never did an ultra. Wanted to do JFK50. First Ultra was Hi Bridge 50K, Virginia, Oct. 2021. Barely got thru it, walked alone last 6 miles. No way I could'a gone 20 more miles. Better not sign up for a 50 miler. Then JFK50 Facebook page said only a few spots left so signed up anyway. After that longest run was 20 miles. Nervous, apprehensive...! Crossing the start line shivering in 20 degree weather didn't know if I was gonna be able to do it. But jogged/fast walked stayed ahead of the time cut offs and finished. A finish line never looked so good lit up in the dark. Yes the faster runners go on ahead in the beginning and you're with others at your pace. They can go around you on most of the AT. That should be no concern. Goal for AT should be watch the terrain and don't fall! My advice would be sign up for it. Terrific event, 60th anniversary. You're lucky where you live, can do long runs on the C&O Canal Towpath. Find some hills to run. I'm a 65 year old living in Richmond, Va area. Didn't start training for JFK until late August. See you there.
What’s a good recommendation for running in really cold weather? Like around -26? I don’t have a treadmill and here in Ottawa I’m finding hard to run. The problem is the cold weather hurts my face, eyes and breathing other than that it’s all good with the proper layers. Trying to run and be in a good shape for my first marathon in February 20 here
Sounds like you have done the layering, I have seen people used ski goggles and balaclava…super cold is tough to train in. If all else fails get to a gym and use the treadmill there to train💪
@@motivationtheoryrunning all is closed for covid restrictions. It’s all good. It will be honorable challenge to finish the winter man marathon (my first marathon) 🤣 Today I just ran 5.5km at zone 2 at -16 C / -24 with the wind in slushy roads 💪🏽🥶🥲🤣
I'm pokey as a sloth (was doing 13:30 minute miles when I started MAF!) but I kept at it, and chose my first 2 50ks based on difficulty and cut off times. It's absolutely attainable, give it a try!
@@Kelly_Ben Thanks for the support. But I'm seriously slow. My E pace is around 15 minutes per mile. My best 5k is not bad, at 30:07 but I brought myself to the edge on a half to get 2:42. I don't mind because I'm big and tall, but with relatively short legs. I was really good at traditional karate when I was younger, but I'm happy to be in shape to jump into pretty much any 5k-10k based on my base 5- hours of running a week.
@@Shevock It sounds like you've got the health and enjoyment aspects nailed down already! Being fit enough to take on a race at any time is a win in itself. Give yourself the crazy cool feeling of accomplishment and pride with a longer race, even if it's just once. Go for a timed event! I did my first 50k on a mostly flat course with a 12 hour cut off. I brought a chaise lounge and took 2 half hour breaks while eating shepherds pie and donuts! 😆 I even walked the last 4 mile lap , knowing there was no rush. I did my first (and so far only) marathon that way too, though it was a bigger challenge for me with more technical trail and a 6 hour cut off. I honestly felt like a rock star in all of my long races, though I always finished in the bottom 10! 😆 2022 I'm trying to move up to mid pack, but I'm still happy just to cross that line.
Hi. This is an important question I get from people asking about marathons. What do you think about the TH-camrs who post these "I ran a marathon with no training", videos?
I strongly believe people have personal Liberty, I don’t advise it, and I wouldn’t want them telling anyone else to try it, but if someone wants to do that…play stupid games win stupid prizes.😂
@@motivationtheoryrunning i started running in June just get active now I’m addicted. Also I will keep that in mind I appreciate the advice I’ll be back by December to let you know how it went 🤙🏻
WATCH: What is it like running ultra marathons at 45 years old? th-cam.com/video/A_22fcwuzlA/w-d-xo.html
Thanks I'm 67 running my first 50 miler this coming Sat. I've averaged 6-7 hours a week for two months... includes some walking. Here's to success!! I'm hoping to finish in under 12 hours!!
💪🏼💪🏼
Good advice! My experience has been that ultras are usually more about mind games (with myself) than physical. How to turn off the voice in your head that's telling you you're going to die, and how avoid having a "pity party" with yourself or others who have decided to stop. Everyone hurts at some point. I can see why having a crew and pacers during a race is good.
Yes, a very large part of the ultra experience is dealing with the mental side. Good and bad times, they all pass😬
Hi John! I signed up for the Terre di Siena 18 k but unfortunately it has been cancelled due to Covid situation here in Italy. So I' aiming for the Chianti trail 20 k with 800 m ascent, wich for me is challenging because I only did a 21 k with 400 m ascent last year. I thought I hated racing but the truth is that I really enjoyed it and I was so happy because I couldn't believe I finished it!
Now I' m dealing with a little injury (a mild tibial periostitis, thanks to my cheap treadmill) and I' m going back to training coming from a period of quarantine for my five years old girl who tested positive for coronavirus.
I can't wait to go back on trails again!
Thanks for your always useful advices!
Sorry about your race! Best of luck in the next one and that you little one is doing well!!
@@motivationtheoryrunning thank you! Yes, my little girl is fine. Family first! Have a great day...or have a great evening 😀 (here it's 7:30 am)!
I ran my first 50k trail race with 2800m of elevation (had never run farther than 25k prior to that), and I only trained about 4 hours a week on average. I was certainly undertrained for the race. I did finish this race with a satisfactory time. But much of my success was due to pure grit. Fortunately I didn't get any major injuries! -- I just signed up for 50k race which is 20 weeks away. Hopefully I learned my lesson and will train properly this time!
Super advice, time on feet esp with some longer efforts...KOOP is on point, as are your comments. Holistic changes need to be challenged and great comment :: depends on your base you are starting from. Nice job Coach John.
💪 thanks Neil!
I wish you'd finished that cert sooner! 😆 My first year of training was extremely busy, so i was putting in 5-6 hours a week, but that included strength and yoga. I finished 3 out of 4 races, and the DNF was the toughest 50k in the NE, but hearing this, maybe if I'd been able to eek out an extra 30 minutes a week, I would have performed much better for them all! Live and learn; I start running again in February, I'll pick up those books in the meantime!
If you want to get the books, just get the 2nd edition not the first.
@@motivationtheoryrunning Awesome, will do!
It’s a great learning resource…it doesn’t have plans in the book though
@@motivationtheoryrunning I use an affordable online coach for trail/ ultra runners, so I'm covered there. I usually rave about them, but I won't here in case you decide to coach. 😆
@@motivationtheoryrunning can you recommend some ultrarunning/ trail running books? What's your favourite?
My goal of the year is a nice 47km trail run in october. That would be my first ultra of my life. Too bad registration opens only in june, so in order to not lose motivation I probably should sign up for couple of shorter trails as well.
did you ran it ?
Nice advice! Thinking about doing my first 50K this year. I have done one regular road marathon race, and one trail marathon alone. I have one question, how much would you say the difference is between a 50K and a 80K? Keep up your inspiring vlogs! 👍
A 50k, like a marathon allow you push a little more with the risk being low...50 miles(80k) keeps you honest as after the 50k mark you still have 30k left...so being more conservative and smart with pacing is important. In a 80k you may and probably will go through another rough patch mentally, so fueling and hydration is important as always.
Wow! That's good to know. My 100k trail event is this July and I only started to train for it 5 weeks ago. According to Jason, that should be quite ideal in preparation for the event. The hard part (for me) is putting in the hours. I can't run during the working week due to work commitment so I can only cram as much running during the 2 day weekend. 9 hours total is quite a stretch for me. 😓 I don't need to be fast. I just need my legs to last the duration (29 hour cutoff). The usual pains (joints, sole, muscle and toe blisters) are the areas I need to overcome. Hopefully, I can overcome those niggles by the time race day comes.
Hey!
I'm just stumbling on this video on my ultramarathon journey and saw your very relatable comment
How'd you fare with it!?
Were your legs able to hold up for the distance?
And more importantly
Did you keep your toenails with that distance?
Sorry for the year late reply hahaha any insight you can offer is much appreciated 🙏🤙
@@bojameston9530
I did better than I had expected. Completed the course in 25 1/2 hours, I think. Just slightly below the 27hour cutoff. For reference, the winner completed the race a few minutes after 12 hours.
My strategy is to go out slow. Hike the hills, walk the flats and jog the downhills. I know my limitations. As for toenails, I lost 6 of my toenails within 4 months of me taking up this sport, which was in September 2017. Now I use toe separators and toe protectors to minimize the recurrence of black toenails (which eventually drops off) and that also prevents my last two toes from getting blistered.
Sounds like you had a plan and executed it! Great job!
@@motivationtheoryrunning
Thanks.
Good video. As someone who is trying to get up the nerve to sign up for a first 50M this fall, I’d love to hear your thoughts (maybe in a video?) on how to choose a first race at a new distance. I’m trying to identify the “Goldilocks” race that ticks all of my boxes (mild weather, not too much elevation gain, etc.), but each race seems to offer something that scares me a little, besides just the new distance (e.g., I worry that the crowd of runners on the AT portion of JFK would stress me out). Thanks for all of the fun content! 🏃🏼♂️
I have found most races, especially picking a first will have the scary part or parts to them. Ultra signup (I have a video on how to use it to find races) allows you to filter by many factors. What about the JFK and the AT that worries you? It’s a great first 50…
@@motivationtheoryrunning I generally don’t like running in crowds and worry that I will either slow other runners on the single-track portion or get trapped at an uncomfortably fast pace and not run my own race. But maybe I need to let go of finding the “perfect” race in favor of finding a pretty good option, since I live in the DC area and JFK is relatively nearby.
The AT is not that bad and there is only some of the areas that are single track and jam up, I shoot for a certain time like I want to be at weaverton cliffs in 3 hours 15 min and just worry about that and and if I am in a “too fast” pace I just step aside for them and let them go. The 6 mile climb at the start basically lets the speedy go ahead and allows you to fall in a good pace.
@@motivationtheoryrunning that’s great information. Thank you!
Was same as you last fall. Never did an ultra. Wanted to do JFK50. First Ultra was Hi Bridge 50K, Virginia, Oct. 2021. Barely got thru it, walked alone last 6 miles. No way I could'a gone 20 more miles. Better not sign up for a 50 miler. Then JFK50 Facebook page said only a few spots left so signed up anyway. After that longest run was 20 miles. Nervous, apprehensive...! Crossing the start line shivering in 20 degree weather didn't know if I was gonna be able to do it. But jogged/fast walked stayed ahead of the time cut offs and finished. A finish line never looked so good lit up in the dark. Yes the faster runners go on ahead in the beginning and you're with others at your pace. They can go around you on most of the AT. That should be no concern. Goal for AT should be watch the terrain and don't fall! My advice would be sign up for it. Terrific event, 60th anniversary. You're lucky where you live, can do long runs on the C&O Canal Towpath. Find some hills to run. I'm a 65 year old living in Richmond, Va area. Didn't start training for JFK until late August. See you there.
Unfortunately the fever and the cough put me in a technical KO! But the love for racing that never ends ....
I am lucky it never got into my chest, hope you are feeling better!
@@motivationtheoryrunningThank you very much 🙏
What’s a good recommendation for running in really cold weather? Like around -26?
I don’t have a treadmill and here in Ottawa I’m finding hard to run. The problem is the cold weather hurts my face, eyes and breathing other than that it’s all good with the proper layers.
Trying to run and be in a good shape for my first marathon in February 20 here
Sounds like you have done the layering, I have seen people used ski goggles and balaclava…super cold is tough to train in. If all else fails get to a gym and use the treadmill there to train💪
@@motivationtheoryrunning all is closed for covid restrictions. It’s all good. It will be honorable challenge to finish the winter man marathon (my first marathon) 🤣
Today I just ran 5.5km at zone 2 at -16 C / -24 with the wind in slushy roads 💪🏽🥶🥲🤣
This time thing is why I don't train for a marathon. I'm slow so training takes me longer.
I'm pokey as a sloth (was doing 13:30 minute miles when I started MAF!) but I kept at it, and chose my first 2 50ks based on difficulty and cut off times. It's absolutely attainable, give it a try!
@@Kelly_Ben Thanks for the support. But I'm seriously slow. My E pace is around 15 minutes per mile. My best 5k is not bad, at 30:07 but I brought myself to the edge on a half to get 2:42. I don't mind because I'm big and tall, but with relatively short legs. I was really good at traditional karate when I was younger, but I'm happy to be in shape to jump into pretty much any 5k-10k based on my base 5- hours of running a week.
@@Shevock It sounds like you've got the health and enjoyment aspects nailed down already! Being fit enough to take on a race at any time is a win in itself. Give yourself the crazy cool feeling of accomplishment and pride with a longer race, even if it's just once. Go for a timed event! I did my first 50k on a mostly flat course with a 12 hour cut off. I brought a chaise lounge and took 2 half hour breaks while eating shepherds pie and donuts! 😆 I even walked the last 4 mile lap , knowing there was no rush. I did my first (and so far only) marathon that way too, though it was a bigger challenge for me with more technical trail and a 6 hour cut off. I honestly felt like a rock star in all of my long races, though I always finished in the bottom 10! 😆 2022 I'm trying to move up to mid pack, but I'm still happy just to cross that line.
@@Shevock Sounds like ultra pace to me 👍
Hi. This is an important question I get from people asking about marathons. What do you think about the TH-camrs who post these "I ran a marathon with no training", videos?
I strongly believe people have personal Liberty, I don’t advise it, and I wouldn’t want them telling anyone else to try it, but if someone wants to do that…play stupid games win stupid prizes.😂
@@motivationtheoryrunning 😁
Could you accomplish a 50k in 4 months , training for my first half marathon now
Absolutely, won’t be your ideal plan but slow it down, power hike some and you can get through it.
@@motivationtheoryrunning i started running in June just get active now I’m addicted. Also I will keep that in mind I appreciate the advice I’ll be back by December to let you know how it went 🤙🏻
Best of luck, have fun and take it easy…