As someone who has run a handful of 50 milers, a 100k and 2 100 milers I thought we would chat about some random ways I keep my training up leading into a successful 100 mile race! This post is not for everyone because I know plenty of you have no desire to even run a distance of that magnitude (YET – evil laughter) but just in case here are a few things I do that are very random leading up to race day to arrive to the start and the finish feeling like a rockstar…
-Don’t pay attention to anyone else’s training advice. I know – wait, don’t take advice? Why would you say such a thing?! Because honestly 100 mile training is oh so different – and looks different often times – with everyone. Not everyone runs high mileage. Most don’t. Most will tell you that running 100 miles is not a good idea. Guess what? They are not doing it. You are. So put your head down and work your ass off and forget the rest.
–Be stubborn. About your goals. About yourself. Have that GRIT. Develop that stubborn ability to stick to what you say you are going to do. Your word. Commit to yourself. That one trait alone- I promise you- often times is what WILL GET YOU TO THE FINISH of a 100 miler.
-If you don’t believe you can do it? Guess what. You won’t. Visualize yourself finishing this race. It is going to take guts. Power hiking. Running. Shuffling. Crying. Blood. All of the gross things affiliated with an endurance event WILL happen. Bet on it. Bet on high highs and LOW lows. Emotions, physical pain. All of it.
–Run ALL THE TIME. All day, all night. In the dark. Alone. When you are burned out. When you hate it. When you love it. Eff your feelings. Nuff said.
–Eat the rainbow. Eat carbs. Fuel your body. Ladies. Ultrarunning is not for supermodels. Take calories in so you can use that energy. Don’t eat garbage. It will make you feel like garbage. But eat a balanced diet. I cannot tell you exactly what your diet should look like but mostly avoid the processed crap. Eat plants. Good fats, lean protein. Ok? Great.
–Find an ultra training plan that works for you. Whether its online, or a coach. There are plans out there. Here is one. And another one. Tweak them to your lifestyle if you must. But do the work.
-Enjoy the ride.
Any more ultrarunners out there? Let’s share battle stories. I’m always looking for my next hundo adventure.
thedancingrunner 
That’s so amazing! Thank you for posting it. I hope one day to do one for the taste of the rainbow. Working up on my grit for now.
Awesome! Yep is it all about that hundo grit!
I have a buddy who keeps trying to talk me into doing an Ultra. I know the pace and everything is different from a marathon, but I’m pretty spent after a marathon. The thought of 50 or 100 miles just seems crazy to me. But 26.2 miles seems crazy to 99% of everyone else. So maybe.
teehee…you can do it!! and yes it is crazy but a wild fun ride 🙂
Great read!! Love the advice about Run ALL THE TIME!!!
HAHA it is definitely beneficial!! 🙂 🙂
One more – consider having a crew or pacers, or both. I’ve never had an issue running 50-milers unsupported, but running the Lighthouse 100 solo (and 95 degrees) nearly did me in. Same conditions in 2018 with the Veterans 150, but this time with crew and pacer. Made all the difference.
YES!! Crew and pacers are like my saving grace every time! Love!