The logistics of creating and setting up an ultramarathon course can often result in some creative course design for race directors. After all, it can be difficult trying to find a 50- 100 mile, uninterrupted trail for runners to traverse. Add in permitting for land use, aid stations, and other logistics, and it's no surprise that there are so many different styles of ultras. In this post, we Continue reading →
Why I Run Ultras: Chapter 1 – Failure vs. Success
I've been around the running, blogging, and blogging about running world long enough now to know that there are countless reasons why people choose to run. I know this, because I never get tired of hearing about those reasons. I've nodded my head in agreement while reading the articles others have written about their "why's". I've shed more than a few tears while watching the videos detailing Continue reading →
(Free) 100 Mile Ultramarathon Training Plan & Guide
One hundred miles. It's a long way to drive. It's a ridiculous distance to ride on a bike. And it's an almost unfathomable distance to cover on foot. Yet ultra runners do it all of the time. Chances are you are reading this post because the idea of running 100 miles is on your radar. For me, running the 100 mile distance has been, and continues to be, a life changing experience. I'm happy to Continue reading →
Ultramarathon Nutrition: Shifting my Mindset
Though I've never suffered from a diagnosed eating disorder, I am absolutely a flawed product of the diet culture that I was raised in. I'd be willing to bet that many of you reading this are too. (This is going to be one of those vulnerable, "Heather shares too much" posts. But I've been doing that for over a decade already, so why stop now. There is a huge risk in spilling my guts about Continue reading →
10 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Running Ultras
Sports psychology is not my area of expertise. I couldn't even begin to tell you why I choose to train for, and run, ultramarathons, never mind explain why so many others do it as well. But there is a striking similarity between the struggle and reward of running ultramarathons, and the struggle and reward of human existence. So it's no doubt that there are plenty of things running Continue reading →
Preparing your Crew for an Ultramarathon: 9 Steps to Take
In an ideal world, we'd all be accompanied on our ultramarathons by an experienced crew that runs like a well oiled machine. They would know what to do - and when to do it - without needing you to utter a single word. The reality is: many first timers to ultra distances bring along friends and family to help them out who are also unsure of what they are about to get into. Crewing for an Continue reading →
Am I Ready for an Ultramarathon? 7 Questions to Ask Yourself.
If you were to ask ten different runners if they think you are ready for an ultramarathon, I can guarantee that you will get ten different answers. Some will say that you should have a certain number of years of serious run training before attempting such a feat. Some will say your marathon time should be under a specific - yet arbitrary - number before attempting an ultra. Others will Continue reading →
7 Things to Do During a 100 Mile Ultramarathon Taper
You've spent the last 6 months or more training for your 100 miler. You've put in your miles, and now entered the taper block of training, a time both hated and loved by runners everywhere. Now that your training volume has cut back significantly, what else is left to do before race day (besides feel like you're going to lose your mind from lack of adequate activity?) Answer: plenty. Here are Continue reading →
How to Overcome the Fear of Running in the Dark
The majority of runners I know are early birds: putting in their miles as soon as the sun rises. In fact, most races, from 5K's to marathons and beyond, start first thing in the morning . So it's no surprise that there is an inherent fear of running in the dark and at night among runners: because they simply don't do it. But if you've got an overnight ultramarathon or relay race coming up, the Continue reading →
The Benefits of Yoga for Ultra Runners: a Complete Guide
I already know what you're thinking: "Yoga for ultra runners? No thank you, it's too boring/too hard/too time consuming/ I'm not flexible/etc. I'd rather run." Yeah, I can relate. You see, I've been active my entire life. From tap dancing and ballet as a little girl, to tearing up the soccer fields and track as a teenager, to perpetually chasing ultra distance finish lines as an adult: Continue reading →
Running Your First 50 Miler – Everything You Need to Know About Race Day
FIFTY MILES. You probably don't even like to drive that far (who does?) and here you are, about to run 50 miles on nothing but your own two feet. Running your first 50 miler can be exciting, terrifying, overwhelming all at once, after all, it's nearly twice as far as a traditional marathon. Don't worry, coach Heather has you covered: in this post, we'll cover everything you need to know bout Continue reading →
