How can I get ready for Ultra Marathons?

Question

Thing is I'm a beginnger at running I guess you could say, what are the steps I need to take to get to that level?

Answer 1

Endurance will be the key.

Understand that speed (if any) will come later. Distance is also not important. What is important is "time on your feet".

I suggest that you begin to slowly extend your weekly long run so that you are running several hours at a time. These long runs should be at a conversational pace -easy. You will want to begin bringing easily digestible foods with you to help fuel your body and allow your body to be accustomed to digesting  while exercising.

Ultrarunning is not necessarily the next step for runners who have completed a marathon. Ultra marathons are not really competitive events and attract people who are looking to complete a personal challenge with others.

Answer 2

Hello,

Start slowly and gradually build up your mileage.  You'll need to comfortably run 3 miles 4-5x per week, before you can start a marathon training plan (see below).  One you can finish 26.2 miles, keep adding to your training volume.  Ultra marathons are long and grueling...you'll want to have a few marathons under your belt first.  Hope that helps.  Good luck!

- Mike