Runner's Forum: Ultramarathon

Hi Folks,

Several months ago I read the book 'Ultramarathon Man', by Dean Karnazes. As I was reading it, in the back of my mind I was thinking that, for me, it would be the Ultimate in running that I would like to achieve in my life - at some point. 

Fast forward to last night when I was 'flacking' through the internet hoping for something to take my mind off USA kicking Europe's ass all over Valhalla - I came across the Connemarathon 

The Co. Galway race consists of a half marathon, full marathon.....and a 39.3 mile ultramarathon. The race takes place on Sunday 22nd March, which is my 26th Birthday!! I was just thinking how amazing that feeling of accomplishment would be crossing the finish line - better than ANY present I could ever receive. Heck, even the Marathon would be a great achievement. 

The most I have ever ran up to this point in one go is 26.2 - so really, all I'd need to do is another 13.1 miles on top of that over some very hilly terrain (piece of cake really lol)

Has anybody ever ran an 'Ultramarathon' before? How long would you need physically and mentally to prepare for that distance (giving that it's only 6 months away!!) - Since reading that book, I've had such admiration for 'ultramatathoners' - to be honest, I never knew such a group of athletes existed.

Thanks for reading folks.

Graeme

GraemeC1983:

Hi Folks,

Several months ago I read the book 'Ultramarathon Man', by Dean Karnazes. As I was reading it, in the back of my mind I was thinking that, for me, it would be the Ultimate in running that I would like to achieve in my life - at some point. 

Fast forward to last night when I was 'flacking' through the internet hoping for something to take my mind off USA kicking Europe's ass all over Valhalla - I came across the Connemarathon 

The Co. Galway race consists of a half marathon, full marathon.....and a 39.3 mile ultramarathon. The race takes place on Sunday 22nd March, which is my 26th Birthday!! I was just thinking how amazing that feeling of accomplishment would be crossing the finish line - better than ANY present I could ever receive. Heck, even the Marathon would be a great achievement. 

The most I have ever ran up to this point in one go is 26.2 - so really, all I'd need to do is another 13.1 miles on top of that over some very hilly terrain (piece of cake really lol)

Has anybody ever ran an 'Ultramarathon' before? How long would you need physically and mentally to prepare for that distance (giving that it's only 6 months away!!) - Since reading that book, I've had such admiration for 'ultramatathoners' - to be honest, I never knew such a group of athletes existed.

Thanks for reading folks.

Graeme

 

 His book was fantastic and his next is already out: 50/50

I read it in January 07 and made the jump from 18 miles to 31 miles in one single race. I was inspired by Dean and have run 5 ultras since then including a 100-miler. Check out this site for more information on ultras: http://www.ultrunr.com/index.html

I think you can do it in 6 months if you've already run a marathon before. It's def doable. Stop by and check out my site sometime and let me know if you've decided to continue on the pah. I'll give you some more pointers and help you with your training plan/schedule!

http://community.active.com/community/sports/other/toby

GraemeC - I too was inspired by Dean after reading his 50 Marathons - 50 Days book.  I've joined the "Marathons and More" group on this site (only 1 other runner there at the moment) to try and keep a discussion on training and experiences for the ultra going.

tobis47 - I've followed your link to Kevin Sayers' site and look forward to browsing.  Thanks.