Wow, your journey into ultra-marathons is fascinating, Mark! Your introspection on motivations and balancing long-distance goals with shorter races is insightful. It's clear you're driven by challenge and growth. Keep pushing boundaries, but always listen to your body. Cheers to your next 35-mile race! 🏃♂
Hey Mihai! 🌟 Thanks a bunch for your kind words and insights on my ultra-marathon journey. Your support means a lot! Excited for the next 35-mile race! 🏃♂️✨
You can definitely step up in distance at some point Mark, you have the right attitude of aiming to complete long races as opposed to how quick & that's a big tick to completing them 👍
Yes, my attitude of going really slowly should serve me well! :) Honestly, I don't think there's any real doubt that I'll keep trying slightly longer races until I find one that is just too much for me. If I never tried, I'd never know. Going to take my time building up though. Cheers mate.
Hi Mark. I had to smile at the chosing "distance over pace" as you age. I reckon I should be up to MOAB 240 by now then. Sadly, for me, as age increases it is harder to run distances and impossible to run at pace these days. I'm just happy to get out and put one foot in front of the other and let you young fellows worry about running fast or crippling yourselves running huge distances. Hope it all goes well for you mate.
Hi Peter. I take your point about the MOAB 240 😂 I think I was guessing that pace goes before endurance, but then they both diminish over time, sadly, but at least we still get to go out and do something. You're an inspiration in that regard mate.
So funny to see this title after just this minute watching Ben's awesome Backyard Ultra video from TimeOnFeet. It's great you mention fuelling too 'cause I too made that error yet again just yesterday, I even thought shit I should at least grab a banana but I was in a rush so I didn't bother... you'd think we would learn but bloody hell it's so easy to make such silly little errors 'cause time is short and we just gotta get out the door asap.
I watched Ben's video last night. He did so well, and I think he had more in him, if he'd been going for as long as he could manage. I make sure we always have bananas in the house, and I've just stocked up on flapjack. My SIS gels are getting delivered today. I just need to remember to actually have them on long run day now :)
I always appreciate how dedicated you are to your training and how you stick to what the training plan says, my ADD just goes wild and makes my training plan a mystery even though I have it written down hahaha. You are always an inspiration Mark! I like the long distances because more time to walk, eat, and more time outside! Great video as always! Also your videos are like a mini vacation in England for me hahaha
Thanks! I've always been a stickler for following instructions as closely as possible, including training plans. I think it goes back to my school days, when I didn't like to get in trouble, and just did as I was told like a good boy lol. Being outside for ages, eating, walking, and occasionally running if I have to lol, are definitely worth getting involved in. I'll keep showing you bits of England as I discover them myself :)
Totally agree mate, I’ve only ever done 1 proper road marathon and it was definitely a lot harder than a trail marathon or ultra, I would definitely choose a trail marathon or ultra over a road marathon, they’re just a lot more enjoyable, especially the craic and banter you have with other runners, when I get back to full fitness my next event will be a looped course in a set time, 3hrs, 6hrs or 12hrs, I’ve done 3 of these in the past and haven’t been able to get past the 33 mile mark so my goal for this year is to beat that distance 🤞🏼
Now you're just making me want to do a road marathon even more mate lol. Sounds like a proper challenge. I'd probably be injured during training but I've got to do it one day, just to see what it's like. Then it'll be back on the trails, no doubt. Keep up your strength training and you'll be good for >33 miles, I'm sure. It's good have that target to keep you motivated as well. Best of luck mate!
As you know I’ve now done 35 miles, 53 miles, 64 miles and 85 miles and I do not consider myself any fitter than you currently are! For me, it’s body and mind management and the enjoyment of being out there on the adventure. You don’t HAVE to do a 26 week training program for an ultra. It helps for sure but don’t underestimate the importance of mindset and how much encouragement you get from achieving these epic distances with the right prep and execution.
You've done some mega distances mate. I'll take any tips you have on the day about body and mind management. I'm trying to get fitter so I don't feel so tired and heavy-legged so early, and I can enjoy it all the more. I've re-watched my Spire Ultra video a few times and noted how knackered I looked and sounded from fairly early on. It'll feel good if I can turn up in better shape this time, and focus on having a laugh with you and Ash :)
Hi Mark. I use tailwind powders as you don’t need anything else to fuel. Mix with water and you can keep an eye on hydration so it’s a win win. Worth a shot. For some inexplicable reason I am trying a 57 mile ultra in Scotland in October. I have 15 hours to complete lol. I don’t care how fast I am it’s the challenge that spurs me on and knowing one day I won’t be able….so want to see what I am capable of!
Lorna, that is a very good point. I've been meaning to try Tailwind at some point, but it keeps slipping my mind. I'll make a note to order a sample pack, cheers. Can't believe you're tackling a 57 miler; that's amazing! You're braver than me :) Very best of luck with it. You've got plenty of time to train, and it will be a brilliant adventure. I'd love to hear how you get on with it.
Ooh, can open, worms everywhere! I cycle I think between wanting to be a faster runner, but the mental challenge of the ultras draws me back in. I actually found the demands of ultra training less than shorter stuff. It doesn't really matter too much if you don't hit an interval or something; on the day your legs are only one part of the puzzle. The head, stomach and heart become much more important. I will go back to wanting faster road times in 2025 I think, then go back into ultras... Rinse and repeat. As for your training, I reckon that after this ultra training block you'll have the knowledge and your body will know what you need to do to be prepared so you can probably be a bit more flexible with your training blocks.
Haha! Bit of controversy, and lots of worms :) That idea of flip-flopping between ultras, and faster races, is what I've been thinking about. I think I'd still like to do an ultra each year though at this point, while I've still only done 1 so far, with 1 planned. Waiting two years, I'd get the itch! I see what you mean about the training being different. I've not focused much on training for faster stuff, but I'm looking forward to finding out more about it soon. My head, stomach and heart are big enough for now lol.
Mark, it should be possible to train and race various distances from 5K to 100+ miles with the appropriate training. Most ultra training plans prepare you to run an ultra. Nothing else. But you can write your own training plan and align the plan with your goals. If you want to run a shorter road race, why not add some tempo runs on the road once every 2 weeks? or a lactate threshold workout with longer repeats? Think about becoming a better and well-rounded distance runner and you can do it!
Good points mate. I feel like I can tackle a range of distances with my current fitness, but some more specific training would be useful before taking on a shorter, faster race. My ultra plan has speed sessions built in, thankfully. I'm in the 4 week Speed Phase at the moment, so there are tempo intervals and stuff like that. I do enjoy those, and even though I think we talked about trying to do them on softer terrain sometimes, there aren't too many of them in this ultra-focused plan, and they are easier on the road, so I'm doing them on the road for now.
Bring on the 40 miler!!! 💪 Great ti hear that youre considering giving some bigger distances a go Mark. Why would anyone run full stop? 🤣 Keep the great training going bud! 😎🤘
I looked up the 40 miler today, and I'm not sure it's still a thing. They have a 20 mile race and you could opt to do two laps, but looking at the results only 5 people did the 40 last time, so I guess they've dropped it. I could do the 20 then just head off again on my own lol. Cheers mate :)
For me, it's not the distance, but the time. Once I've been running all day and it's getting dark, fitness doesn't matter any more and I need to stop to sleep. There are plenty of RUclips videos of people running for 24 hours or more, but I can't / don't want to stay awake that long. That limits me to around 50 miles or a little more if it is a flat and a good running surface.
Yes, I really can't imagine having to coax myself into keeping going at the end of a long day's running, when it's dark, and all I want to do is go to sleep. Big respect to people who can push through that, and no doubt I will want to test myself one day, but at this point it's not very appealing. There's a lot to be said for sticking to what you know suits you and you enjoy. 50 miles is enough for most people I'd say :)
Great video, we have never dived into anything further than a marathon so far so don't really want to think about anything further for now 😂😂 It's nice watching you race them for us though 👀😂
I know what you mean mate people i know have just done the arc of attrition 100 miles and I cannot believe the training and dedication it takes just to get to the start never mind the race . I’ve always fancied doing a muliti stage race over a few days carrying everything you need .
Yep, the ARC looks like a tough one, especially as it's a winter race, with lots of night running in bad weather. Give me a sunny day by the canal any time lol. A multi day one would be a great experience. Would need to do some sweet talking to get the other half to let me out for a week though :)
Haha! I'll do my best to record something watchable when I do mine in May. I'll have so many logistical problems to grumble about, it could be a feature length film!
You da man dude. I can’t imagine running 5k atm 🤣 hopefully be back to running this week, but it is an interesting question ‘Why run that far?’ For me you know my back story, I swapped out binge drinking, cigarettes, junk food and cancer for something healthier and more natural for my body. After breezing (🤣) the 2019 London marathon I wanted a bigger challenge. On a separate note I’m really impressed with your training matey, and a little jealous 🤣 keep it up mate 😁👍
Cheers mate! I think you seem to have reached that point where your legs just have a build up of running strength, and your fitness will soon come back, if you ever pull your finger out lol. Your lifestyle change is fantastic, Ash. I smoked for a few years, and did lots of binge drinking in the 90's. Can't face it nowadays. Makes me feel ill just imagining it. My obsessive training, and sticking to the plan, works really well as long as I recognise when I need to back off and stop niggles from getting worse. I'm slowly getting the hang of it :)
Wow, your journey into ultra-marathons is fascinating, Mark! Your introspection on motivations and balancing long-distance goals with shorter races is insightful. It's clear you're driven by challenge and growth. Keep pushing boundaries, but always listen to your body. Cheers to your next 35-mile race! 🏃♂
Hey Mihai! 🌟 Thanks a bunch for your kind words and insights on my ultra-marathon journey. Your support means a lot! Excited for the next 35-mile race! 🏃♂️✨
I like the reason g behind the Ultra running 'you can't always run fast on trails' I'm almost converted after that.
Yes, there's a built-in excuse to go slowly on the trails! Suits me perfectly :) Still secretly wanting to go faster though, of course...
You can definitely step up in distance at some point Mark, you have the right attitude of aiming to complete long races as opposed to how quick & that's a big tick to completing them 👍
Yes, my attitude of going really slowly should serve me well! :) Honestly, I don't think there's any real doubt that I'll keep trying slightly longer races until I find one that is just too much for me. If I never tried, I'd never know. Going to take my time building up though. Cheers mate.
Hi Mark. I had to smile at the chosing "distance over pace" as you age. I reckon I should be up to MOAB 240 by now then. Sadly, for me, as age increases it is harder to run distances and impossible to run at pace these days. I'm just happy to get out and put one foot in front of the other and let you young fellows worry about running fast or crippling yourselves running huge distances. Hope it all goes well for you mate.
Hi Peter. I take your point about the MOAB 240 😂 I think I was guessing that pace goes before endurance, but then they both diminish over time, sadly, but at least we still get to go out and do something. You're an inspiration in that regard mate.
So funny to see this title after just this minute watching Ben's awesome Backyard Ultra video from TimeOnFeet. It's great you mention fuelling too 'cause I too made that error yet again just yesterday, I even thought shit I should at least grab a banana but I was in a rush so I didn't bother... you'd think we would learn but bloody hell it's so easy to make such silly little errors 'cause time is short and we just gotta get out the door asap.
I watched Ben's video last night. He did so well, and I think he had more in him, if he'd been going for as long as he could manage. I make sure we always have bananas in the house, and I've just stocked up on flapjack. My SIS gels are getting delivered today. I just need to remember to actually have them on long run day now :)
I always appreciate how dedicated you are to your training and how you stick to what the training plan says, my ADD just goes wild and makes my training plan a mystery even though I have it written down hahaha. You are always an inspiration Mark! I like the long distances because more time to walk, eat, and more time outside! Great video as always! Also your videos are like a mini vacation in England for me hahaha
Thanks! I've always been a stickler for following instructions as closely as possible, including training plans. I think it goes back to my school days, when I didn't like to get in trouble, and just did as I was told like a good boy lol. Being outside for ages, eating, walking, and occasionally running if I have to lol, are definitely worth getting involved in. I'll keep showing you bits of England as I discover them myself :)
Totally agree mate, I’ve only ever done 1 proper road marathon and it was definitely a lot harder than a trail marathon or ultra, I would definitely choose a trail marathon or ultra over a road marathon, they’re just a lot more enjoyable, especially the craic and banter you have with other runners, when I get back to full fitness my next event will be a looped course in a set time, 3hrs, 6hrs or 12hrs, I’ve done 3 of these in the past and haven’t been able to get past the 33 mile mark so my goal for this year is to beat that distance 🤞🏼
Now you're just making me want to do a road marathon even more mate lol. Sounds like a proper challenge. I'd probably be injured during training but I've got to do it one day, just to see what it's like. Then it'll be back on the trails, no doubt.
Keep up your strength training and you'll be good for >33 miles, I'm sure. It's good have that target to keep you motivated as well. Best of luck mate!
As you know I’ve now done 35 miles, 53 miles, 64 miles and 85 miles and I do not consider myself any fitter than you currently are! For me, it’s body and mind management and the enjoyment of being out there on the adventure. You don’t HAVE to do a 26 week training program for an ultra. It helps for sure but don’t underestimate the importance of mindset and how much encouragement you get from achieving these epic distances with the right prep and execution.
You've done some mega distances mate. I'll take any tips you have on the day about body and mind management. I'm trying to get fitter so I don't feel so tired and heavy-legged so early, and I can enjoy it all the more. I've re-watched my Spire Ultra video a few times and noted how knackered I looked and sounded from fairly early on. It'll feel good if I can turn up in better shape this time, and focus on having a laugh with you and Ash :)
Hi Mark. I use tailwind powders as you don’t need anything else to fuel. Mix with water and you can keep an eye on hydration so it’s a win win. Worth a shot. For some inexplicable reason I am trying a 57 mile ultra in Scotland in October. I have 15 hours to complete lol. I don’t care how fast I am it’s the challenge that spurs me on and knowing one day I won’t be able….so want to see what I am capable of!
Lorna, that is a very good point. I've been meaning to try Tailwind at some point, but it keeps slipping my mind. I'll make a note to order a sample pack, cheers.
Can't believe you're tackling a 57 miler; that's amazing! You're braver than me :) Very best of luck with it. You've got plenty of time to train, and it will be a brilliant adventure. I'd love to hear how you get on with it.
I can only give it a go! it's a fairly flat canal trail path which I thought was course of wisdom. Using Spire Ultra as a training run. yikes.
Ooh, can open, worms everywhere! I cycle I think between wanting to be a faster runner, but the mental challenge of the ultras draws me back in. I actually found the demands of ultra training less than shorter stuff. It doesn't really matter too much if you don't hit an interval or something; on the day your legs are only one part of the puzzle. The head, stomach and heart become much more important. I will go back to wanting faster road times in 2025 I think, then go back into ultras... Rinse and repeat. As for your training, I reckon that after this ultra training block you'll have the knowledge and your body will know what you need to do to be prepared so you can probably be a bit more flexible with your training blocks.
Haha! Bit of controversy, and lots of worms :) That idea of flip-flopping between ultras, and faster races, is what I've been thinking about. I think I'd still like to do an ultra each year though at this point, while I've still only done 1 so far, with 1 planned. Waiting two years, I'd get the itch!
I see what you mean about the training being different. I've not focused much on training for faster stuff, but I'm looking forward to finding out more about it soon. My head, stomach and heart are big enough for now lol.
Mark, it should be possible to train and race various distances from 5K to 100+ miles with the appropriate training. Most ultra training plans prepare you to run an ultra. Nothing else. But you can write your own training plan and align the plan with your goals. If you want to run a shorter road race, why not add some tempo runs on the road once every 2 weeks? or a lactate threshold workout with longer repeats? Think about becoming a better and well-rounded distance runner and you can do it!
Good points mate. I feel like I can tackle a range of distances with my current fitness, but some more specific training would be useful before taking on a shorter, faster race. My ultra plan has speed sessions built in, thankfully. I'm in the 4 week Speed Phase at the moment, so there are tempo intervals and stuff like that. I do enjoy those, and even though I think we talked about trying to do them on softer terrain sometimes, there aren't too many of them in this ultra-focused plan, and they are easier on the road, so I'm doing them on the road for now.
Bring on the 40 miler!!! 💪 Great ti hear that youre considering giving some bigger distances a go Mark. Why would anyone run full stop? 🤣 Keep the great training going bud! 😎🤘
I looked up the 40 miler today, and I'm not sure it's still a thing. They have a 20 mile race and you could opt to do two laps, but looking at the results only 5 people did the 40 last time, so I guess they've dropped it. I could do the 20 then just head off again on my own lol. Cheers mate :)
Have a look at Rasselbock Runs. they do a backyard ultra in sherwood pines. so you could do the distance you want..then collapse :-)
@@lornamc5928 very nice! 😄 I'll have a look when I'm feeling adventurous.
Another great video. Can't imagine running 40 miles 😬😂 but sounds like a great goal!
I don't think I can imagine running 40 miles either, to be fair 😂 Maybe one day though! Thanks :)
For me, it's not the distance, but the time. Once I've been running all day and it's getting dark, fitness doesn't matter any more and I need to stop to sleep. There are plenty of RUclips videos of people running for 24 hours or more, but I can't / don't want to stay awake that long. That limits me to around 50 miles or a little more if it is a flat and a good running surface.
Yes, I really can't imagine having to coax myself into keeping going at the end of a long day's running, when it's dark, and all I want to do is go to sleep. Big respect to people who can push through that, and no doubt I will want to test myself one day, but at this point it's not very appealing. There's a lot to be said for sticking to what you know suits you and you enjoy. 50 miles is enough for most people I'd say :)
Great video, we have never dived into anything further than a marathon so far so don't really want to think about anything further for now 😂😂 It's nice watching you race them for us though 👀😂
😂😂 Yep, leave it with me guys, I'll do the long, slow suffering, while you do the hard, fast stuff!
@@markg99😂😂😂
I know what you mean mate people i know have just done the arc of attrition 100 miles and I cannot believe the training and dedication it takes just to get to the start never mind the race . I’ve always fancied doing a muliti stage race over a few days carrying everything you need .
Yep, the ARC looks like a tough one, especially as it's a winter race, with lots of night running in bad weather. Give me a sunny day by the canal any time lol. A multi day one would be a great experience. Would need to do some sweet talking to get the other half to let me out for a week though :)
I can relate to that mate 😅😅
My ideal ultra? Witching you ans others do them 😂. For me there are far too many logistical issues to address. I just want to run as fast as i can😂
Haha! I'll do my best to record something watchable when I do mine in May. I'll have so many logistical problems to grumble about, it could be a feature length film!
You da man dude. I can’t imagine running 5k atm 🤣 hopefully be back to running this week, but it is an interesting question ‘Why run that far?’ For me you know my back story, I swapped out binge drinking, cigarettes, junk food and cancer for something healthier and more natural for my body. After breezing (🤣) the 2019 London marathon I wanted a bigger challenge.
On a separate note I’m really impressed with your training matey, and a little jealous 🤣 keep it up mate 😁👍
Cheers mate! I think you seem to have reached that point where your legs just have a build up of running strength, and your fitness will soon come back, if you ever pull your finger out lol. Your lifestyle change is fantastic, Ash. I smoked for a few years, and did lots of binge drinking in the 90's. Can't face it nowadays. Makes me feel ill just imagining it.
My obsessive training, and sticking to the plan, works really well as long as I recognise when I need to back off and stop niggles from getting worse. I'm slowly getting the hang of it :)