I'm glad you touched on the community aspect. The ultra community is so super supportive and fun, and it makes me feel great to help others out along the way. The adventure and journey are also important. Ironman events have an austere feeling to them from the outside looking in. Nobody in star wars costumes!
"Nobody in Star Wars costumes" haha true! Maybe I was unlucky myself, but people around me also took themselves VERY seriously - which is totally fine. Your in your bubble and all - I get it. But that's not the vibe I'm looking for myself - I'll goof around on race day
Bro… 100 miles for me (even 100k) was WAY harder than any Ironman, even the ones i was racing for time. The fact with ultra trail that makes it harder, is that it’s simply a longer race and most of all, it’s all on your legs. Uphills, downhills, flats, you always need to run. 100 mile is really next level on the hardness scale for me. The training part I found to be harder for the Ironmans as it really takes a lot of time and dedication Grate video and congrats on finishing Tor Des Geants
Thanks! 100% with you. And at the end of the day, it's also, what do we prefer? I was glad to have tried ironman so I could say "not for me". Different type of challenge - it was cool to try so I don't regret.
It is really simple. Ironman is hard on your wallet AND your time (you need to schedule 3 different training types ). Running is much more egalitarian ( more people can practice and participate). Running could introduce more damage to your body especially if you don't prepare it properly ( it took me almost 3 years of rehabilitation to return my knees to 100% after years of just running) So in short triathlons are harder on wallet & free time. Ultras are harder on the body
Ironman are very difficult to prepare for given the 3 sports, and you need to be very fit. But I think something else I forgot to say is that recovery is so much faster compared to ultras. After a tough ultra, it can take weeks to get back to normal. For ironman, it took me a couple of days - which doesn't necessarily mean it's easier, but more that by switching it up between discipline, the stress on your joint and body is better distributed. ps: I know it's a bit of a random video - but with Tor des Geants behind me, the question of "what's next?!" came up naturally, and I figured some by be wondering the same with the end of racing season (and beginning of "planning next year season"). I've already started drafting racing calendar for next year
Hmm...bears vs sharks? The longer ultras definitely seem like more of a grind. I have my eye on a Spartan 50K with 60 obstacles for a unique challenge next year. Then have to step up to 50-milers and 100k's. Seems so intimidating right now!
@@laurenjackson4314 I think ultras are both much much much harder than they sound/look like. But also much easier. Hard to explain. I think a 50k spartan would probably be harder than a 50 miler...albeit mostly different. The the OCR I did, you also had to deal with being wet and muddy - which is fine for a 5-10k. But longer, you'll chafe, and have to deal with blisters.
I’ve done a lot of half Ironman races and one full. I’ve also completed many road marathons. I love the challenges that come with multisport but it is expensive to keep up with the latest technology and a gym membership for the swim. Not to mention that road riding is becoming more dangerous with distracted drivers. I took a break for a bit and then did a couple 50k trail races. They are so much fun because you meet nice people, being out in nature is therapeutic, and it’s not so expensive to get into the sport. I also like trail running because it can be technical which keeps your mind busy, helping to pass the time. I started training for Leadville 100 next year because it’s on my bucket list, but I am thinking it’s just the beginning because I love it so much! …I reserve the right to change that statement after the event…
Triathlon days are wonderful in summer. A run early in the morning, a bike commute to work and a swim after work on the way home. But training for three sports where two require enormous time investments (long bike rides and long commutes to pools) requires a specific lifestyle as you say. In contrast, trail running just increases the number of trees in your life, which is always a treat in itself.
Hi I m full time worker, have done 70.3 ironman, 50 km 3000 m elevation gain trail running, 400 km 8000m eg ultra cycling race. I think in terms adventure , ultra cycling is more, because you will see much more. And now it is a lot of multidays ultra cycling, above 1000 km. Should consider this sport Simon... But very good content you've made 👍...
Yes agreed with you - it's a nice sport. Haven't done it myself but know people that did. Like Ryan (another youtuber). Bike packing sounds fun too. Moving on foot put things in a different perspective and brings you in more rugged place, but biking can be amazing too. I don't have the technical skills yet, but that's something I do consider for long term. Probably not racing, but more bike backing.
Hi from UK Simon. I loved this comparison. Having done several ironman races, I'm looking for what's next and have come to ultra quite late. I'm going to do my first ultra in 2025. Will stick with 50k and 50M distances for now though. Thanks for the insight.
Ironman is nothing but profiteering, speculation, a beast that wants more and more and more money and offers much less. More or less like UTMB (that's why they collaborate now). I would never spent a dime on it, always preferring to support local and non prominent races. (I wrote the comment before watching the video, curious to see what have you said about it, if you have... 😀)
I didn't comment on it in this video, but did go through in another (see link below). And to be fair, UTMB takes a lot of the heat, but I've seen other race organization be just as greedy (or worse...). I think it's something to be vigilant and aware. ruclips.net/video/meQkf7zuWBM/видео.html
@@runningwithsimon Nobody said that trail community is heaven. Or UTMB is the bad guy and everyone else is an angel. Although, UTMB and Ironman (I do not consider the latter part of the community, anyhow) are bad guys 😉 We should be careful where to spend our money, and where we volunteer, as lots of races, who, beyond the shadow of a doubt, make money from races, obviously use volunteers as unpaid employees. On the other hand, if we would be that picky, we may have a hard time finding (many) races to run and enjoy 😄
Kind of funny I guess well since I’m a horrible swimmer I guess ultra would be more in line with me. Made me laugh when you said hopefully you’ll see which one is right for you. I thought I have no doubt on that matter at all good thanks again.
I'm super comfortable in the water, but I'm not an efficient long distance swimmer. So when I was exiting the water with barely a few minutes before cutoff, I was very back of the pack. Which was certainly an experience...!
Great comparison video, many helpful insights. Personally, I haven´t done both and kind of think about this video`s topic for some long term planning. On one hand, as I am trying to learn proper freestyle- technique for the last 6 months and progress is slow, i´d go for the ironman being harder. Running comes natural, only that I seem to be prone to running- injuries, so scaling up my running to the needed volume might be a challenge without getting injured.
I love water and I've very comfortable in it - but I'm not a good freestyle swimmer. I actually did most of my ironman using breast stroke.... But yes, risk of injury is high with running only. I think that's also why I recovered so much faster after my ironman (vs. ultras)
Great video! As always! My 2-cent build: ultra marathon is impacting the same muscles for a long period of time, while there is more variety in Ironman. Ultra marathon is probably more demanding physically as the body is always hammered on the same muscle groups. Makes sense?
Totally - and I think that's why it takes me so much longer to recover from an ultra marathon. And it's not just the muscle, but also joints like ankle and knee. And my achilles. My ironman, it took me very little to feel like I was ready to go full blast. Which, you know, nobody wants to feel like crap, so that was a good aspect of ironman. You push your limits, but felt like you're not wrecked so much.
Dans mon cas. J'ai choisi les ultras parce que j'étais trop lent pour la course sur route. J'ai fait un demi-marathon et après le premier km, j'étais seul pendant plus de 2 heures. Puis j’ai découvert le trail et c’était plus une question d’endurance que de vitesse.
Oui c'est ca. La grand question en trail c'est "est-ce que tu peux continuer", et pas tant "a quelle vitesse peux-tu courrir" - ce qui est egalement une question qui me plais plus. Je ne suis pas lent a la course en soi (mais pas le plus rapide, je crois 3h23 pour le PB marathon), mais je n'ai aucun interet a essayer d'etre plus vite
ps: et le 'rapidement j'etais seul' etais exactement mon experience dans la nage pour IM. Je suis tres tres tres comfortable dans l'eau. Mais je n'ai jamais appris a nager de facon 'efficace' alors je ressemble plus a un chien qu'un nageur. Et quand sortais de l'eau, j'etais vraiment 'back of the pack' avec les grand-mamans (et felicitations aux grand-mamans!). Mais ensuite des que je saute sur mon velo, je passais les gens tres rapidement
Ironman is a race of a specific length. There are triathlon races which are multiple times longer and of course, they last through the night(s). I think it would be fairer to compare 50k ultra and Ironman.
@@3WalkingPoles I walk through this in the video and why 100 miles. A 50k is really not the right distance to compare - one could argue for 100k if you go for time, but the gold standard of ultrarunning is 100 miles. There are of course much longer races too. And at the end of the day, most of the points from the discussions in the comments, and in the video, the distance you pick doesn't matter all that much
Not sure if you saw this video I made - can be helpful at least in planning. Then it's about practicing this fueling strategy in training - upping your carbs consumption gradually to increase tolerance. That's how the sport dietician we had on our podcast suggest going to it. ruclips.net/video/DkH_aMcdQBo/видео.html
@@runningwithsimon Simon, thanks! It's a very useful video as an intro to the topic. For 10+ hours races this is a critical part of the game which certainly deserves more investigation and sharing practical advice
I'm glad you touched on the community aspect. The ultra community is so super supportive and fun, and it makes me feel great to help others out along the way. The adventure and journey are also important. Ironman events have an austere feeling to them from the outside looking in. Nobody in star wars costumes!
"Nobody in Star Wars costumes" haha true! Maybe I was unlucky myself, but people around me also took themselves VERY seriously - which is totally fine. Your in your bubble and all - I get it. But that's not the vibe I'm looking for myself - I'll goof around on race day
Bro… 100 miles for me (even 100k) was WAY harder than any Ironman, even the ones i was racing for time.
The fact with ultra trail that makes it harder, is that it’s simply a longer race and most of all, it’s all on your legs. Uphills, downhills, flats, you always need to run.
100 mile is really next level on the hardness scale for me.
The training part I found to be harder for the Ironmans as it really takes a lot of time and dedication
Grate video and congrats on finishing Tor Des Geants
Thanks! 100% with you. And at the end of the day, it's also, what do we prefer? I was glad to have tried ironman so I could say "not for me". Different type of challenge - it was cool to try so I don't regret.
It is really simple. Ironman is hard on your wallet AND your time (you need to schedule 3 different training types ).
Running is much more egalitarian ( more people can practice and participate). Running could introduce more damage to your body especially if you don't prepare it properly ( it took me almost 3 years of rehabilitation to return my knees to 100% after years of just running)
So in short triathlons are harder on wallet & free time. Ultras are harder on the body
I think you're spot on
Ironman are very difficult to prepare for given the 3 sports, and you need to be very fit. But I think something else I forgot to say is that recovery is so much faster compared to ultras. After a tough ultra, it can take weeks to get back to normal. For ironman, it took me a couple of days - which doesn't necessarily mean it's easier, but more that by switching it up between discipline, the stress on your joint and body is better distributed.
ps: I know it's a bit of a random video - but with Tor des Geants behind me, the question of "what's next?!" came up naturally, and I figured some by be wondering the same with the end of racing season (and beginning of "planning next year season"). I've already started drafting racing calendar for next year
How about having to split up your training.
Hmm...bears vs sharks? The longer ultras definitely seem like more of a grind. I have my eye on a Spartan 50K with 60 obstacles for a unique challenge next year. Then have to step up to 50-milers and 100k's. Seems so intimidating right now!
@@hellowill yes, the training schedule is much more complex and time consuming for triathlon. No doubt there imo.
@@laurenjackson4314 I think ultras are both much much much harder than they sound/look like. But also much easier. Hard to explain. I think a 50k spartan would probably be harder than a 50 miler...albeit mostly different. The the OCR I did, you also had to deal with being wet and muddy - which is fine for a 5-10k. But longer, you'll chafe, and have to deal with blisters.
I’ve done a lot of half Ironman races and one full. I’ve also completed many road marathons. I love the challenges that come with multisport but it is expensive to keep up with the latest technology and a gym membership for the swim. Not to mention that road riding is becoming more dangerous with distracted drivers.
I took a break for a bit and then did a couple 50k trail races. They are so much fun because you meet nice people, being out in nature is therapeutic, and it’s not so expensive to get into the sport. I also like trail running because it can be technical which keeps your mind busy, helping to pass the time. I started training for Leadville 100 next year because it’s on my bucket list, but I am thinking it’s just the beginning because I love it so much!
…I reserve the right to change that statement after the event…
Triathlon days are wonderful in summer. A run early in the morning, a bike commute to work and a swim after work on the way home. But training for three sports where two require enormous time investments (long bike rides and long commutes to pools) requires a specific lifestyle as you say. In contrast, trail running just increases the number of trees in your life, which is always a treat in itself.
Hi I m full time worker, have done 70.3 ironman, 50 km 3000 m elevation gain trail running, 400 km 8000m eg ultra cycling race. I think in terms adventure , ultra cycling is more, because you will see much more. And now it is a lot of multidays ultra cycling, above 1000 km. Should consider this sport Simon... But very good content you've made 👍...
Yes agreed with you - it's a nice sport. Haven't done it myself but know people that did. Like Ryan (another youtuber). Bike packing sounds fun too. Moving on foot put things in a different perspective and brings you in more rugged place, but biking can be amazing too. I don't have the technical skills yet, but that's something I do consider for long term. Probably not racing, but more bike backing.
Hi from UK Simon. I loved this comparison. Having done several ironman races, I'm looking for what's next and have come to ultra quite late. I'm going to do my first ultra in 2025. Will stick with 50k and 50M distances for now though. Thanks for the insight.
Good luck! I'll have to come run in the UK some day!!!
Ironman is nothing but profiteering, speculation, a beast that wants more and more and more money and offers much less. More or less like UTMB (that's why they collaborate now).
I would never spent a dime on it, always preferring to support local and non prominent races.
(I wrote the comment before watching the video, curious to see what have you said about it, if you have... 😀)
I didn't comment on it in this video, but did go through in another (see link below). And to be fair, UTMB takes a lot of the heat, but I've seen other race organization be just as greedy (or worse...). I think it's something to be vigilant and aware.
ruclips.net/video/meQkf7zuWBM/видео.html
@@runningwithsimon Nobody said that trail community is heaven. Or UTMB is the bad guy and everyone else is an angel. Although, UTMB and Ironman (I do not consider the latter part of the community, anyhow) are bad guys 😉
We should be careful where to spend our money, and where we volunteer, as lots of races, who, beyond the shadow of a doubt, make money from races, obviously use volunteers as unpaid employees.
On the other hand, if we would be that picky, we may have a hard time finding (many) races to run and enjoy 😄
Kind of funny I guess well since I’m a horrible swimmer I guess ultra would be more in line with me. Made me laugh when you said hopefully you’ll see which one is right for you. I thought I have no doubt on that matter at all good thanks again.
I'm super comfortable in the water, but I'm not an efficient long distance swimmer. So when I was exiting the water with barely a few minutes before cutoff, I was very back of the pack. Which was certainly an experience...!
You should rename your intro to Ultraman hence the megaman theme song lol
I wonder what your super power/weapon would be after defeating ultraman!
Great comparison video, many helpful insights.
Personally, I haven´t done both and kind of think about this video`s topic for some long term planning.
On one hand, as I am trying to learn proper freestyle- technique for the last 6 months and progress is slow, i´d go for the ironman being harder.
Running comes natural, only that I seem to be prone to running- injuries, so scaling up my running to the needed volume might be a challenge without getting injured.
I love water and I've very comfortable in it - but I'm not a good freestyle swimmer. I actually did most of my ironman using breast stroke....
But yes, risk of injury is high with running only. I think that's also why I recovered so much faster after my ironman (vs. ultras)
Great video! As always! My 2-cent build: ultra marathon is impacting the same muscles for a long period of time, while there is more variety in Ironman.
Ultra marathon is probably more demanding physically as the body is always hammered on the same muscle groups.
Makes sense?
Totally - and I think that's why it takes me so much longer to recover from an ultra marathon. And it's not just the muscle, but also joints like ankle and knee. And my achilles. My ironman, it took me very little to feel like I was ready to go full blast. Which, you know, nobody wants to feel like crap, so that was a good aspect of ironman. You push your limits, but felt like you're not wrecked so much.
Dans mon cas. J'ai choisi les ultras parce que j'étais trop lent pour la course sur route. J'ai fait un demi-marathon et après le premier km, j'étais seul pendant plus de 2 heures. Puis j’ai découvert le trail et c’était plus une question d’endurance que de vitesse.
Oui c'est ca. La grand question en trail c'est "est-ce que tu peux continuer", et pas tant "a quelle vitesse peux-tu courrir" - ce qui est egalement une question qui me plais plus. Je ne suis pas lent a la course en soi (mais pas le plus rapide, je crois 3h23 pour le PB marathon), mais je n'ai aucun interet a essayer d'etre plus vite
ps: et le 'rapidement j'etais seul' etais exactement mon experience dans la nage pour IM. Je suis tres tres tres comfortable dans l'eau. Mais je n'ai jamais appris a nager de facon 'efficace' alors je ressemble plus a un chien qu'un nageur. Et quand sortais de l'eau, j'etais vraiment 'back of the pack' avec les grand-mamans (et felicitations aux grand-mamans!). Mais ensuite des que je saute sur mon velo, je passais les gens tres rapidement
How many Ironman races have you racing all night and into the next day?
100%. Although to be fair, it'd be terrifying (and frankly dangerous) to have folks go through the swim in the dark. Same with cycling!
Ironman is a race of a specific length. There are triathlon races which are multiple times longer and of course, they last through the night(s).
I think it would be fairer to compare 50k ultra and Ironman.
@@3WalkingPoles I walk through this in the video and why 100 miles. A 50k is really not the right distance to compare - one could argue for 100k if you go for time, but the gold standard of ultrarunning is 100 miles. There are of course much longer races too. And at the end of the day, most of the points from the discussions in the comments, and in the video, the distance you pick doesn't matter all that much
How to master fueling for ultra trail running?)
Not sure if you saw this video I made - can be helpful at least in planning. Then it's about practicing this fueling strategy in training - upping your carbs consumption gradually to increase tolerance. That's how the sport dietician we had on our podcast suggest going to it.
ruclips.net/video/DkH_aMcdQBo/видео.html
@@runningwithsimon Simon, thanks! It's a very useful video as an intro to the topic. For 10+ hours races this is a critical part of the game which certainly deserves more investigation and sharing practical advice