If I’m being honest, running ultras has become more of a lifestyle choice for me than a hobby.
Consistently running. I managed to run 12 miles the week after Buckeye. I’ve logged 2,000-2,500 miles per year since 2018 and at least 1,700 miles since I started back in 2013. All of this without any injuries that have required me to take time off. At this point, my running base is pretty massive.
Consistently running long. My base philosophy of ultras is that if you want to get good at running long distances, then you need to run long distances. And if you don’t enjoy running long distances, then ultras are not your thing and it’s time to find something else to occupy your time. I define a long run as a 20 miler or more and I’ve now gone 4 straight years with at least one 20 miler per month.
Limited “workouts”. I did two months of hill repeat sessions in the lead up to ES100 this year, but that’s the exception to my rule. I don’t do speedwork. I don’t know what a fartlek is. I don’t run fast. Heck, I’ll walk most hills on each and every one of my daily “runs”. I don’t stretch. I don’t cross train. I’ll do core work for about a week before stopping. Do what works for you and you’ll do it a lot, which is more important than what doesn’t work for you which you won’t do.
8:30pm bedtime. I believe one of the primary reasons I’ve managed to stay injury free is that I prioritize sleep. My goal is at least 8 hours every night and 9-10 hours on the weekend if possible. Let’s just say I don’t watch much TV.
Six ultra races per year. Kinda hard to call it an ultra lifestyle if you don’t run ultras. If you think this is a lot, then you’ve never heard of this guy. I would love to run more, but this is what I can get away with while working full time and having a family. Speaking of which. . .
Supportive family. This is completely and 100% doable due to my loving and supportive wife. Without her completely behind me running and racing as much as I do, I wouldn’t be able to maintain this. Thanks, Cupcake!
7.5 toenails. I’m the guy podiatrists have nightmares about. Or greedily rub their hands together about. Probably a little of both though I’ve never been to one. People get all cringe about this aspect of the sport, but it’s never bothered me. They’re not painful (besides the initial trauma that caused them) so I just shrug and move on.
Take a hike. During COVID, I started up an afternoon walk most days. I’ve been able to keep this up and typically average about 25 miles per week in addition to my running. This is borderline training, however believe this helps me towards the end of my longer ultras when I’m pretty much just walking it in. Regardless, it’s something I enjoy so that’s why I do it.
Making new friends. I’m not the most social person and can best be described as an introvert. That said, I really enjoy meeting and interacting with others in this crazy sport. I’m constantly amazed at how cool and open and fun people are in this community. My challenge is I’m dreadful with names, which makes it a little awkward when I have to ask someone their name for the fourth time. It’s not that I don’t care to remember, I just don’t have that ability. I’ve only been on Facebook for a year or so, but it’s neat to connect with those I meet at races.
Whatever you want out of this sport, my recommendation is to find what’s sustainable for your life. And when that stops being sustainable, change. Life’s too short otherwise.