Beyond the Marathon: Your Ultimate Guide to Training for Your First Ultra

So, you’ve crossed a few finish lines, maybe even collected a marathon medal or two, and you’re starting to wonder… what’s next? If the idea of running further than 26.2 miles gives you a mix of terror and absolute exhilaration, welcome to the club. You’re looking at the world of ultramarathons.

Training for an ultra isn't just about adding more miles; it’s about a total shift in mindset, gear, and strategy. Whether you’re eyeing a 50k this summer in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado or dreaming of a fast 50-miler in the desert, the journey from "marathoner" to "ultrarunner" is one of the most rewarding transformations you can undergo.

Understanding the "Ultra" Mindset

The biggest hurdle in an ultra isn't usually your lungs—it’s your brain and your stomach. In a marathon, you can often "muscle through" a bad patch. In an ultra, you have to manage it. You’ll experience high highs and very low lows.

When you’re looking for an intro to ultra running in Denver, the first thing we talk about is pacing. You aren't sprinting; you’re managing energy. If you’re used to road racing, the "walk the hills" rule might feel like cheating at first. In the ultra world, power-hiking is a strategic tool. Learning trail running technique for steep hills early on will save your quads for the final miles.

Respecting the Altitude and Terrain

Training in the Mile High City gives you a massive advantage, but it requires a specific approach. If you are learning how to start running in Denver altitude, remember that recovery takes longer here because there is less oxygen to repair your muscles.

For those looking to move from the pavement to the dirt, trail running in Golden or exploring the trails in Boulder can provide the technical terrain you need. The rocks, roots, and vertical gain of the Front Range are the perfect playground, but they require different stability than a flat loop at Washington Park.

The Pillars of Ultra Training

1. The Back-to-Back Long Run

The hallmark of ultra training is the back-to-back long run. Instead of one massive 30-mile run, you might do 20 miles on Saturday and 10 miles on Sunday. This teaches your body to run on tired legs without the high injury risk of a single, massive effort. If you find it hard to self-motivate for these, joining a group run for your "shorter" long run can provide the social boost you need.

2. Master Your Nutrition (The "Eating Contest")

An ultramarathon is often described as an eating contest with some running involved. You need to train your gut to process as many grams of carbs per hour as you can stomach while moving. This is where having a team of people becomes invaluable—a coach or sports nutritionist can help you troubleshoot why your stomach turns at mile 20 and help you find the right fuel.

3. Strength and Stability

The uneven terrain of Colorado trails demands a strong core and glutes as well as foot and ankle strength. Without it, you are increasingly prone to injury that will derail your training entirely.

Pro Tip: If you're training for a race with significant elevation, don't overlook the Red Rocks stairs workout. It’s one of the best ways to build the "climbing legs" necessary for mountain ultras.

Why a Coach Makes the Difference

You can download a cookie-cutter plan online, but an ultra is a complex puzzle. I specialize at helping athletes who are moving up in distance. Here are a few things that I do with my athletes who are moving up to the ultra distances to ensure long term health!

• Gradually build up volume and intensity

• Fit training into the time constraints of their life

• Virtual running form review via video: Perfect for my remote athletes who want expert eyes on their biomechanics from anywhere.

Whether you are looking for an affordable virtual run coach or want to join my in person training group in Denver, having a professional in your corner prevents the "too much, too soon" syndrome that sidelines so many runners.

Ready to Go Long?

Training for your first ultra is a journey of self-discovery. It will change how you view distance, discomfort, and your own capabilities.

I offer both in-person group coaching in the Denver area and remote run coaching with weekly check-ins for athletes across the country. We can work on everything from how to breathe while running in Colorado to building a custom ultramarathon training plan  that leads you directly to your first 50k finish line.

Would you like me to hop on a free 15-minute discovery call to discuss your goals for your first ultramarathon?