The definition of ultramarathon training
In an effort to try and explain what it’s like to train for an ultramarathon, or “ultra” as we call it, we first need to define what it is! An ultra is any distance longer than a marathon, which is 26.2 miles. So a 50k is about 31 miles. To train for these, most people need good quality runs of longer distance (I.e. 6-12 miles a few times a week) and a good long run (usually done on the weekend, consisting of varying but longer distances). As you can imagine, this training takes time!! A lot of it!! When both you AND your spouse are both training for ultras, it also takes a lot of coordination of schedules, compromise, and patience. And acceptance that neither of you will be able to really run the recommended 4-6 times a week due to each others’ time required to get in training runs... especially between jobs, raising small children, church/volunteering, and trying to maintain a social life! I’ve often considered letting my goal go of trying to do another ultra (I even t...