Can anyone run an ultra? (Read 1035 times)

I believe that anyone can run a marathon. Can just anyone train and run 50 miles? 100K? 100 miles? Does it require something more?

I would like to say yes but I would think that biomechanics could be the biggest limiting factor for some people. Any flaws in your feet, hips, etc are sure to come out big rime in a race that far.

I guy in my running club won a 50 miler averaging something like 7:40 or 7:50 I think.  That is running enough for me.

I believe that anyone can run a marathon. Can just anyone train and run 50 miles? 100K? 100 miles? Does it require something more?

 

 

Yes.  You have to be the boy or girl with something extra.

 

Actually, this comes down to goofy semantics regarding the word 'can'.

 

 

Anyway, I've done some 50s.  My longest was 52 miles.  I have no desire to ever run 53 or beyond.  EVER.  In fact, I seriously doubt I'll run much beyond 40 again.

 

I just can't.

 

So, thread solved.  Not everyone, so sort of not anyone either.

 

Or is it neither? 

Having trained/mentored a few runners to run at this distance, I believe anyone with a base level of fitness and no major health conditions can train for and finish a 50 or 100 mile race.

 

The issue is not generally someone's ability but their willingness, commitment or time to see it through.

 

- Make the decision to do it

- Develop a plan

- Stick to the plan

- Finish the race

One issue that slower, older, inexperienced people like myself run into - and older, experienced ultra runners - is trying to meet the cutoffs. But to just train and do (not necessarily run the whole way) 50 miles just requires gradual building and patience. The races are an adventure - a trip through the woods for many hours. When you get into the longer races, like 100 miles, you'll be running in the dark part of the time.

Longer races generally require tha you figure out what works for you for keeping moving for many hours - 10, 20, 30 hrs, maybe longer or even multi-days. That's hydration, electrolytes, and fuel, not to mention shoes, gear, etc.

Technically, ultras start at 26.3 miles or thereabouts, so there really isn't that much of a jump to do an "ultra." But when you start getting into the longer duration races is when the difference really pops out. It's more than just logging miles, but in the course of logging a variety of miles (footing, up, down, etc), one normally acquires the experience that's helpful in completing an ultra.

(No, I haven't completed an ultra, but I've gone over 26.2 miles about 5 times or more in training or during a race, but have only made 38 mi and 42 mi in race by cutoff at 13 hrs. That race has no aid stations on the trail part, so we need to carry our supplies for 38 mi, using water from streams.)

I believe that you are asking the wrong question...

 

It isn't Can someon run an ultramarathon - it's Should someone run an ultramarathon?

There's a huge difference between a 50m/100k and a 100-miler, and I'm not just talking about the distance. Nutrition, sleep deprivation, electrolyte management, and running at night, to name a few. Not that I've done it.

I could see doing a 50-miler. But a 100? I really don't think so.