I just completed my first Ironman at 60 and took my time to do it. After the bike leg I calculated how much time I had left for the marathon and I knew then that I could walk it and I'd be fine. Ended up running/walking with different people and made it with time to spare. Now I'm looking at Ultra's!

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Amazing! Best of luck finding your first ultra ☺️🙏

Not an ultra but when I did my first trail run I was wondering why everyone was running so slow. Was passing a lot of people then the first big hill came - which I knew to walk - but man at the top I've never felt so gassed 😂. Doing my first backyard ultra in Feb so will definitely conserve the energy and 'enjoy the views' - I like that!

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Amazing! I would love to do a backyard ultra. I was doing a race at the weekend where someone had run one recently. He said that the winner always came in the laps last. Most people were doing them in about 50 minutes, but the guy who won it would come in at 58, until his victory lap which he smashed in about 30 minutes 😂

Ultra cutoff times are very generous, provided you don't get any kind of injury it is entirely possible to walk most of it. Its truly inspiring to see the variety of ages and body shapes getting those finisher medals.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I agree, I love seeing everyone on the start line, it's so inspiring and I wonder what peoples' stories are that got them there 😊🙏

@ianl4518

4 ай бұрын

Go and do a Mud Crew event and get back to us. 😂

Im a marathon runner but I do Ultras from time to time. One of the best suggestions I was given was to focus on beating the cutoff times and only worry about completing the ultra marathons. After you have done a few you have a better feeling of the pace you need to do and the fueling strategy. Also you will be less sore after a 50 miler than after a 26.2 road race.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I love this advice! Ultras go so much better if you start slow. If you make the first couple of cut-offs and feel like there's energy in the tank, then you can push at the end, but most people go out too fast (I made this mistake in the early days too!). And yes, I definitely ache less after ultras - I still find this so counterintuitive, but its true ☺️ Good luck with your running ☺️🙏

@csn583

7 ай бұрын

If you're not doing active recovery as you go, you're probably not going to finish! Shorter distances let you self-destruct your way to the end and pay for it later. (Though what constitutes short is all relative.)

A quote that I think is perfect for running ultra marathons: "Your mental resilience is your greatest asset. Cultivate a mindset that thrives challenge, embraces discomfort and finds beauty in simplicity. Your thoughts can be a wellspring of strength. Celebrate small victories for they are the stepping stones to survival and success."

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

What a wonderful quote, thank you 😊🙏

That bit about *not* thinking about how you felt at the end of a particular distance is key to me. I remember when I finished my first half-marathon and couldn't imagine going a step further. Then after my first marathon, I couldn't imagine going a step further. But because I was smart about how I ran my first ultra, and I know I'd run differently in a longer distance, I *can* imagine going further.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

It's such a helpful shift in mindset. Good luck with your running 😊🙏

I became an ultra runner through a bush walking club. As a group we went in a 100 km, 4100 m vert event, just prepared to walk it. I ran 20 km and walked 80 and I was hooked. I agree, you need to change your mind set for ultra trail events.

Spot on about that marathon runner… your following words were perfect.

GREAT video Chris, so happy to find your channel and subscribe!! The "adventure attitude" you mention I found to be by far the most important factor to start truly pushing my distances and volumes into the lowest ultra distances now. There is SO much inspiration here on youtube too, it's changed my life ... for me it was especially Kieran from Manvmiles when he ran the entire length of the Danube River summer 2022, following him totally changed my attitude. THANKS Chris!!!!

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I love this! And I'm so inspired by these people too. KZread has genuinely helped me in my life, and I hope to share a little bit of that positivity back ☺️🙏

Just watched this after long run. Very positive vibes and good info! keep up the good videos coming!

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Love it! I hope you enjoyed your run ☺️🙏

I am not officially a trail runner, yet. Starting this journey at 68. Have been a casual road cyclist over the past 25 and throughout my life but decided to give it a go. Was a sprinter in school, many moons ago. As a cyclist I have learned pace. Now getting my walks in and starting the what I refer to as the shuffle, still staying with this pace concept. Goals will be to do maybe a short distant trail, 5k, 10k & upper the ladder to possibly a 30k next year. Also kind of giving up on the road somewhat and venturing over to gravel. Mountain biking doesn't interest me. Bike packing distances and trail utras are on the horizon. I say that to myself each day I'm out, it's better to be out than in so take care of the frame that carries you.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I love this! I'm sure you will get there. I much prefer trail to road too; there's something about covering distance out in nature that is good for the soul. Good luck on the journey ☺️🙏

@Kelly_Ben

7 ай бұрын

The man who convinced me to try ultras in my 40s was a volunteer at a race. He was in his early 70s, had only started running in his mid 60s, and now did mainly flatter ultras! Completely inspirational! Good luck on your journey!

This is a great video. I've been running ultras for years and this is one of the best summaries of why we do it and how we train. I dread my Wednesday night club run, where we do intervals or hill repeats much more than I do my weekly long run that can be up to 30 or 40 miles.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much, I appreciate that ☺️🙏

This is brilliant, thank you. I've run a few marathons, but now have a place for the Lakeland 50 next July - you've given me hope that I can do it!

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Ooh amazing! I've heard that race has such a good vibe, it's definitely on my bucket list. Good luck with the training 😊🙏

Love this, absolutely is the best approach. Most of my runs are that sort of “micro adventure” and it’s not about speed but time on my feet. Your head space is so important with these longer efforts I feel like. Cheers- Tom

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I completely agree, it sounds like you've got a great approach. Good luck on the journey ☺️🙏

I find Ultras to be Kinder to the body and mind than regular marathons. Regular marathons are all about PRs, racing, competition and pressure. You’ll push yourself to verge of death to hit a new PR. Ultras, while still being races, are much more about the experience itself and the mental strength to get to the start line. I’m a marathoner myself but I have to admit that the trail and ultra community always seem like the more fun and more relaxed bunch of people. They seem to be more in tune with life if that makes sense.

@Jackssw

2 ай бұрын

Yes I haven’t had an injury since I started ultras, used to get stress fractures a lot from roads. Running slow is great for body and mind. Only a few in an ultra will be racing. People are just looking to finish.

You have an extremely pleasant energy about you! Solid tips and encouragement, thank you

@ChrisBranch

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much ☺️🙏

I wish I came across your channel last year when I was first starting off. Im yet to run my first ultra but Im gradually getting there and with the help and advice from your channel Chris, Im gaining a better understanding of what's required and what to expect, Thank you :)

@ChrisBranch

Ай бұрын

Sorry for the slow reply, this slipped through the net! Best of luck getting into ultras ☺️🙏

Thank you, Chris. The video is just what I needed and was looking for. I ran the Eugene Marathon 10 years ago with only 4 months of training. I weighed 255 lbs and finished the race in 6:54. Finishing is all I cared about and I enjoyed the whole experience. Now, I am 48 and am signing up for the Mckenzie River Trail Run that will take place this June. I've lost 20 lbs and am looking forward to enjoying this race as well. I am not a consistent runner, but I walk a lot and work in construction, so I am a pretty active person. You, reminding me of this proper mindset, is what I needed to remember how to do this. Thanks :)

@ChrisBranch

5 ай бұрын

Amazing! Your active lifestyle will definitely help you. Just add a little bit of interval slow running to those long walks, then gradually shift the ratio, and you're an ultrarunner! Good luck on the journey 😊🙏

Just discovered your videos and really find them really motivating.Hoping to use some of thoughts and training methods to up my mileage for 2023 with a view on my first Ultra 2025 ..keep them coming 💪👍

@ChrisBranch

6 ай бұрын

Amazing! Best of luck training for your first ultra. It's so exciting building up the distance, and getting ready for that first race. I have plenty more videos in the pipeline that I hope will help 😊🙏

Great video! I turned to ultras after a few years of triathlons (5 full Ironmans) and it is a totally different adventure! I worked my way up in distance and earlier this year did my first 200 miler. I will celebrate my 55th birthday shortly by running my 10th ultra of 100 miles or more and I feel the healthiest ever. It is 100% achievable for everyone if you take it slow, follow a good training plan or approach, eat great and enjoy the journey. Life is for living !

@ChrisBranch

6 ай бұрын

You're an inspiration! Thanks so much for the comment. I really hope to be continuing my journey well into my 50's and beyond. I'm only 38, but I also feel the best I've ever felt. I've just hit my first hundred-miler a few weeks ago. At first, I was thinking, 'never again!' but I'm already planning my next one 🤦‍♂️😂 200-miles though? That's incredible! Thanks again for the comment 🙏

I'm loving the vibe of your channel Chris. I'm an on again off again jogger. Hitting the half century this year my goal was to get a 'decent' 5k time. But endurance distances have always appealed. So now I am planning on doing a 10k this year, maybe even a half marathon if I can find one towards the end of the year. Next year hopefully I can do my first ultra. There's a long way to go but hey, one foot in front of the other and all that.

@ChrisBranch

4 ай бұрын

This is brilliant! I have no doubt you will get there 😊🙏

Fantastic video. Im a running again (after many years) newbie and ...ultra excited for Ultras. ! Great explanation thank you! 👍👍👍

@ChrisBranch

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much! Focus on consistency and you'll get to ultra distance before you know it ☺️🙏

Hi Chris and fellow osteo! I thought I’d leave you a reply when I found out you were an osteopath too. I watch countless ultra videos on here but yours seem to resonate with me. I’m running my first Lake District ultra in 2 weeks and these videos have been a great source of information. I’m finding my training runs much more enjoyable implementing your advice. Keep up the good work! 😊

@ChrisBranch

22 күн бұрын

Hey fellow osteo! And I wish you the best with your ultra. I've never raced in the Lakes, but I really want to. Hopefully next year. I'm so pleased my videos have helped too 😊🙏

Running my first marathon tomorrow and I needed this pep talk. Thank you!

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Amazing! Best of luck tomorrow! ☺️🙏

@Kelly_Ben

7 ай бұрын

How'd it go!?

Hello, you have such a beautifully calm voice to listen to and I enjoyed listening. I have run most of my life and I am now slowly increasing my distance for more long distances after surviving Chronic myeloid leukaemia ( CML ). I hope you continue to tell your running stories. Have a great day, cheers. Wylie

@ChrisBranch

6 күн бұрын

Thanks so much for the comment, and I wish you the best in increasing your distance in running. Happy training 😊🙏

Thanks for your part in my journey Chris. I always thought running was boring. Whenever I tried it I’d go too quickly and feel dizzy and sick at the other end. Partly enjoyable but mainly torture. I started running over 25km a month ago and ran a 30km last weekend, with a 50km race planned for June. Slow and steady makes the whole process digestible and so much more enjoyable! I’m aiming for a 100km race next year and looking forward to seeing what is truly possible.

@ChrisBranch

Ай бұрын

Amazing! What a wonderful journey you're on. Best of luck with your training :)

Thanks for creating genuine content rather than some click bait, this is very useful information!

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much, I appreciate that 😊🙏

I am still on my 5k… but this video got me thinking lol 😊

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Bit by bit, you'll get there if you want to 🙏☺️

Got my first 50k ultra booked for next May, I'm so scared but so excited! Videos like this are so helpful, thank you :)

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Amazing! You will love it! I was terrified before my first 50k too, but the fear is good; it helps you stick to the plan and get the training done. Best of luck with it! 🙏

@joppedecuyper6061

7 ай бұрын

I’m also doing my first one in may! Good luck!

@sudstahgaming

7 ай бұрын

50k lol bloody hell

Thank you for this. Could not agree more. Just finished my first 50K a month ago and took this same attitude with me. Endurance NOT performance. Had a blast!

@ChrisBranch

6 ай бұрын

Absolutely! It's a different approach ☺️

Kind of in the same vein, I have been training for a half marathon as of late, following a plan on my garmin watch, and last weekend it set me out on a 15km easy run. I ended up running though the mountains and along a local river on a neat little loop I found and it was one of the most enjoyable runs I have gone on in a hot minute (though the climbs still sucked)

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

It sounds lovely! ... and yes, climbs always suck 😂

Great video Chris. I am deffo someone who goes out and smashes 5/10km and it does feel hard on the body.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Thanks Rob. And yes, slowing down for some of the runs can be a game changer 😊

ultras are as much a mental game as they are a physical one. I try not to look at the whole picture and panic myself by saying "right it's a 50km today" rather I break it down into bite sized chunks. 1) Start and get to the first aid station. 2) Check your body, wee, fuel and hydrate. 3) Off again to the next aid station. And so on until the end. Towards the end it might be, okay, 3 more parkruns to go but it's a good way of not being overwhelmed by the bigger distance. Make sure to take in the views and enjoy the experience. Whilst I'm absolutely not fast in any of my runs, the ones I tend to enjoy the most are the longer trail runs as it's all about having a good time. :)

@ChrisBranch

13 күн бұрын

I discovered in my last ultra how important this is, as I DNF'd because of a poor mental game. I'm going to make a video about this soon, because it's such an important aspect of ultrarunning. Thanks for the comment 😊🙏

What a great video !!! I can relate to this as someone who has recently returned to running after a long break caused by 2 bouts of Covid. I'm currently doing 3 runs a week. A 10K and a 5K ( Parkrun ) both of which I find tough as I'm racing my previous times. I also do a longer, slower run of at least 20K usually on forest trails and I find this much easier to do and recover from. It is exactly as you describe it in the video ... a less intense and more bearable discomfort. I have signed up for my first 50K Ultra "Race to the King" so I am curious to see how the training goes as the distances get longer. Thanks for a great video Chris.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Amazing! I really hope your training goes well for your first 50k. It sounds like you're off to a great start already ☺️🙏

@jimmoses6617

7 ай бұрын

I ran my 1st 50 miler Sept 30. I tested positive for covid 2 days before.

Brilliant video - very wise.. On thing that I always tell people is that for ‘short races’ you have too deal with pain, on ultras you have to deal with suffering. They are very different….

@ChrisBranch

4 ай бұрын

I love this! I say that shorter races are a brilliant test of fitness, but an ultra is a true test of your spirit. I'm addicted to them 😂

Been thinking about this recently, I feel like (as fairly fit 42 year old) I could pretty much walk indefinitely (not that I necessarily could, but I _feel_ like I could). And I feel like really easy pace running is as easy as, or easier than walking. Me and a mate have been talking about just getting out in a Saturday and seeing how far we can go if we stay at that steady "run forever" pace.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Haha I love that run forever feeling! ... although I've found it doesn't last forever 🤔😂 It's wonderful while it lasts though 😊🙏

Thoroughly enjoyed this video.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I'm so pleased 😊🙏

I have to agree with everything you say. I took part in three 24-hour 'races' in my 50s and mostly walked 143 kilometres in my best effort (barefoot) around a 400-metre track.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Wow, that's incredible! I'm a big fan of barefoot training and I wear minimal shoes to work and the gym, but I treat myself to a bit of cushion in running and wear Altra. To cover that distance completely barefoot shows incredible resilience 💪☺️🙏

If only other professionals spoke with the same clarity. Great one

@ChrisBranch

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much 😊🙏

Great advice . I didn’t think I could run anymore as my calf’s pulled every-time I ran. Stuck to a program to strengthen my calf’s. Plus swimming and cycling . After the program was finished I went for a test run. Got loads of advice about taking it really slowly. Thought 3k be nice eventually did 10k and genuinely loved every second. My sights are on a 50k now .

@ChrisBranch

6 ай бұрын

This is amazing! The slow running is often the piece of magic people need to overcome injury and build consistency. We need the strength and speed work too, of course, but only when put on top of the slow-running base. I'm sure you will get your first 50k! 😊🙏

I'd love it after watching all these trail runs and backyard ultras. I do more functional training, but after a shoulder and elbow injury, i started to run. I've just done my first 10k at 58 mins. Being just over a 100kg, it is genuinely hard on the joints. Will see as time goes on

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

You'll get there, I'm sure. If you have the opportunity, go to the start line of a local ultra. You'll see there are all shapes and sizes there, and plenty of people 100kg+. It's truly inspiring, and it makes you realise it's possible 🙏

Very encouraging video! Thanks!

@ChrisBranch

4 ай бұрын

You're most welcome 😊🙏

Love the title: "...WANT you to know", insted of "DONT WANT you to know". As trail running is such a lovely and open community❤

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I totally agree 😊🙏

Fantastic video as always! Love this style of content 🔥

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much 😊🙏

@ActiveIdeas

7 ай бұрын

@@ChrisBranch 👊🏽🔥

A really interesting video thank you it's opened my eyes about ultra running.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I'm so pleased ☺️🙏

Doing my first 50 mi run this November 🤞 at age 59 I run over 50 full marathons and countless half marathons. Definitely difficult to wrap your head around running slower but feels so much better on the body. Thanks for the great video, advice and tips.

@ChrisBranch

Ай бұрын

Amazing! With your background, you'll nail the 50-miler 💪 And yes, I love how ultra running feels on the body. It's counterintuitive, but running further is much nicer for the body 😊

Thanks for this video! I just did the Goggins challenge, but added 5 miles to make it 53. I wasnt sure if my body would hold up but like you said, just slowing it down while making sure your nutrition is on point makes a difference. Definitely looking forward to tackling some ultras in the future

@ChrisBranch

6 ай бұрын

Amazing! And that is a true Goggins' principle of adding more than you need to do 👊 I did the Goggins Challenge a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. I was pleased not to set my alarm and sleep through the night on that third night though 😂 Good luck with your training 😊🙏

@lukesmith6479

6 ай бұрын

@@ChrisBranch Thank you sir! And completely agree about the lack of alarm :)

Just started a plan to get into Ultra running after years away from cardio!

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Amazing! You'll get there, it's a fun journey ☺️🙏

This is all 100% spot on. The hardest bit is reminding yourself how slow you actually need to run on race day

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Absolutely! ☺️🙏

Started using the Run Walk Method /timer Jeff Galloway. It’s working for me. Do my first 30 next year, getting ready (69 years). Also found that cooked foods prior to and especially during my long training runs slow me down.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I've recommended so many of my patients to use Jeff Galloway! It's great to help increase distance, and I use it in the context of getting my patients back to running after injury. Best of luck with your training for the 30 ☺️🙏

Great video! You always put our brilliant content! Can you do a video of what and how you eat during a week of 50 mile training? There’s many videos on race day eating but not much on training eating…I find it hard to get enough calories during the training.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Thank you , that's so kind to say 🙏 And yes, that's a great idea! It will definitely come from the perspective of 'this is what _I_ do, and I'm not an expert', but I would be very happy to share what I eat in a week. It's taken me a long time to dial in my nutrition, and I am still trying to improve it. I have come up with a few strategies to help me eat more because I struggle with that too. I'll add this video to the list, and thank you for the idea 😊🙏

I do Ultras for over 20 years now. My advice for all rookies in this sport is: first work on your running style. If you be able to run like floatless with an absolute minimum of arm gestures, hopping etc.then its the right style. And next is, it doesnt matter how long the distance is at the end. Only think forward to the next checkpoint. Any i.diot can run a marathon. It needs a special kind of .i.diot to run an ultra marathon😂❤

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

😂 I've definitely turned into that special kind of idiot 🤦‍♂️😂

Just signed up to the Jurassic Coast Ultra! Thanks for the tips

@ChrisBranch

4 ай бұрын

This race is definitely on my list! Best of luck with it 😊🙏

Great advice thanks 👍

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much 😊🙏

Excellent video, currently training for my first 100 miles ultra and I've been running at 7minutes per k lately. I can run half marathons at around 1h40m but now they're at 2h15m 😱 It felt so weird in the beginning and yet somehow also liberating to not put speed as a priority.

@ChrisBranch

Ай бұрын

Love this! And I agree, letting go of pace is soooo liberating. It's a wonderful way to train, and far more sustainable. Best of luck with it 😊🙏

I'm so glad I have found this video! I signed up for my first 50k in April 14, and mind you I finished my first marathon on March 3rd. And not only that I only started running in June of last year! And prior to that I was out of shape and wishy washy with my fitness. Never athletic. I'm 45 y/o female, I finished my marathon in 4 hours and 57 minutes with blisters and a knee injury. And I'm actually considering cancelling my ultra because I have knee pain. Today, I ran a half marathon at 13 minute a mile pace but my left knee hurst from time to time that I had to walk sometimes. But with your idea of slow running got me excited. I might not cancel my ultra!

@ChrisBranch

2 ай бұрын

Best of luck with it, I'm sure with the right training you will be fine! And yes, going slower is the superpower that unlocks the distance (plus strength training, I have a few videos about that which might help you too). 😊🙏

@user-uu2nw6fl6z

2 ай бұрын

@@ChrisBranch thanks! I’ll check your other videos later! So grateful for your sharing helpful information!

Completely agree with this!! A couple of years ago I thought I would never get to marathon distance... a couple of weeks ago I ran the length of Ireland(video on my channel in case anyone wants to watch it).

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Amazing! I'll have a watch 😊🙏

Loving this

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much ☺️🙏

I am currently training for a half marathon and am a bit scared because I think I habe to become faster. But your video reminds me to slow down, enjoy the moments and that it’s okay to stop for a picture or to smell the flowers. Two things I really enjoy on my usual 5-10k runs :)

@ChrisBranch

Ай бұрын

This is wonderful! That little shift in mindset will change everything. Best of luck with it 😊🙏

The main thing why i love Ultras is the time your having, the people you meet, the food tou eat, and that you’re going learn a lot about yourselv. Rather a 60k unmarked trail ultra then a 10k om concrete.

Road v Trail is like chalk and cheese or as I explain it to non runners road is like cycling and trail is like mountain biking, very similar but require different equipment and techniques. Each compliments the other, I’ve made the mistake of only training in one discipline, as recently as last week I’d only been training on trails for an up coming 100k event, I did a trail run the other day but did the last half as a road tempo and it destroyed my legs, tempo shouldn’t wreck you but my legs had gotten accustomed to the silky smooth trails, I’ve now adjusted my training so each week I hit both surface types.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

This is a great point, and definitely a topic for another video. Last weekend I ran a hundred-miler around a 400m track, and that was WEIRD! I definitely ache in different places to usual due to the complete lack of variation. (This will be my next video out). Thanks for the comment 🙏

Your videos are very well done. Inspirative and well explained. After watching I feel a need to go run 😊 Could you do a video focused more on hydratation and nutrition during your long runs? How much you drink per hour, what are foods which works for you? Thabk you

@ChrisBranch

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, I appreciate that. And yes, I have learned a lot about this over the last couple of years, and I used to get it very wrong! That's a great topic for a video 👍

majority of this does not apply just to ultra running, the base of road runners is the same principle, but yes. and yes totally agree, the track intervals are way tougher than long distance. it;s a shame most people do not know that.

you had me with "you need to eat" a lot. no problem man haha

@ChrisBranch

28 күн бұрын

😂

I'm just back from doing the Athens Marathon. It was my slowest but it was hot and hilly. I deliberately kept at a constant slower pace and enjoyed it. I've done two personal ultras with my running pal. 30 and 32 miles but really want to do some official ultras in 2024. Would be grateful for advice or the best to do. I live in the Northwest and am happy to travel. Cheers.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Gosh, there are so many! My advice is to do a bit of research, and you will have a 'calling' to one. For me, my first one was UTS and when I saw their promo vid I just _knew_ I had to do it! There is a new one that has had great reviews in the Lake District called 13 Valleys (it has shorter distances too), maybe start there 🙏😊

Sunrise on the trail runs are the best and no photo can capture the experience.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Absolutely, I love it 😊🙏

Hi Chris, I discovery your channel recently. Thank your for your content and tips ! I'm starting at running at 27, did my first 5k recently and I'm hooked for more. I'll do my first 21k next spring. I'd like to run a marathon in 2 years and maybe ultras after. Maybe you mentioned it in a previous video that I didn't watch yet but how long did it took you to get to run ultras?

@ChrisBranch

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! And it sounds like you have a great and sustainable plan. I'll make a video about this in early January - I think it will help people map out their 2024. I went from doing no running to my first ultra in 6 months, BUT I was doing lots of calisthenics and HIIT prior to that, so I wasn't unfit. I had also been a keen runner a couple of years earlier, so I could get back into it quickly. In my video I'll map out different timelines depending on fitness starting points. Your timeline sounds great and would really set you up for the future with a solid foundation, but I reckon you could bring a marathon/ultra in sooner than 2 years with the right approach ☺️🙏

I wanted to quit my last ultra after some pain in my hamstring going downhill. But you can’t just quit out in the wild! On my way to the aid station legs felt better and decided to finish it. Ultras are a wild ride lol

@ChrisBranch

2 ай бұрын

Ultrarunning teaches you that the body and nervous system are weird! I've had exactly the same; being convinced I will drop out because of an injury, then forgetting about it by the next aid station and never feeling it again 🤷‍♂️ it's so bizarre 😂

Once I came across the advice of "walk the uphills, run the flats, jog the downs" it all clicked for me. Just because it's a run doesn't mean you aren't allowed to walk some portions. Maximizing distance and pace (including number of runs/hikes) means you're gonna want to walk a whole lot.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Absolutely, this is so true 🙏

"Dose makes the medicine, we drip that in." Nice line!

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

You've got me thinking now, I actually use this phrase in many contexts, it's often true! 😊🙏

The point of slowing down is so true. I know runners way faster and stronger than me, but some won't even dream of doing more than a marathon and find it amazing that I can run 300k ultras. I keep telling them they could do it much better than me, but they can't imagine it. However, there is something to patience and spiritual perseverance.

@ChrisBranch

3 ай бұрын

"Patience and spiritual perseverance" ... love it 😊🙏

Just did my first “ultra” at a relay for life event, 103km after only ever running for 10km straight before, granted I slept for 5 hours. But I think I did pretty good at 23 hours at a running pace of 6.30 per km whilst on my feet.

@ChrisBranch

6 ай бұрын

This is amazing! It just goes to show what the human body is capable of; we all have more in the tank than we think, and this is why I love ultrarunning - it proves that to us each time we race 😊🙏

I completely agree 👍. I have ran from 5k up to 100mile races and there's a sweet spot between 50k and 100k I would say. On another note, how relaxing is your voice!!! You need to get on one of those stress or sleep apps 😂👍

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

😂 funnily enough, you're not the first person to mention my voice 😂 ... Maybe there's a side-hussle out there for me ☺️🙏

Yes. Going slow is key! Skal!

I have started running, working on my 5k time.. I can only do about 29 mins now. I recently tried to walk 100k (62 miles) in 24 hours. It took about 23 hours total, walked most of it. Felt like i was actually going to die lol. The idea of doing 52 miles in just 10 hours is insane. Well done

@ChrisBranch

13 күн бұрын

I always say to my patients that aiming for a sub-30 5k is the first step. That proves you have a solid foundation that you can build from, and you can now do anything if you are consistent and train smart. Getting to that sub-30 is a big deal, so you're doing really well! Best of luck with your training 😊🙏

@user-rs1iq3kt6l

13 күн бұрын

@@ChrisBranch thanks mate:-)

Great video, Very Inspirational. Would you say 50 miles a week would be enough for a 50 mile race?

@ChrisBranch

4 ай бұрын

Definitely! That's all I manged to fit in in the run-up to my 100-miler. That will be plenty of fitness, and then you need good pacing and nutrition strategy to get you to the finish line. Good luck! 😊🙏

@ourwilliam2405

4 ай бұрын

@@ChrisBranch Thanks for answering, I want to run the Manchester to Liverpool, I'm following Relentless Forward Progress as a guide. Your videos are inspiring.

@ChrisBranch

4 ай бұрын

@@ourwilliam2405 this sounds great! Best of luck with it 🙏

The eating part is where I fall down. Completed my first 50km earlier in the year and was so nervous I couldn’t face breakfast or eat anything during the race. I completed it but it wasn’t pleasant.

@ChrisBranch

Ай бұрын

Ooh, I feel for you! That must have been tough, but on the flip side, if you can sort your nutrition out, you will feel SO much better next time :)

Just found this channel, great content. Subbing for more, thanks 😊

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! Next video is coming out this week about an attempt at running one hundred miles on a track 😊

@harryruns1

7 ай бұрын

@@ChrisBranch looking forward to it 😊

Hi , I’m new to your channel and a 58 year old fellow osteopath and runner. It’s great hearing you say what I advise patients. The one thing I would add, from the perspective of my age, is to have periods when you get unfit and allow your body to heal and recover. Being fit over long periods is a huge stress in the long term.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I agree, I've naturally rotated what I'm up to this year. I say my body is like a farm, and I'm using the crop rotation principle. I do a hard push getting ready for an ultra, but then reduce volume and build strength, then focus on some speed work, and then loop back to ultras (not necessarily in that order!). I like mixing it up, and it definitely feels right for the body 😊🙏

I’m an osteopath and just signed up for my first 50k! Love this

@ChrisBranch

4 ай бұрын

Amazing! I wish you the very best with your training and the race 😊🙏

Ive done Ironmans (not the easiest) and I truly enjoyed it. Trail however I feel like it never ends Ive done a 50km 2800d+ and it felt like 2days.. Any idea ?

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Hmmm , tricky one. What was your running volume like in the run up to the race? My first two throughts are: 1. Not enough weekly mileage, or 2. Not enough nutrition in the race. Do either of those sound like the culprit, or do you think they were both okay?

It's crazy but the longer the race the easier it is... I now do 100km as training races and my main races are 200 miles plus in mountains. i can't imagine doing a marathon on roads. i personally don't eat much in races, I prefer to be fat adapted.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Wow, 200-milers! 🤯 I've just done my first hundred, and I'm amazed at how well I've recovered - it definitely felt better on my body than some of the shorter races I've done. When it comes to nutrition, I tell people to 'pick one; carbs or fats'. I definitely see the value in becoming fat adapted and I have tried it, I just found it didn't work for me and I've gone the carb route, so I have to keep fueling. Thanks for the comment ☺️🙏

@colleendevere7491

7 ай бұрын

@trailsandbeers I am carnivore and preparing for an ultra. What do you eat while racing and training? I was thinking a big meal the night before, breakfast before the race and I will be fine, but plan to take some jerky. Thoughts?

@trailsandbeers

7 ай бұрын

@@colleendevere7491 Eating normally the night before and breakfast (a few hours before the start) should be good, as carnivore you will be well fat adapted and probably good on just water and jerky during the race unless you are trying to go really fast. If it's a long race and/or in hot weather you can also add electrolytes to your water. Did you already try some long runs on just water? Jerky and cheese would be my choices if I wanted to be strict carnivore and eat during a race, but be careful what is in the Jerky they are not all just plain beef and salt. I don't think that eating carbs is a problem during races as long as you stay hydrated and don't take on too much that you get sick, but if you want to stay carnivore then you would need to get the carbs from milk, eggs, cheese. I did see a video recently about Mike McKnight winning the Cocodona 250 mile drinking lots of milk. I sometimes eat carnivore for a few weeks or a month, but usually I am not so strict and try to eat lowish carbs avoiding sugar, processed grains and seed oils. Training for up to 3 hours I run/hike fasted and just drink water. Anything longer I do add some foods like cheese, nuts, chocolate, beer. Before races I fast for at least 24 hours and then take black coffee and 50g carbs (usually a croissant) 3 hours before the start. During the race I try to not eat much in the first 3-4 hours and then just eat what/when I feel like from the aid stations but still avoiding too much sugar and processed foods.

Does ultra running make you a worse or better marathon runner? I am running my first ultramarathon but still have big goals for the marathon and will be going into a marathon block following the ultra. Not sure if it's a good idea or not.

@ChrisBranch

15 күн бұрын

The thing that gives me confidence that it will make you better, is that you said you have time for a marathon block after the ultra. In the short term, ultra training may take away some of your marathon speed (just a bit), but it will build your aerobic base which is fantastic for marathon runners. If you do a marathon-specific block after the ultra, you'll build back your marathon speed and you'll smash it. The speed comes back relatively quickly compared to how long it takes to improve your aerobic base, so I think you should be fine. Best of luck!

Hi Chris, thanks for that. Do you have a training program for a 50k that would be suitable for women over 50? If so, how do I get a copy?

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I don't have a program I'm afraid, but I have had a few people ask for one, so I feel this will be in the pipeline soon. In the meantime, head to www.trainingpeaks.com/ and buy a plan there. If I ever did write a plan, I would host it on TP because they have great features that send the plan to your running watch and host it on a calendar etc. I recommend looking at '80/20 Running' plans. Also, I can't think of any reason why being a lady over 50 would change the general principles of training: prioritise your aerobic base with mostly zone 2 running, drip in some speed, do one long run a week, build volume by 10% a week. I guess the only thing is that you mustn't skip your strength training and you should focus on good recovery, but we should all be doing that too (and it is programmed in the 80/20 Running programs). Good luck on your journey, I'm sure you will do well 😊🙏

@ykgarunningjourneyjournal.3272

6 ай бұрын

@@ChrisBranch cool. Thank you!

I'm still in two minds about ultras, as someone that has done a few. I always finish with such a weird, anticlimactic sense of dissatisfaction, because the pacing is so much slower than any of my half or full mara efforts. I know it's supposed to be about the journey, not the destination, but I just can't shake it. It's a real sense of "anyone could have done this" that makes the training feel like a waste of time.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment, this is interesting. I recently ran my first hundred (shown in my most recent video), and in that I hit a real wall at mile 90. I genuinely thought I couldn't finish. But then I kept going, got it done, and I cried tears of joy on the finish line. It wasn't my pace that made me so joyful, it was pushing through the barrier. I've never experienced that joy in shorter ultras, because none of them have been that hard. Maybe you would experience more satisfaction with something like that? Or maybe they're just not for you; there is a real pleasure in doing shorter races and aiming for a fast time too. Either way, good luck with your training 😊🙏

@Jytube231

7 ай бұрын

@@ChrisBranch I've thought about it a little more over the past 24 hours. Maybe the goal of finishing, as opposed to finishing in a certain time, is what makes them feel strange to me? To finish is certainly an achievement, don't get me wrong, but without a time goal, or a meaningful placing, to numerically anchor it down, it's more of a personal achievement than a qualitative one. That said, at the end of each ultra, once I've had a cup of noodles and my brain's back to normal, the feeling of "wow, I'm never doing that again" is replaced by "wow, I wonder how much further I can go." Already locked in for a backyard and a 100 next year, so I guess I can't really hate them that much.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

@@Jytube231 I'm exactly the same with the 'I wonder how much further I could go' feeling, and for me, that is part of what I enjoy about them; we do these things to find our limits, and I'm always pleasantly surprised that I didn't find it. This carries over into day-to-day life and makes me feel a bit tougher and more confident. From what you're saying, I think the Backyard Ultra will be a great model for you! I really want to give that a go too. Best of luck with it 😊🙏

I'd love to run longer distances but everytime I push more than 8km, my knees' tendonitis creeps in really fast :( It's a shame beacause I still feel quite fresh on the cardio side.

@ChrisBranch

4 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that, that is a shame. Have you seen a professional about it? I treat things like this often in my clinic, and it's usually a strength issue, or occasionally a technique issue. It may also have contributing factors from other joints like the feet or hips. A good therapist local to you who has an interest in running should be able to help you figure it out.

Do you switch to a heel strike jog and cushioned shoes for ultras?

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I try and maintain good posture and place my foot under my centre of mass, but I don't worry whether it's midfoot or heel strike. The research is taking us away from that, and inevitably your foot strike will change as you fatigue. And yes, when I run further than 15 miles, I wear the Altra Olympus, which is their max cushion shoe and I find it really helps my feet ☺️🙏

@platosbeard3476

7 ай бұрын

@@ChrisBranch a lot of ultra runners I know swear by jogging/race walking because it's meant to be more energy efficient, but it feels so unnatural to me. As soon as I'm not paying attention, I'm back to midfoot striking lol. I've not done an official ultra, but I've done a 40 mile charity run that was quite good fun. I've also done a few death marches of 60(ish) miles that were a right pain because of the heavy backpack. But not liking jogging has put me off having a go at a proper ultra

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

@@platosbeard3476 they both sound like proper ultras to me! It doesn't have to be an official race to count; have you heard of the concept of FKT's? People just go off and do their own thing - that's another difference with the ultra community ☺️

@platosbeard3476

7 ай бұрын

@@ChrisBranch thanks for saying that :) I've not heard of FKTs?

It may be that the ultra runners in their 60s are runners because they have no joint pain. Maybe it's not the running that prevents the joint pain. Im a 59 year old swimmer and rower partly because my knees are not in good enough shape to run.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

The research seems to suggest it's the other way round - running helps prevent knee pain - but there are also strong genetic factors at play. It's an unfortunate fact of nature that some people are predisposed to get knee degeneration, even if they follow all the best practices. And yes, in situations like this it is great to take up other modalities which are kinder to the knees 🙏

You mention eating during your races .... but how? And what? This is really a huge puzzle for me. I know ultra runners eat during their runs, but I can't figure out how they do it. I have gone on long runs and taken a bit of food with me. Just a bun with cheese and a bit of chocolate. But each time I've done that, the result has been a terrible pain in my stomach. What do you eat? Do you take a small break after eating? Or maybe you walk 10 or 15 minutes after eating?

@Spaxcore

7 ай бұрын

Aide stations

@luketcg

7 ай бұрын

Whatever works! Candy, nut butters, jerky, gels, tailwind drink. General goal recommendations per hour are 200-300kcal, 50-100g carbs, 5g protein for longer efforts, 250mg sodium, 500ml+ fluids to thirst. Easiest way I've found is just drink tailwind or gu roctane drink mix.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

I've just uploaded a new video about a recent hundred-miler I did, and I show the food I eat in that. But as the others have said, it's a combination of lots of things: powder in drinks (Tailwind), gels, brownies, flapjacks, pizza, bars ... It's not exactly health food, but it gets you round! And your gut is trainable. You have to practice eating in your long runs 🙏

What’s a typical pace (min/mile) for an ultra (eg 30 miles) ?

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

There are too many variables to give you a clear answer. Elevation, terrain, weather .. they all play a massive role in your likely pace. Also, there is a HUGE difference between how fast the front runners go and the back runners go. In my last race, the Track100 (my recent video), the winner beat me by 8 hours 😂. So it depends where you are. I generally place somewhere in the middle, but my pace varies from race to race depending on many factors 👍

1 day I’d love to do an ultra

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Consistency is key, and bit by bit you'll get there 😊🙏

Slow down and enjoy. Yes. I am not a runner. I ride my bike 100km per week and do a lot of hiking. I cant even run 10km. Last year i finished my first Ultra-Hike 100km in 24h. After my third finish this year, i am training for a 171km 48h hike next year. [Goal is 36h] It is incredible what the body of a "normal guy" can do with training

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Wow! That's an incredible event, well done! And I totally agree with you; I'm as surprised as anyone that I finish these races and that the body is capable of it 😊🙏

UTS isn’t an easy ultra neither. Well done. Dragons back is on my wish list.

@ChrisBranch

2 ай бұрын

Haha no, it's a toughie! Dragons Back would be amazing. I think I need to be in a different place with a bit more time on my hands to get the training in for something that big. One day... ☺️🙏

Just one problem with your video: the title is so wrong :-D I am telling everyone how easy long distance running is and that every healthy person can finish a 10k or half marathon with barely any preparation (not an ultra I know, and not saying you gonna be fast). But still many people think it is an impossible feat. Now extrapolating this to an ultra marathon, all it takes is just the time commitment to get in those training kilometers at slow speed. It's not hard. It just takes time. That marathon runner probably spent the same amount of time in training for his 80 miles than you did for you 50 miles

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Quick fix ... I took out the 'don't' from the title ☺️🙏

ultra running is definitely not for people in a hurry.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Hahaha you're right! 😂

well, he ran 2.27 for the marathon so his expectation were high on that event, him throwing himself on a 52 miler would result in a 7h time for that even with the vert and that i can tell you is soooo fucking hard on the body too, so yeah you can run a marathon if you aim for 5h time it's not that bad.. when you are walking everywhere in europe to visit a city you often can get close to 25-30km a day the hickup is to compare the mileage and the speed you are going to put in it a guy running 2.27 isn't going to aim for dead fucking last at a 52 miler

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

Absolutely! 😊

There's a pretty blatant survivorship bias when you say that the people running in their 60's are the ones without knee pain. I'm trying to figure out how to keep running but my knee is a problem, slow running didn't seem to do it. If anything the impact of that plodding sort of gait (as opposed to the more flowing movement of going faster) seemed to exacerbate the problem.. IDK what to do... I love running but I feel like I'm being squeezed out of being able to do it.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

The research seems to be suggesting it's the other way round; on average, running helps your knees. Unfortunately, there are other factors like genetics, previous injury and lifestyle that may be contributing in an individual's case. Although running can help knee pain in some cases, if I were to try to optimise one's way out of knee pain, I would look more to strength and rehab. Seeing a professional can help to get the right exercises, and, online, Ben Patrick (KneesOverToesGuy) has been doing some great work in this area. I always start with optimism that these things can be fixed, but seeing the right professional and doing the best exercises is the way. I wish you the best 🙏

@stevem815

7 ай бұрын

@@ChrisBranch well i just picked up a heart rate monitor today to give the low heart rate stuff a proper go (used my watch before and only found out after that often they're not very accurate) and I'm going to sign up with a sports physio to get a program going. I've three quarter-assed those things before though, found it hard to find the time to do them properly and still work and bring up kids and all the other things life has stuffed into it. I'm going to ask the physio for a bit more of a reality based program, rather than a second part time job they seem to assume I'm coming to them for. Hopefully it'll work out. Thanks for the encouragement.

@ChrisBranch

7 ай бұрын

@@stevem815 haha, 'part-time job' 😂 I know what you mean. A good program shouldn't take long. I think of the right exercises being like a key to a lock; we only need a few of the very best exercises, rather than a long list of mediocre ones. As for the focus you mention, I think well-being comes in chapters. Your next chapter might be a few months long and will require real focus on fixing this. It will probably be boring! But do the work, and it opens up a new chapter after which is much more fun. Best of luck with it 🙏

They want me to know? or not want me to know?

@ChrisBranch

6 ай бұрын

We want you to know, it's a fun community 😊

I'm very confused about this video. There's nothing in it a bit like empty calories.......

There's nothing ultra runners don't want to share. This wouldn't be a bad video without the stupid clickbait

@Kelly_Ben

7 ай бұрын

Ultra runners share their advice, their fuel, their first aid kits, and their gear! 😂 One of the many reasons ultra running is a whole different world!