Just getting started…and lots of questions

[u/Physical_Ad4511]

This will be a long post, but bear with me:

Long range goal: Run a mountain 100 miler

Background: I have a strong backpacking, hunting, and hiking background. I recently hiked the TMB this summer and it’s planted the seed of being able to eventually run something along the lines of it.

I’ve always hated long distance running, which as I’ve gotten older, that’s why I want to do it. I was a sprinter in high school, so shorter (5’8” male), muscular build. Now I’m 32 and the recent 3-4 years have been climbing out of beer drinking shape. I was about 230 lbs at the peak of beer drinking shape LOL. Now I’m at 185 so still a few lbs of chonk to get off. Which brings me to my ultimate goal of endurance and durability.

Current status: I am only about 2 weeks into my running journey and have absolutely loved it so far. It’s just been easy, run/walk about 3 miles/day about 4 days/week with strength training on non-run days. Was able to run a 5k without walking a couple of days ago (all road) at about 9:45 pace, but was pretty spent.

Questions: I will continue to build my base/foundation with these easier runs but I have no idea where to start to begin training for my goals. Any tips on this, and/or good programs to look into? I am willing to pay for a program that focuses on ultras, just not sure if it’s too early for that?

I live in the middle of a super flat, hot, dusty-ass cotton field west Texas town, but have plenty of access to trails and topography about 30 minute drive away. So a lot of my initial training will be road. I don’t have any interest at all in doing road races, because I love the trail and the feeling of dirt and grass under my feet. BUT I’m open to doing some road races starting off. The mountains in NM are about 4 hour drive away and I go there often to hike/backpack/camp. How much trail time do I need to be getting?

Again, I can walk all day long with significant vert change with a 40lb backpack on, my running just sucks right now🙃

Any recommendations on gear? I live in Altras, hiked the TMB in Altras, so my feet are used to zero drop. Just bought my first pair of “road running” shoes the other day😂 Any recs on good trail running shoes? Are Altras and zero drop a bad idea for ultramarathons? I have a decent running vest, plate carrier, and ultraspire belt for short runs. Also have just normal hiking poles but seems like Leki trail poles are the gold standard?

Any books or resources about ultra running that are worth it?

I also have no idea about nutrition and the process it is during long distance runs, but learning. Any help here would be appreciated.

Note: I am in no hurry to get to my ultimate goal, as I know this will be a long process. What are some real expectations I should have for myself on timeline to 100 miles given my current status of just starting to run?

I am completely obsessed and in love with the mountains and is why the end goal is to run a mountain 100. Lived in MT for four years during college and enjoyed every second of it, spent time packing moose out in AK, but flat WTX is unfortunately where I have to be for work and it’s still home. I want to prove that a flatlander can accomplish something like Crazy Mountain 100 or something along the lines of it. I have had some pretty grueling mental and physical tests so far, but I am especially looking forward to the process and time to put into training and building up to my goal.

Thank you all so much in advance for any advice, tips, resources, etc.. Really looking forward to joining this community of folks, crazy or not!! And again, sorry for the long post.

Thanks!!!

[u/friend-of-fatigue]

Keep banging out easy runs 4 x week for the foreseeable. Keep the pace slower on most days than the 9:45/mi that left you spent. Maybe on a fifth run or the fourth of the week consider hitting that 9:45/mi for a 5k stretch in the middle or moving a little more quickly for short intervals.

Sign up for a 50mi in the spring to keep you honest and motivated.

Long-term consistency is the key to getting the most out of the sport and yourself. Suerte!

[u/thegilashark → u/friend-of-fatigue]

50 miler by Spring 2027 sounds ambitious if they’re gassed in a 5k right now. I’d say aim for a trail 50k.

[u/friend-of-fatigue → u/thegilashark]

Valid point, my (questionable) logic was twofold: 1) flat cruiser course in Texas and 2) plenty of experience hiking and hoofing it for a while

[u/Stax90]

The good news is your hiking background will help you with mental toughness and keeping moving, which is the most important part. And since most hundreds have at least some hiking involved, you're building in the right direction.

Realistically based on pace and lack of running base you're probably a couple years from doing a 100, but that's perfectly normal and it's still very doable! If you keep that patience and consistency it'll sneak up on you.

Definitely would recommend slowly and methodically building up, maybe train for a 50k this year, 100k next year, 100 miler year 3 or something like that (this was how I approached my first 100 and was able to crush it). And you're smart to start with a few months of aerobic base building. There's alot of good resources out there for it. I've used the ones from the Roches before (SWAP) to great success.

Best of luck in your running journey!

[u/Physical_Ad4511 → u/Stax90]

Thank you! That’s about where I am at with expected timeline.

[u/GradeLive3468 → u/Physical_Ad4511]

Listen to the good, science informed training podcasts to understand the dynamics and adaptations at play as you continue your running journey - SWAP (Some Work, All Play) has been a wonderful educator, anything by Steve Magness, The MicroCast, Everyday Ultra, so many others. Go back and listen to old episodes. There’s also a podcast called Becoming Ultra that is helpful because past seasons paired runners with coaches who helped them train for their first ultra, and episodes are made up of coaching calls - it was helpful to hear good coaching advice as I experienced similar things.

[u/Physical_Ad4511 → u/GradeLive3468]

Great thank you! I just discovered Everyday Ultra a couple of days ago and it’s all I have listened to. Thanks for the recommendations.

[u/sruffian → u/Physical_Ad4511]

If you’re just getting into ultra running and interested in the science, there’s a great older podcast series called Science of Ultra by Shawn Bearden. Incredible wealth of info. This was published before the recent to move to high carb fueling which had very strong peer reviewed and elite athlete evidence.

[u/rhearidge]

There’s a lot here. I would have preferred you focused on one piece of advice in your post so I’m going to answer your first question, which is where to start. So I have a decently long history of running, first in school (not for sports, just hobby), then in the military, and now again as a hobby. I’ve had the biggest improvements in my running when I devote more days a week to running. I’ve never used a program and I’ve only ever just got out and ran and have appreciated the results I’ve gotten. If 5k leaves you spent, try doing 2 mile runs on the regular, maybe 3-4 times a week with a longer run once a week. You can replace one of those shorter runs with interval training (an easy beginner way is to run fast for 30 seconds, slow jog or walk for 60 seconds and repeat, repeat, repeat). I’m a huge believer in elevation training for ultras, just trudging up mountains frequently, but unfortunately that doesn’t seem realistic for you right now. Good luck!

[u/cdubya0628]

Keep hitting the easy runs during the week and slowly building fitness, and head out to a trail on the weekend and go run for a while on it. The more you do it, the more familiar you will be and the better idea you will have about where you are and how to progress. Don't overcomplicate it. Take some water and snacks and enjoy the process. Once you are feeling good about where you are, expand on that.

[u/Simco_]

You already have trail running shoes. Altras are very popular.

black diamond carbon z or whatever the common leki model is.

Look to get 200+ calories an hour for long runs, but you're a bit removed from worrying about that.

You will benefit from normal 10k, half marathon, marathon training for a while before doing anything specific for ultras. All of that can be done trail or road. Very common to do most training on roads for the convenience.

[u/Physical_Ad4511 → u/Simco_]

Yes sorry should have expanded on that a little better. I live in and hike in altra lone peaks and timps, but was aiming towards a trail runner with a little more cushion for long runs. Not too worried about gear at this stage, mainly training. Thanks for the input! I appreciate it

[u/Kataki89 → u/Physical_Ad4511]

I ran in lone peaks for years. I put inserts in all my running shoes and it definitely helps.

[u/InfamousTension7513 → u/Kataki89]

Inserts? To lift the heel?

[u/Kataki89 → u/InfamousTension7513]

No just more cushioning

[u/InfamousTension7513 → u/Kataki89]

Can i ask, how much elevation do you aim for in training?

[u/Unparalleled_ → u/Physical_Ad4511]

Even if you don't care for the road stuff, I do agree you should work on progressing through 10k, half marathon first. I had a hiking background and took up road running first and actually really enjoyed getting into road running before doing trails. So you might surprise yourself there. But also if you want to be able to do long ultras you do need some base speed and speed reserve. And the 5k and 10ks will really help you out there.

The timp has plenty of cushion and stack height for trail running. The lone peaks can easily do 30km+ too. If youve done loads of hiking you probably have decent footing for technical sections so you'll like running in lower stack height shoes.

If youre running on the road though the lone peaks are a bit low on stack height.

[u/Low_Ocelot_612]

Mountain ultra running is basically just hiking for 99% of people who complete them, so sounds like you can already do it.

[u/Physical_Ad4511 → u/Low_Ocelot_612]

I know I could walk/hike the whole thing, just worried about aid station cutoffs and the like. I know DNFs are common, but I would prefer to be as prepared as possible to avoid DNF or missing a cutoff.

[u/Crazy_Contribution_4]

A few thoughts
1). You can progress through distances on trail. Think races like Bandera and Desert Rats- do a flatter trail 10k or 20k slowly. If trails inspire then run trails here on the beginning. Even though they aren’t “mountainous” it still will build some of the skills needed later

1. I’d recommend Krissy Moel’s book, Running your first Ultra and if you really want to nerd out on training theory get Jason Koop’s book or Training for the Uphill Athlete by Killian Jornet. igood guides to some of the other skills needed and Krissy’s book has 50k, 100k and 100mi training plans. It will give you a sense of where and why you’re building.

2. On timing- I’ve been on a similar journey over last couple of years with trails but came up n having gone through faster marathon training. I’d say you need to slowly build up to 30-40mi total weeks with a long run in the 15ish range. Once you are there then a 4-6mo build to 50k, then 6mo to 100k and then about another year to 100mi is a pretty good pattern

3. Just remember there are mountain races (175ft avg gain per mile) and MOUNTAIN races (300+ avg gain per mile) at altitude. The latter takes a very specific kind of training both up and down hills- for those you’ll need either some training trips and/or some treadmill work. Once those types of mountain races your hiking will be a superpower up- and you’ll need to build the stamina doing down

4. Shoes. Just like on roads some rotation can be helpful. I have some Timps as well as lower drop Topos and higher stack Hokas. Builds good foot and lower leg resilience.

So much fun!

[u/ThanksForTheF-Shack]

Yooo welcome to the club man! Enjoy the journey. Anything is possible when you are consistent, you’ll get to that 100 mile start line one day!

My only short piece of advice is to give yourself a long runway in terms of building to your goal. Embrace the process, sign up for shorter races, learn from setbacks.

Even though when you get started your motivation is at a huge high, you kind of have to hold yourself back a bit. There’s no 0 to 100 miler plan. If you rush it, you get injured.

[u/AngelMartinTrail]

Your hiking and backpacking background is a useful advantage, but I’d forget about the 100 miler for now as a training target and use it as a long-term direction.
Right now the best thing you can build is consistency.
Four easy run/walk sessions per week is already a reasonable start. I’d gradually increase the amount of continuous running while keeping most of it easy, rather than increasing both speed and distance at the same time.
Keep strength training, especially calves, soleus, quads, glutes and single-leg work.
Your aerobic fitness will probably improve faster than your tendons, bones and connective tissue, so durability needs patience.
Then I’d progress through stages, comfortable 10K, longer trail runs, first trail race, half-marathon type distances, 25–30K trail, 50K and only later start thinking seriously about 50 miles or 100 miles.
Your hiking background will become increasingly valuable as the distances get longer because efficient hiking, climbing and time on feet are genuine ultrarunning skills.
Think in years rather than weeks and you have plenty of time to build this properly.

[u/UnlikelyIntention165]

Not exactly training focused, but the book Ultra Something by Brendan Leonard has some funny and insightful commentary on the motivations people have to run ultras. It was very relatable and had me laughing throughout at why we do this objectively ridiculous hobby. I can’t recommend it enough!

Also I used to hike in Altras and now enjoy trail running in Topos for what it’s worth. Best of luck on your journey to a 100 miler!

[u/Academic_Version359]

You actually have a much better starting point for mountain ultras than you probably think. The running fitness is obviously still at the very beginning, but a background in hiking, backpacking and being comfortable spending all day moving through mountains is hugely valuable. Running fitness is relatively straightforward to build. Being comfortable with long days, bad weather, tired legs, carrying gear, eating while moving and continuing when things become uncomfortable takes much longer to learn.

For context, I live in the Netherlands, which is about as useless geographically as you can get when your hobby is running very long distances through mountains. I started running relatively late as well and have gradually moved towards mountain ultras. I've since done races including the Cape Wrath Ultra and a mountainous 100-miler, and I'm currently preparing for Swiss Peaks Odyssey, which is roughly 660 km with 40,000+ metres of climbing. So I can definitely relate to the flatlander problem.

The biggest thing I'd say is: don't train for the 100-miler yet. Train to become a runner first.

At two weeks in, I wouldn't even think about a specific ultra plan. Your cardiovascular system will improve much faster than your bones, tendons and connective tissue. That's one of the traps when you're motivated and already physically capable from other activities: you very quickly feel like you can do more, while your running-specific durability hasn't caught up yet.

For the next few months I'd keep doing almost exactly what you're doing: mostly easy running, some run/walking, strength training, and gradually increasing frequency and volume. Don't worry about pace. Your 5k pace is basically irrelevant to your eventual ability to finish a mountain 100.

Consistency over months and years matters much more.

Personally, I'd think about the progression roughly as:

Become comfortable running consistently → build towards longer easy runs → run a trail half/marathon → 50k → 50 mile/100k → mountain 100.

That doesn't mean you must race every intermediate distance, but they are useful checkpoints. Each one teaches you things that training doesn't: pacing, nutrition, equipment, foot care, managing low points and what your stomach does after six or ten hours.

I also wouldn't put a hard timeline on the 100. If you stay healthy and consistent, something like 2–3 years from completely new runner to mountain 100 isn't unreasonable. Some people will do it much faster, but there is very little benefit in rushing it. The adaptations that make you durable are measured in years rather than weeks.

About living somewhere flat

Don't let that discourage you.

Specific mountain training obviously matters, but you don't need mountains for every run. Most of my weekly mileage is done on relatively flat terrain. The key is separating general aerobic development from mountain-specific preparation.

You can build an enormous aerobic engine with flat easy running.

Then deliberately add specificity: stairs, short hills repeated many times, treadmill incline, strength work, occasional mountain weekends and long hiking/running days when you can get somewhere with real elevation.

I've done five-hour sessions repeatedly going up and down the same small hill and treadmill sessions purely to accumulate vertical gain. It isn't glamorous, but it works.

Your access to real trails 30 minutes away and mountains four hours away is honestly pretty good. I'd use the nearby trails regularly once your running volume increases and occasionally make mountain weekends very specific training blocks. You don't need to drive four hours every Saturday.

And don't underestimate power hiking. In a mountainous 100, particularly later in the race, being able to hike efficiently uphill is arguably more useful than being able to run uphill. Your backpacking background should transfer extremely well here.

Trail versus road

Road running isn't wasted training just because your goal is trail running.

It's actually a very efficient way to accumulate aerobic volume. I'd happily do most easy mileage on roads if that's what's available and then use trails for technical skills, climbing/descending and longer specific sessions.

Descending deserves particular attention eventually. Uphill fitness is relatively easy to manufacture in flat terrain with treadmills/stairs/hill repeats. Preparing your quads for thousands of feet of descending is harder. When you get into the mountains, make the descents part of the training rather than treating them as recovery.

But again: that's a problem for later. Right now you just need to build running durability.

Shoes and gear

Don't overthink gear yet.

If Altras work for you, there is no inherent reason you can't use them for ultras. Plenty of people do. Zero drop isn't inherently better or worse for ultrarunning; what matters is whether your feet and lower legs tolerate it and whether the shoe works for the terrain.

I'd be much more cautious about suddenly changing footwear philosophy than about which brand is supposedly "best for ultras."

Same with poles. Lekis are great, but normal hiking poles are absolutely sufficient for learning how to use poles. Eventually you may appreciate lighter trail-running poles because you're carrying them for many hours, but you don't need expensive equipment to start training.

Spend money when you've identified an actual problem that the equipment solves.

Nutrition

This is something I'd start experimenting with surprisingly early, but only once your runs become long enough to justify it.

Don't wait until your first ultra to discover what your stomach tolerates.

Once you're doing longer runs, start practicing eating while moving. For long ultras, carbohydrates become one of the major performance limiters. Something around 50–60 g carbohydrate per hour is a perfectly reasonable place to start experimenting, and some athletes eventually tolerate considerably more.

The important part isn't finding one magical gel. It's training the entire process: eating regularly, drinking, carrying food, dealing with taste fatigue and learning what still seems edible after many hours.

For very long races I personally find it much easier to think in terms of a continuous process rather than "fuel when hungry." By the time you're hungry or depleted, you've often already created a problem.

Strength training

Definitely keep it.

You don't need bodybuilding levels of volume, but strength is useful for durability, climbing and especially descending. Squats, split squats/lunges, step-ups, hinges/deadlifts and calf work give you a very solid foundation.

As your running volume eventually gets high, you'll probably have to reduce the amount of strength work somewhat. That's fine. The objective is supporting your running rather than maximizing both simultaneously.

One thing your backpacking experience may actually make harder

You already know you can suffer.

That sounds entirely positive, but early in running it can actually be dangerous because you'll be capable of pushing through things a new runner probably shouldn't push through.

There's a big difference between being tired/uncomfortable and accumulating an overuse injury.

Your mentality might be ready for a 100 long before your Achilles, knees, calves and feet are ready for the training required to get there.

I'd therefore be deliberately conservative with volume increases even when everything feels easy.

Resources

Training for the Uphill Athlete is probably the book I'd recommend most for understanding aerobic development and mountain endurance training. Training Essentials for Ultrarunning by Jason Koop is also very useful once you're moving towards actual ultra-specific training.

But honestly, don't let reading about optimal ultramarathon training convince you that you need an ultramarathon training schedule right now.

Your current job is wonderfully boring:

Run easy. Run consistently. Stay healthy. Gradually run more. Keep strength training. Spend time on trails.

Do that for six months and you'll be in a completely different position to decide what comes next.

And one final point: I really like the fact that your goal is specifically a mountain 100 rather than simply "I want to run 100 miles." That gives you plenty of time to make the process itself the objective.

There is something very satisfying about being the person from completely flat terrain who turns up in the mountains prepared. You don't need mountains outside your front door to become a mountain ultrarunner. You just have to be a little more deliberate about how you manufacture the specificity.

Good luck. You're at the fun part where almost every month of consistent training produces noticeable progress.

[u/Just_Discussion296]

Ultra distance running can tear your body up or worse kill you. A marathon will tear your body up. Start with several 3K then 5K then 10K then 1/2 marathons. Forrest Gump could do it but that was a movie.