Over the past few years, the world of exercise has changed. Exercise crazes and trendy fitness classes pop up overnight, and it can be easy to get fatigued trying to keep up.
If you’re looking for a better way to push yourself and enjoy exercise, it’s time to turn to running. When you’re out for a run, there’s no instructor yelling in your face and no need to keep up with the latest look in athletic wear. It’s just you, and the path, and you can go for whatever distance you like.
In fact, for a growing contingent of runners, that target distance is getting longer and longer: Ultra Running. The name may sound intimidating, but what is Ultra Running really? It’s a way to take running to the next level. Once you try it, you’ll want to remember it forever.
Want to know more about Ultra Running? Read on.
1. It’s Long Distance Running
The distance is what makes ultra running stand out from other types of running and competitive races. To qualify as ultra running, the distance has to be longer than a standard marathon, which is 26.2 miles.
Some standard distances for ultra runs include 50 kilometers–which is 31.07 miles–50 miles, 100 miles, and even all the way up to 100 kilometers. You can also measure this type of run by time period. For example, a run that lasts six hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, or longer.
2. The Training is More Doable Than You Think
If running more than a marathon seems impossible, you’d be surprised to know that the training is not as intense as it would be for a standard 26.2-mile race. For a marathon, runners typically follow a schedule to increase their mileage and improve their pace over a period of time.
So what is an ultra runner doing to train? The most important thing an ultra runner can do to prepare is spend time on their feet. That includes long runs, of course, but it also means just walking around.
Your pace during an ultra run is necessarily going to be slow. The goal is to finish, not to get a particular time. That influences the training philosophy overall.
3. You Form a Community
Ultra running is still a relatively new sport and a relatively small sport, but those who discover it often end up getting hooked. That’s partly because of the community of people you become a part of once you start.
Ultra runners will trade advice on running shoes, blister treatments, and which races are harder than others. They’ll provide each other with support and encouragement, and respect the accomplishment of finishing an ultra run in a way no one else can.
Want to Learn More About What Is Ultra Running?
When you first hear about it, it’s natural to wonder what is ultra running really about. You may even wonder why anyone would try it! As you start to learn more, though, you’ll be surprised at how rewarding it can be and encouraged to attempt it yourself.
For more information on celebrating your ultra run, please contact us at any time.