Thinking about trying a trail race or an ultra? Before you sign up, as yourself these questions:
1. Why am I drawn to this distance or terrain? REALLY.
Not the highlight-reel answer. Ask yourself:
– What part of trail or ultra racing actually excites me?
– Is it curiosity, challenge, community, adventure, or escape?
– Am I running toward something… or away from something?
This keeps decisions grounded instead of reactive.
2. Do I want a “harder” race or a different experience?
Many road runners assume trail/ultra = harder. Better question:
– Am I looking for intensity or immersion?
– Do I want competition or exploration?
– Do I want to test speed or patience?
Ultras reward restraint, not toughness.
3. How do I currently handle discomfort and uncertainty?
Ultras aren’t about fitness alone. Reflect on:
– How do I respond when things don’t go to plan?
– Can I stay calm when pace, terrain, or conditions change?
– Am I okay with long stretches of “nothing exciting happening?”
Mental endurance matters more than bravado.
4.What does “success” actually look like for me?
Before you pick a distance ask:
– Is success finishing, learning, competing, or just showing up?
– How will I define a good day?
– What outcome would leave me proud regardless of time or place?
This prevents post-race disappointment.
5. Am I willing to slow down to go farther?
This is the ultra gatekeeper question. Be honest:
– Am I comfortable walking uphill?
– Can I let others pass without chasing?
– Can I prioritize fueling, pacing, and patience over ego?
If yes, you’re already thinking like an ultra runner.
6. Does my current life season support this goal?
Not “Can I train?” but “Can I train well?” Ask:
– Do I have time for long, unhurried efforts?
– Can I prioritize recovery, sleep, and fueling?
– Do I have flexibility for terrain-specific training?
The best ultra builds are boring and consistent.
7. Am I excited by the process, not just race day?
This is a big one. Consider:
– Do long runs sound grounding or draining?
– Does the idea of strength work excite me or annoy me?
– Am I okay with progress that isn’t linear or fast?
Ultras reward those who enjoy the work.
8. What skills do I need beyond fitness?
Trail and ultra racing is skill-based. Ask:
– Do I want to learn pacing by effort?
– Am I open to improving fueling strategies?
– Can I practice hiking, descending, technical terrain?
Skill acquisition is part of the fun.
9. What is the minimum commitment I’m willing to make?
Before signing up, define:
– What does “showing up prepared” mean to me?
– What habits am I actually willing to commit to?
– Where am I okay being underprepared?
This creates honest expectations.
10. If this goes imperfectly, will I still be glad I tried?
Because it probably won’t go perfectly. Ask:
– Would the experience itself still be worth it?
– Am I open to learning rather than proving?
– Can this be a starting point, not a verdict?
The first ultra is data, not a final exam.
If you are going from the roads or to the trails or you are going from marathons to ultramarathons, I highly recommend working with a coach. Thrive in training while learn the ins and outs of ultra training and avoid making the mistakes that most runners make!
Let’s chat to see if we’d be a good fit and to answer your questions!
