From Spartan Races to Ultramarathons: How Running Your First Ultra (Book) Helped Shape My Journey
I started my running journey years ago with obstacle course races like Spartan. I completed 5Ks, 10Ks, and even the Beast (a half-marathon distance with obstacles). But after a while, the obstacles lost their appeal. What stuck with me was the joy of running outdoors—especially in the woods. I love foraging for wild, edible plants and mushrooms; any excuse to explore outside is a win in my book!
So, in a completely rational move (insert sarcasm here), I jumped straight from a Spartan half-marathon to signing up for a 50K ultramarathon in the Berkshires. The race? Free to Run Trail Race, hosted by the Berkshire Ultra Running Community Service (BURCS). I finished it—barely. If not for the incredible BURCS crew coming into the woods at night to find me and push me forward, I might not have crossed that finish line in time.
That race was last fall, and despite the struggle, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life—breathtaking views, an incredible community, and the thrill of pushing my limits. Naturally, after that, I started looking for the next big challenge.
What’s Next? A 100-Mile Ultramarathon
Fast-forward: I’m officially registered for a 100-mile ultramarathon in Fall 2025.
Here’s the thing about ultrarunning—it’s not about sprinting for hours. For me, it’s more about sustained effort, light jogging, hiking, and strategic walking. You're halfway there if you can keep up a 15-minute mile on trails for a long time. My training includes hill sprints, speed work, and long runs, but I take a different approach than many runners. Since I’m focused on completing these races rather than hitting a fast time, my strategy revolves around staying consistent and avoiding burnout.
One of the best resources I’ve found for training, race prep, and staying injury-free is Running Your First Ultra (New Edition).
This book has been a game-changer for me. The training plans are solid—not necessarily anything you couldn’t dig up online—but everything else sets this book apart. It covers:
✅ Injury prevention – How to avoid common pitfalls in ultra training.
✅ Gear and nutrition – What to pack, what to eat, and how to stay fueled.
✅ Mindset strategies – Mental toughness tips that are useful.
✅ Race-day logistics – What to expect and how to avoid common mistakes.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it’s not full of fluffy “you can do it if you just believe!” motivational nonsense. It’s practical, packed with real strategies, and written with a no-nonsense, do-this-or-suffer-the-consequences approach—which, if you know me, you know I appreciate.
Right from the start, the book walks you through assessment charts to help you determine your current running level and what distances you should aim for next. I, of course, went way overboard (zero regrets), but it still pointed me in the right direction.
The charts, tables, and graphics are great—easy to understand and useful for reference. Whether you're a first-time ultrarunner or a trail veteran looking for extra guidance, this book is 100% worth reading.
Have you read this book? Are you training for an ultra? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experience!
Disclosure: Some of the links on this site are Amazon affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost. These commissions help support my business and my goal of building a community-driven bookstore. I only recommend books and products I truly believe in—thanks for your support!
