Marathon v Ultramarathon - How to Train?

At first glance, marathon training and 100-mile training seem pretty similar. After all, they're both about putting one foot in front of the other... thousands upon thousands of times. But once you look a little closer, they're actually very different beasts.

Marathon training is all about building fitness to run 26.2 miles as efficiently as possible. Sessions often focus on pace, intervals, tempo runs and chasing that shiny new PB. The question is usually, "How fast can I cover the distance?"

Training for a 100-mile race flips that question on its head. The goal isn't to run every mile—it's to keep moving forward for a very, very long time. Success is measured less by the stopwatch and more by making it to the start line healthy, then crossing the finish line with a smile (or at least enough energy to smile eventually!).

The training reflects that. Weekly mileage gradually builds over months, with plenty of long, slow runs and back-to-back long runs at the weekend to prepare your legs for running on tired muscles. There's less emphasis on speed and far more focus on time on your feet.

One of the biggest surprises for marathon runners is that walking becomes part of the plan. Run-walk strategies aren't a sign of weakness—they're often the smartest way to tackle 100 miles. Walking the steep climbs, taking planned walk breaks early, and conserving energy can make all the difference when you've still got 50 miles to go.

Then there's the eating. Marathon runners might get through with a couple of gels. Ultra runners train their stomachs almost as much as their legs, experimenting with sandwiches, crisps, sweets, potatoes, soup—anything that keeps the engine running hour after hour. Finding out what your stomach likes at mile 70 is much better done in training than on race day!

For Alex, he’s adopted the method of eating during my planned periods of walking. Consuming 35g of carbohydrates, water and electrolytes every 30 minutes. At times it feels like one giant picnic and at other times it feels like you’ve had one too many pig in blankets at a Christmas dinner and are ready to explode!

Perhaps the biggest mental shift is accepting that perfection doesn't exist. Some training runs will feel amazing, others will feel like you're dragging a sofa uphill. You may get a blister and have to stop to address the issue, you’ll have to stop to swap shoes and socks, you may even need to have a quick Power Nap. That's all part of preparing for an ultra. Every run teaches you something new.

So, while marathon training is about becoming a faster runner, 100-mile training is about becoming a more resilient one. It's a journey of patience, consistency and gradually building volume until you're confident you can stand on that start line ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Because in the world of 100 miles, simply getting to the start line healthy is a victory... finishing is the icing on the cake.