Not in the same shape, but the ability to complete the race was still there. And, despite us keeping our long runs on the same day, we all had different training plans and still finished together. In the case of a 50 mile ultra marathon training plan, it all started when two of my closest buddies and I trained for running our first 50 miler.

But, I have earned a few things over the years and have continued to be amazed by how similar training is across sports and across training domains. Probably needless to say, I’m not the end-all-be-all. Most of my knowledge has come from my own training, and in the last few years, from athletes I have coached. Knowing the difference between hurt and injured.Enough nutrition (different than good nutrition).Consistent and progressive overload (incremental improvements over a period of time).Training specificity (personal differences, goal, terrain, gear, nutrition).Training for an ultra marathon is no different than training for strength: As long as you have a basic running foundation and know how to push through pain you can do it too. Give Me The Fish (GMTF): A 50-mile Ultra Marathon Training Plan is not that complicated and the training doesn’t have to consume your entire life.

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