
Thinking About a 50K? 50 Miler? How to Run Your First Ultra Marathon, According to Science
From Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris
June 20, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 172
About this episode
This episode provides insights on how to train for your first ultra marathon, covering workouts, nutrition, and gear recommendations.
You have loved our episodes on how to run your first half marathon and marathon - so today, we have an episode for those of you who feel ready to go further. We discuss how to train for your first ultra marathon, whether you are doing a 50K, 50 miler, or 100mile. You will learn how to structure workouts and long runs, how to prepare for elevation gain, how to fuel, and more! Thank you to our sponsors: ✨ Title Nine : Comfortable sports bras that actually fit, from a women-owned company. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH for free shipping at https://runtothefinish.com/title-nine/ ✨ Tailwind : Complete sport nutrition made simple, including hydration mixes, high-carb sport drinks, endurance fuel, and recovery mixes. Use code TREADLIGHTLY20 at https://tailwindnutrition.com/TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off your first purchase. In this episode, you’ll learn about: ✅ The physiological demands of ultra marathons ✅ How to use back to back long runs in ultra training ✅ How to prepare for uphills and downhills ✅ Types of workouts to include in your first ultra build ✅ If hiking can help you prepare for your first ultra ✅ Nutrition and hydration for your first ultra race ✅ Recommended gear for ultra marathons…
People in this episode
Hosts: Amanda Brooks, Laura Norris
Topics covered
- ultra marathon training
- physiological demands
- nutrition and hydration
- workout structure
- elevation gain preparation
- gear recommendations
Keywords
- ultra marathon
- 50K
- 50 miler
- training
- nutrition
- hydration
- gear
- workouts
Sponsors
Title Nine, Tailwind
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Fatigue Resistance: How to Not Slow Down at the End of Your Next Race, Running at High Altitude, Heat Acclimation Strategies and Science-Backed Cooling Techniques
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