What I Learned Completing My First Ultra Marathon

Whilst I have trained in many modalities for a long time (23 years), running is never something that I have ever put a lot of work into or excelled in. In fact, for a long period of time I avoided running as I just didn’t enjoy it. Never has the law of specificity been more appropriate than with my running training over the last year and getting me to a point of being able to cover 54k with a less than ideal prep.

Over the last couple of years, I have wanted to and have actively been working on my running, but I’ve been completely marred by calf injuries. Whilst the injuries were never too serious, they were enough to stop me running. 

For example, I completed my first marathon earlier this year, but had to go five weeks without running beforehand due to a calf strain. Somehow, I managed to get through the marathon with no real calf pain, which was great but those missed miles definitely hurt my preparation.

Sadly, the same thing happened with my first Ultra. I had to go six-plus weeks without running in the build-up, which was especially tough considering the distance (54k) and the fact it was a trail run, not exactly the easiest of terrains.

Despite missing that crucial training time, thanks to my previous years of training and doing whatever I could to keep moving, I managed to complete my first Ultra in 9 hours 9 minutes. More importantly, I really enjoyed the experience, got through it without any major injuries (just pain in my big toe, some chafing, and some serious DOMS for the next 2 days), and learned a lot along the way.

I’m not going to bore you with my tales of the 54k itself. Instead, I want to share the thoughts and lessons that came to me out on the trails, lessons that go far beyond running.

1. Grateful for the Experience

The scenery was beautiful. At several high points I had to stop and take it all in. Stunning views, perfect weather, and that feeling of being incredibly lucky to even be there.

The sad truth is, many people will never get to see those views. Whether due to poor health, fitness, or lifestyle, they won’t make it to those vantage points. 

For me, this was another powerful reminder to stay fit and active to ensure I can keep exploring more places in the UK and beyond that truly take your breath away.

2. Age Doesn’t Define You

A very cliche comment I know but also, so true.

At the 17km aid station, I was walking behind a lady, mid-60s, while I ate a gel and drank some water. She waved me on, telling me I’d be faster than her to which I replied I doubt that but I moved ahead and started to run only to see her pass me a few kilometres later, never to be caught again.

First thought: what an inspiration.

Second thought: age doesn’t have to determine what you can or can’t do. Sure, health conditions may get in the way for some, but most limitations come from mindset. There were dozens of runners in their 50s, 60s, even 70s taking part and most finished well ahead of me.

Third thought: I’m grateful I don’t let ego or low self-esteem stop me from doing something just because I’m not good at it.

3. One Foot in Front of the Other

An Ultra is hard, no surprise there. But I always knew I could complete it. Despite only recently doing my first marathon, despite missing six weeks of training, despite calf worries and never having run that distance before, I always knew I could do it by simply putting one foot in front of the other.

Life is the same. You’ll face joy, heartbreak, highs, lows. The key is to keep moving, one step at a time.

4. It Doesn’t Matter If You’re “Good”

I’m not a good runner. Sure, I can run, but compared to the field I was near the back, 74th out of 75 in my age group, only 20–30 spots from finishing last. Meanwhile, the winner finished in 3 hours 50 minutes, faster than most people could run a flat marathon. Insane. He must be part mountain goat.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter.

I enjoyed the experience, set my own PB, and can’t wait to do it again. In the gym, I’ve hit big numbers on deadlift, squat, and bench, but with Ultras I’m a beginner.

And that’s the point. Everyone starts somewhere. Too many people avoid new challenges because they’re scared of being a beginner or worried about what others might think. But if you keep showing up, keep learning, keep practicing you will get better, and you might even love it.

5. People Are Good

The world can feel negative when you look at the news or social media, but out on the Ultra I was reminded that there are a lot of good people. Dozens of volunteers gave up their Saturday to help strangers have an incredible experience. Don’t get too lost in the news forgetting all the good others do / have done for you.

6. The Body Is Capable

With the right training, mindset, and work ethic, the body is capable of far more than most give it credit for, even later on in life.

I hate hearing people suggest that their parents or grandparents in their 60s

“shouldn’t still be training.” If anything, that’s when it becomes even more important.

Maintain muscle mass. Maintain cardiovascular fitness. Maintain mobility. Rest is rust. Keep moving.

7. Calories and Training Perspective

In 9 hours 9 minutes I burned 5,600 calories. That sounds huge — but between the gels, aid station food, and meals afterwards, I probably ate 7–8,000 calories across the next 24 hours.

This is why exercise is not the best tool for weight loss, nutrition is. 

Training should focus on building strength, endurance, mobility, muscle, and performance. If you want to lose body fat, create a calorie deficit you can actually stick to and remember a diet needs to end. 

Don’t continue trying to diet long term or you will quickly realise every diet you restart on a Monday actually isn’t a diet at all as you binge from Tuesday onwards.

8. Problem-Solving on the Run

I had two kit malfunctions during the race. Both times, I found a “good enough” fix and kept moving.

That’s life, too. Things rarely go perfectly. You can give up, throw a tantrum, or find a workable solution and keep going. 

You don’t need perfect, you just need progress.

9. Motivation vs. Discipline

What motivates you?

Motivation is overrated for most people. It gets you started, but discipline keeps you going. Still, I do think it’s important to know what makes you tick.

For me, it’s simple: I need the challenge. I need to prove to myself that I won’t quit when it gets hard. I want to know how far I can push, how far my body and character can be tested.

Ultra marathons are the next gateway for me to explore that.

10. A Final Thought

If United are playing, you’ll have a much better time running a 54k Ultra than watching them.

If you are thinking about starting a new fitness journey and would like a coach in your corner and some accountability book a call at the following link:

https://calendly.com/john-johnwarburtonfitness/15min30daypt