Because again: 100 milers aren’t easy.Ībsolutely exhausted, happy, and showing off our first 100 mile finishers buckles, with race director Matthew Hammersmith of Upstate Ultra.

“embracing the suck”) can help with the mental fortitude it takes to make it to a 100 mile finish line. And having the emotional experience of what it feels like to be on your feet for well over 50 miles (i.e. Having that physical experience and a solid running base will give you the best chances for success in both completing your race and making it through your training cycle injury free.

Further, they should have at least one or more completed 50 mile ultras (or longer) on their resume. I personally recommend aspiring 100 mile ultrarunners have at least few years of shorter distance endurance running/ regular training experience. 100 miles is a really, really long way to cover on foot, and should not be taken lightly. BUT, I don’t like seeing people getting hurt.

As I said in my 50 mile training plan post : I’m a rose-colored-glasses wearing, dream encouraging, enthusiastic cheerleader for most things in life. Disclaimer: if you are looking for a blog post advocating couch – to – 100 miler, this is not it.

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