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  1.  
  1.  
    GraemeC1983

    Hi Folks,

    Several months ago I read the book 'Ultramarathon Man', by Dean Karnazes. As I was reading it, in the back of my mind I was thinking that, for me, it would be the Ultimate in running that I would like to achieve in my life - at some point. 

    Fast forward to last night when I was 'flacking' through the internet hoping for something to take my mind off USA kicking Europe's ass all over Valhalla - I came across the Connemarathon 

    The Co. Galway race consists of a half marathon, full marathon.....and a 39.3 mile ultramarathon. The race takes place on Sunday 22nd March, which is my 26th Birthday!! I was just thinking how amazing that feeling of accomplishment would be crossing the finish line - better than ANY present I could ever receive. Heck, even the Marathon would be a great achievement. 

    The most I have ever ran up to this point in one go is 26.2 - so really, all I'd need to do is another 13.1 miles on top of that over some very hilly terrain (piece of cake really lol)

    Has anybody ever ran an 'Ultramarathon' before? How long would you need physically and mentally to prepare for that distance (giving that it's only 6 months away!!) - Since reading that book, I've had such admiration for 'ultramatathoners' - to be honest, I never knew such a group of athletes existed.

    Thanks for reading folks.

    Graeme

     

  2.  
    yoadrian5534
    Hello, I too recently read that book. What an inspiration. Personally, I've never even ran a marathon, and only recently (March of this year) did my 1st half-marathon. Wish I could give you advice on exactly how to train, but I think if you get the same feeling I did from that book...basically, just run and then run some more! Haven't tried putting that kind of mileage into the workout calculator on Runnersworld.com yet, but maybe it can design a program for you. Give it a shot. Good luck, Adrian
    • CommentAuthorFree Membertobis47
    • CommentTimeOct 9th 2008
     
    tobis47
    GraemeC1983:

    Hi Folks,

    Several months ago I read the book 'Ultramarathon Man', by Dean Karnazes. As I was reading it, in the back of my mind I was thinking that, for me, it would be the Ultimate in running that I would like to achieve in my life - at some point. 

    Fast forward to last night when I was 'flacking' through the internet hoping for something to take my mind off USA kicking Europe's ass all over Valhalla - I came across the Connemarathon 

    The Co. Galway race consists of a half marathon, full marathon.....and a 39.3 mile ultramarathon. The race takes place on Sunday 22nd March, which is my 26th Birthday!! I was just thinking how amazing that feeling of accomplishment would be crossing the finish line - better than ANY present I could ever receive. Heck, even the Marathon would be a great achievement. 

    The most I have ever ran up to this point in one go is 26.2 - so really, all I'd need to do is another 13.1 miles on top of that over some very hilly terrain (piece of cake really lol)

    Has anybody ever ran an 'Ultramarathon' before? How long would you need physically and mentally to prepare for that distance (giving that it's only 6 months away!!) - Since reading that book, I've had such admiration for 'ultramatathoners' - to be honest, I never knew such a group of athletes existed.

    Thanks for reading folks.

    Graeme

     

     His book was fantastic and his next is already out: 50/50

    I read it in January 07 and made the jump from 18 miles to 31 miles in one single race. I was inspired by Dean and have run 5 ultras since then including a 100-miler. Check out this site for more information on ultras: http://www.ultrunr.com/index.html

    I think you can do it in 6 months if you've already run a marathon before. It's def doable. Stop by and check out my site sometime and let me know if you've decided to continue on the pah. I'll give you some more pointers and help you with your training plan/schedule!

    http://community.active.com/community/sports/other/toby

     

     

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberReachy
    • CommentTimeNov 19th 2008
     
    Reachy
    I've read his work, and read about him from others.  He's a bit of a t*t to be honest with you.  He is by no means the best ultrarunner around, just the one with the most publicity.  I recommend you read Running through the Wall: Personal Encounters with the Ultramarathon" if you want to see what the hardcore get up to.  No mention of Dean...
    • CommentAuthorHero!!MarkRTC
    • CommentTimeNov 19th 2008
     
    MarkRTC
    Reachy, I couldn't disagree with you more. I've also read his books and have met him in person, and he's an amazing guy. He doesn't claim for a second to be the best ultrarunner around - he's out there to do the best he can and to inspire others - you would have seen in his books that he mentions plenty of other runners who he respects greatly.
  6.  
    the_rainmaker

     Hi Greame,

    Have you started training for this? I've got one marathon under my belt, and am training for my second in April, hopefully will get a third done in the latter part of 2009. I would love to do an ultra-marathon, and since Connemara is just up the road from me I think it is the obvious choice. I'f be very interested in hearing how you are getting on, and what kidn of training regime you are following.

     Cheers,RM

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberex-k1w1
    • CommentTime5 days ago
     
    ex-k1w1

    GraemeC - I too was inspired by Dean after reading his 50 Marathons - 50 Days book.  I've joined the "Marathons and More" group on this site (only 1 other runner there at the moment) to try and keep a discussion on training and experiences for the ultra going.

    tobis47 - I've followed your link to Kevin Sayers' site and look forward to browsing.  Thanks.

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberwbbarry
    • CommentTime4 days ago
     
    wbbarry
    Have you noticed how Runnersworld Mag a few years ago was highlighting the marathon as the trendy race. Now they've started to highlight the ultramarathon as the trendy (idiotic at times, but still "cool race idea"). Ex-k1w1, I doubt you will be the only runner in that forum for long. If I could just figure out how to find the time with work and family to do some ultratraining I would consider joining. Its hard enough to get 20-30 miles in a week.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberNPHatton
    • CommentTime3 days ago
     
    NPHatton
    Its hard enough getting 1 run a week in with all this bloody ice about
    • CommentAuthorHero!!MarkRTC
    • CommentTime3 days ago
     
    MarkRTC
    I've been reading a great book over the xmas hols - Extreme Running by Kym McConnell & Dave Horsley (2007). It profiles 24 ultramarathons around the world, including 2 from little old NZ (the Kepler Challenge and Te Hotawera Challenge) as well as some of the most well known ones (Badwater, MDS etc). Its enough to get anyone inspired to do one of these. Graeme, the European section includes the Ulta-trail du Tour du Mont-Blanc (basically a 160km trail run around Mont Blanc, which takes runners through France, Italy and Switzerland). It looks incredible - its on my bucket list.
  11.  
    GraemeC1983

    Jee-wizz, I completely forgot that I started this thread. Apologies to all the posters.

    Thanks for all the advice given - Toby, I have over 3hrs left at work and will definately hit your site and follow up. Thanks a million!!:)

    the_rainmaker - how is your training coming along for your second marathon in April? Over xmas I've been a bit slack with long runs. I need to get myself into gear. i'm not following any "plan" in particular. i just run when I get the time and when I want. The 'time' aspect can be an issue at times.

    Dean's 50 Marathons - 50 Days book is one I really want to read. I'm also gonna check out the Extreme Running book, thanks Mark.

    Tomorrow I'm gonna put my first long run of 09 in. Probably in the region of 20 miles. I will update this thread with my progress as I go along.

    Sorry again for my forgetfulness and thanks again to everyone for their input

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