My First 50km Ultramarathon
One year ago I set myself a simple challenge: go from 0 running to an ultramarathon. Through injuries and my first DNF, a year later, I can now say I have successfully completed my 1st ultramarathon.
I naively assumed the biggest challenge would be mental, pushing past "the wall" and grinding through the winter months. But all of that was a breeze.
The real challenge was my body not being anywhere near conditioned for ultra training. The year was full of minor injuries and niggles.
1st Attempt - DNF
The biggest lesson arrived brutally on May 31st, during my first 50km ultra attempt. I showed up at the start line anxious, ill, and fighting the pain of a knee injury I picked up at HYROX London just four weeks prior. I planned to David Goggins my way through the miles; instead, barely able to walk and only 32k in, I had to call my girlfriend, hanging my head in crushing shame.
Lying on the ground by the Huntswood Golf Club car park, waiting for my ride, my mind went through an overwhelming emotional roller-coaster: embarrassment, disappointment, grief over a goal not achieved, self-blame for a lack of mental toughness, anger, paradoxical relief to have given in, and finally acceptance, gratitude, determination, swiftly followed by a desire for vengeance.
Lessons Learned - New Approach
Failing at a distance I had passed in training was demoralising, I had a point to prove and a new, adapted, approach to get me there.
100% + 100% = Injury
Running isn't the only hobby I picked up in 2025; HYROX became an equal passion. Weekly intense training, two doubles races this year, all stacked on top of my usual gym sessions. Overtraining would be an understatement. I've learned now that you can't train at 100% intensity for multiple disciplines at the same time—not sustainably—something has to give, or your body will.
Recovery is Not Optional
Massages. After multiple physiotherapy visits my biggest takeaway, and the thing that helped me the most in my final 50km prep, was to get regular sports massages, alongside using my massage gun on a daily basis. Tight muscles will lead to injury, massage them, and while you are at it, stretch properly and frequently. Recovery isn't just rest; it should feature actively in your training plan.
DON'T stick to the plan
I love my training app, Runna, and will absolutely be paying for another year subscription. However, it is important to remember a plan is just a proposal, an intention. Training plans do not know how you are feeling physically, what you have been up to outside of the plan, or the conditions on the day. Previously, I would stick to the Runna defined workouts and "trust the process". But training for an ultra demands flexibility, it is okay to deviate when needed. Listen to what your body is telling you so you can continue to push yourself.
What's Next?
Completing the 50km was rewarding and a great pay-off for months of hard training. It pushed my limits and vastly improving my fitness. However, it didn't scratch the itch. There will be more ultras to come.
In the meantime, I miss the buzz of zone 4/5 training, smashing pb's, and moving weights around.
HYROX is my next focus; I have 3 races booked, 1 mixed doubles in Nov, 1 men's doubles Dec, and my first solo in Jan.
