Think back to that moment you hit “register” and the confirmation email for your ultramarathon landed in your inbox.
Ecstatic, right?
Maybe you felt a surge of butterflies, maybe even a little fear, but more than anything, you couldn’t stop smiling at the thought of the adventure ahead. That finish line vision is powerful, but here’s the truth: the race itself is only one part of the journey.
The real magic lies in the training. You’ll be logging countless hours on the trails and roads, so those miles should feel like more than a grind. Yes, there will be tough workouts as those are part of the process, but training for an ultra shouldn’t feel like punishment.
Running is our escape, our playground, our joy.
As both an ultrarunner and a coach, I know firsthand how important it is to keep motivation alive through the long build-up. That’s why I’ve put together my top 10 strategies that have helped me (and my athletes) stay inspired and consistent during ultra training.
My hope is that these tips will help you not just reach the start line—but enjoy the entire journey along the way.
#1: Run with Friends
The trail running community is full of passionate, fun-loving people who make every mile more enjoyable.
Teaming up with others transforms training—long runs feel shorter when you’re laughing, swapping stories, and dreaming about race day together. Some of my favorite runs have flown by simply because of the company I was with.
Running with others is just as powerful on the tough days, especially during speed workouts.
The group energy pushes you to dig deeper, stick with that uncomfortable pace, and keep going when you might otherwise ease up on your own. Having teammates beside you to cheer you on and not let you quit can make all the difference.
I wholeheartedly agree with Eliud Kipchoge’s outlook on how running is a team sport:
“I am here because of teamwork. I am here because sport is a mutual interest. I am here to talk about my success because I am really about teamwork. Teamwork actually helps a lot.”
Teamwork is key, so work together and reap the benefits.
#2: Find a Trail Running Club in your Community
If you’re looking for running partners, joining a local trail running club is one of the best things you can do. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, discover fresh routes, and share miles with others who love the sport as much as you do.
Clubs open up endless options for long-run adventures and introduce you to a community of training buddies who quickly become friends.
Over the years, I’ve learned so much from more experienced runners who were eager to share their wisdom, and those lessons have proven invaluable in both training and racing.
Trail running is about more than just miles; it’s about enjoying the outdoors and the company that comes with it. A club is the perfect place to find both.
#3: Mix it Up
Exploring new trails and switching up your routes will keep your training interesting and fun. I plan my long runs out in advance and make a day of it.
That way, it turns into something I look forward to all week long. It becomes the highlight of my weekend, a great new adventure that I just can’t wait to go on.
If you are unsure of where to go and haven’t joined that running club yet, different apps can help you find routes wherever you are.
With Strava or Wikiloc, you can navigate your way through trails that other runners have shared publicly. Find something that works for you, use these navigation tools, and enjoy.
And don’t forget about the most important part of the day, breakfast!
After a full morning of exploring, you will have worked up quite an appetite. Be sure to plan where you are going to eat beforehand and dig in.
You’ve definitely earned those post-run pancakes, and if that’s not motivation, I don’t know what is.
#4: Follow a Training Plan
There are countless reasons to have a professional guide your training—especially when preparing for an ultramarathon.
A structured plan designed by an experienced coach provides reassurance and clarity. Instead of second-guessing whether you’re doing enough (or too much), you can focus entirely on executing each workout with confidence. That sense of purpose makes every run feel more meaningful.
I’m old-school and still like to print out my training plans and hang them on the fridge. Crossing off each workout gives me a small, daily win, and those little victories stack up, fueling motivation and excitement for what’s ahead.
Working with a coach adds even more value. They’re like a living, breathing encyclopedia of running knowledge, tailoring your plan to your specific needs and adjusting it when life, fatigue, or setbacks happen.
And one of the best parts? Sharing your progress. Few things feel better than telling your coach you nailed a workout, set a PR, or felt stronger than ever, and having them celebrate that growth alongside you.
#5: Get Involved in Your Data
Back in the day, we used to have to keep a written training log, and some of us still may. Now, with all of the present-day training apps and fancy watches, you can track just about anything and have the data right at your fingertips.
Compare your data from previous weeks and months and relish in your improvement. Also, take a look at the things that you could work on and set new goals for yourself.
In my case, I’ve been noticing that my cadence is a bit slow, and it is something I can definitely improve, which is why I have set a mini-goal to work on speeding up my turnover.
#6: Set Goals
You have already set a pretty awesome goal by deciding to run an ultramarathon, but that doesn’t have to be your only goal. Training properly for an ultra is a long process, so adding in some short-term goals will keep you motivated.
I always try to schedule a couple of races that fit into my training plan and can work as shorter simulations for my upcoming ultramarathon.
Being that the race atmosphere is always so much fun, who wouldn’t want to spend the morning surrounded by a bunch of other trail lovers?
Having these other events to look forward to helps keep me motivated and excited throughout the ultramarathon training process.
Ask your coach which races fit into your plan and sign up for them right away.
#7: Follow Inspirational Runners
Pro ultramarathoner Courtney Dauwalter inspires me every day. Watching her absolutely crush it time after time on the trails motivates me to get out there and give it my all.
Find runners who inspire you and follow them on social media.
There are so many incredible athletes out there who are a joy to watch. Find out what races they are running and tune in. They also share great tips and stories that we can learn a lot from.
#8: Read Amazing Stories
There is a great variety of inspiring books to read, written by seasoned ultra marathoners, that will get anyone wanting to run the trails.
I know for me, Born to Run by Christopher McDougall is what got me started in ultra running in the first place. It’s a story about the author’s journey to Mexico, to run alongside the Tarahumaras, a tribe that runs ultra-long distances as a way of life.
“That was the real secret of the Tarahumara: they’d never forgotten what it felt like to love running. They remembered that running was mankind’s first fine art, our original act of inspired creation.” Christopher McDougall
Kilian Jornet, Scott Jurek, and Dean Karnazes, among many other ultra runners, have inspiring books to choose from. These stories evoke a lot of emotion and plain old excitement, keeping us motivated and reminding us to enjoy every moment of our running experiences.
#9: Inspire Others
You are an ultramarathoner; therefore, you are inspiring. Take your friends and family out to the trails and show them what it’s all about. But please, be kind when choosing a route to make sure they want to come back and do it again.
Inspiring others to join the trail running community is my passion.
Teaching others about what I do inspires me every day. I love taking people to the mountains, giving them advice, and helping get them engaged in this fantastic sport.
Who knows, you might just get someone hooked who could end up running an ultramarathon with you down the road.
I have my fair share of previous non-believers who are now out there running trails. To think that I inspired that, in turn, motivates me even more.
#10: Make a Playlist to Pump You Up
There are going to be moments when you are out there alone, so to help pump you up, put together a list of songs that will energize you.
I find myself rocking out and singing along to songs while I’m out on my runs. People must think I’m a little nuts, but I’m having a grand old time.
There are already plenty of running playlists available online, but make sure you choose one that really gets you raring to go.
Now you know all my secrets, and I hope my little tricks of the trade help keep you inspired throughout this amazing process of training for an ultramarathon. When in doubt, just remember, we run for fun!
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