I Trained Like An Ultrarunner For A Week And I Learned - The Running Channel

Aug 13, 2025

Intro

This is a quick summary of I Trained Like An Ultrarunner For A Week And I Learned from The Running Channel. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points

Consistency & volume: elite ultra‑runners train by stacking easy‑pace miles, double‑day runs, and specific quality sessions while still handling work and life.
Mental tools: active self‑regulation, self‑talk, and visualisation keep effort low and motivation high.
Nutrition basics: carb‑rich foods before runs, electrolytes during >1 hr sessions, and protein + carbs within 2 hrs post‑run for recovery.
Flexibility: you can adapt the schedule to your own time‑constraints—swap a 70‑min run for a 45‑min run, use a walk on rest days, or replace a hill session with a short interval set.

Workout Example (all distances in miles)

Day	Session	Structure & Pace
Day 1	Double‑day run	70 min easy (≈ 7 mi) → 30 min easy (≈ 3 mi). No set pace, just “easy” effort.
Day 2	Hill session	15 min warm‑up, then 5 × 3‑min hill repeats (≈ 0.3 mi each) with easy jog down, finish with 15 min cooldown.
Day 3	Split run	45 min easy (≈ 4.5 mi) in the morning, then 60 min easy (≈ 6 mi) later.
Day 4	Rest + yoga	Light yoga + mobility; no running.
Day 5	Run + walk	60 min easy run (≈ 6 mi) + 60 min brisk walk (≈ 3 mi).
Day 6	Tempo day	30 min walk (≈ 1.5 mi) → 60 min tempo run (≈ 6 mi) at ~10 % faster than easy pace.
Day 7	Long run	90 min run (≈ 9 mi) broken into 3 × 30‑min segments; focus on steady effort, refuel every 30 min.

Practical Tips to Try Right Now

Plan your runs around work: schedule a 45‑min slot between meetings, as the host did on Day 3.
Use self‑talk: repeat a mantra (“mounds of opportunity”) on hills to lower perceived effort.
Fuel before you go: eat a banana or oatmeal with honey 30‑45 min pre‑run for steady carbs.
Post‑run recovery: within 2 hrs, have a protein‑rich snack (e.g., Greek yogurt with berries) to rebuild muscle.
If you’re new to double‑days: start with a 30‑min + 20‑min combo and gradually increase; watch the Running Channel’s “Should You Run Twice A Day?” for guidance.

Closing Note

Give this ultra‑runner‑style week a go—adjust the paces and durations in the Pacing app to match your current fitness. You’ll boost mileage, mental toughness, and confidence in handling back‑to‑back runs. Have fun, stay safe, and keep crushing those miles! 🚀