ultras training schedules

Support | Organizer Technology Solutions

Search Cool Running Community

Last post: Aug 25, 2009 12:56 PM by BayouRunner

BayouRunner

28 posts since
Jul 24, 2009

Currently Being Moderated

Aug 8, 2009 12:21 PM

ultras training schedules

I'm transitioning into ultras. Which is preferred? 2 or 3 long runs per week giving maximum off days and rest time or more running days per week with one lon run? So far I am having better success with more days off. Some of my training partners disagree.

Active Toby

1,540 posts since
Jun 5, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

1. Aug 25, 2009 12:40 PM

in response to: BayouRunner

Re: ultras training schedules

I really think the answer to this will vary person-to-person because a lot of it will be how your body responds and recovers and it also will depend on how one defines "long run" but I tend to do better with more days off, too.

I chose to do a friday, saturday, sunday cluster because this most closely simulates race day fatigue. Plus, if I ever had a tune up race along the way, I could cut out the friday run and feel amazing on saturday.

I trained for a 100 by running 4 days per week but I was actually running twice on the weekdays.

Mon: OFF

Tue: 7 miles in the morning, 7 in the evening

Wed: OFF

Thur: OFF

Fri: 7 miles in the morning, 7 in the evening

Sat: Long run

Sun: 3/4th of Sat

Does this help? We can get into more specifics if you'd like, just ask.

~Toby

Social Media Specialist | Endurance Sports

Report Abuse

BayouRunner

28 posts since
Jul 24, 2009

Currently Being Moderated

2. Aug 25, 2009 12:56 PM

in response to: Active Toby

Re: ultras training schedules

I like the two a day program. I will add that. I have gained speed and endurance by running 3 days a week. I often take two days a week off after my long run. I have been trying to eliminate any runs under about 10 miles. If I run less than 10, I do it at a super tempo pace.