Why People Run Ultramarathons and Why You Should Too
Hi Reader, my name is Eddy Prince Ultra runner and Coach and here is your introduction to the world of Ultra running!
Why would anyone voluntarily run 30, 50, 100, or even more miles at a stretch? Is it the thrill? The challenge? The promise of bragging rights? The truth is, ultramarathons are about so much more than crossing a finish line. They’re a crucible for transformation, a journey into the depths of your mind and body. At Future Trails Ultra Coaching for Body and Mind, we believe that ultrarunning is a metaphor for life itself. With the right mindset, tools, and a bit of guidance, the experience can not only change your running but also change you.
Why Do People Run Ultramarathons?
The reasons are as diverse as the runners themselves. Some are drawn by the allure of testing their physical, mental, and emotional limits. Others seek the camaraderie and community unique to the ultra world.
For many, it’s about finding peace in the simplicity of putting one foot in front of the other for hours (or days) on end.
There’s something primal and freeing about being in nature for that long, disconnected from the noise of daily life. Ultramarathons strip away distractions and reveal what really matters: the raw experience of being alive.
The Ultramarathon Journey: Training and Discipline
Training for an ultramarathon is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a dance between discipline and flexibility, pushing yourself while also knowing when to rest. Long runs, back-to-back days, and time on trails become your norm. Nutrition becomes a science experiment you run on yourself, and you might develop an almost spiritual relationship with your chiropractor.
But ultrarunning isn’t just about logging miles. At Future Trails Ultra Coaching, we emphasise the mental side of training just as much as the physical. Mindfulness, meditation, and stoic philosophy help runners build the resilience and perspective they need to embrace the challenges ahead. These tools teach you to be present, to accept discomfort, and to see obstacles not as roadblocks but as opportunities to grow
What’s It Like to Run an Ultramarathon!
Ultramarathons are an emotional rollercoaster. At mile 10, you feel invincible. By mile 40, you might be questioning every life choice that led you here. But somewhere in the darkness—whether literal or metaphorical—you discover a well of strength you didn’t know you had.
There’s also a unique magic in the team aspect of ultrarunning. Your crew, pacers, and fellow runners become your lifeline. They feed you, cheer for you, and sometimes have to coax you off the ground when all you want to do is quit. Ultramarathons teach you the value of leaning on others and the power of community.
The Ultra Marathon Transformation
Here’s the secret: the finish line isn’t the point. Yes, finishing an ultramarathon is an incredible achievement. But the real transformation happens along the way.
Ultramarathons teach you how to fail and keep going. You learn to be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned and to celebrate small victories, like making it to the next aid station. You discover how much more you’re capable of than you ever imagined.
Most importantly, you learn to enjoy what is—the crunch of gravel underfoot, the sunrise over the mountains, the shared laughter with a pacemaker at 3 a.m. You stop chasing an ideal version of yourself and start appreciating the present moment, however messy or imperfect it might be.
How We Help Runners Transform!
At Future Trails Ultra Coaching for Body and Mind, we guide runners through this incredible journey. We don’t just train bodies; we train minds. Our coaching combines the latest ultrarunning training with mindset tools to help you connect deeply with the experience. We encourage clients to develop a meditation practice & we have an acronym for it. A.C.E. – Attention, Connection, Experience.
Life’s transient & so is running a long way. Flexing this muscle & knowing this can enable us to take comfort in discomfort because we know that it’s going to change.
We teach runners how to navigate challenges with grace, recover with kindness, and embrace failure as a teacher. Through this process, you not only become a stronger runner but also a more present, resilient, and joyful human being.
The Journey Is the Destination
Ultramarathons are about more than miles—they’re about transformation, discovery, and connection. They teach us that the journey is the most important part of the process. And with the right tools and support, that journey can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences of your life.
If you’re ready to embark on this adventure, Future Trails Ultra Coaching for Body and Mind is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s explore what you’re truly capable of—and enjoy the journey together.
Clare’s Testimonial:
Future Trails is an amazing company and the founder and lead coach, Eddy, Is a knowledgeable and inspirational expert. Future Trails dedicated a huge amount of time and energy to get me prepared and trained for my first 100 km ultra and I really could not have done it without them.
They provided invaluable customised training plans,
resources, support, motivation, advice and much much more. I am deeply grateful and appreciative of everything. Eddy and the future trails team have done for me this year. I would highly recommend them to anyone thinking of engaging in ultra coaching and will definitely work with them again soon. Future Trails is a professional and high-quality coaching organization and I cannot say enough good things about them and their work.
Eddy Prince | UESCA Ultra Running Coach | Future Trails Ultra |
eddy@futuretrails.co.uk
07746 253689
Instagram: @FutureTrailsUltra | @EddyTrailTramp
