So having completed my first back yard ultra in March, having never run before other than playing rugby…. I struggled to 6 yards…. Nothing went well (training, nutrition, heat on the day 35oC) so looked for a change of approach… found Ben’s material online / YouTube and started to learn how to run. Technique, shoes, you name it I tried it…. I downloaded the ultra for beginner in spite of never running further that 40kms. Seeing some of the training distances I was like “oh sh*t” but went all in.
What I really learned was the art of running slowly, when before it was always peddle to the metal to get the run done! The pacing charts were exceptional, and found whilst the kms were a huge increase for me, the lower intensity meant I avoided the dreaded calf niggles which have blighted me as an ex-front rower!!
I was pretty strict over the 16 weeks, missing 2 runs, and then in August I entered birdy’s back yard ultra just south of Perth in Western Australia… I was running with my 2 friends who’d used a Garmin training program, and we’d seen distances and intensities we’d been doing over the months into the lead up to the event… if I’m honest I’d probably done about 25% more distance than them, and on the day it showed!!
I hit my 15 hour goal and that 100km mark, and had room to spare. This was a big jump from the 40kms I’d managed just 4 months earlier!
I have to says it has everything to do with the plan! All I can say is thanks, and is why I’ve downloaded this marathon plan to keep myself moving!!!
I have a few trail runs planned in the next 12 months including my first point to point ultra…. Can’t wait!
Keep doing you thing Ben, and Sarah! Channels great, plans are great…. All I need now is those super blast 2s….. like the mythical unicorn-hard to find!
Thanks
Phil