#11 – Try hiking an ultramarathon ... and watch your endurance skyrocket

woman ultramarathon runner with hydration vest at a scenic overlook above a forest

Could hiking or running an ultramarathon help you feel more fit and confident for your mountaineering adventures?

If you're drawn to the idea of traveling SICKENING distances in a single day, this episode is for you!

When I shared pics of my recent ultramarathon hike on Instagram, the questions poured in:

  • Aren’t ultramarathons just for runners?

  • What do you eat?

  • What shoes do you wear?

  • How do you train for an ultramarathon?

  • Where to you poop?!

  • Why do you torture yourself this way?

In this episode, I'll answer all these questions and many more.

So if you're interested in hiking ultramarathon distances like the Grand Canyon R2R2R, Four Pass Loop, or Zion Traverse, grab a beer (or a kombucha) and tune in!

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Resources Mentioned

Further REading on the blog

Episode Sneak Peek

  • [1:18] What is an ultramarathon? Most people think of it as any race longer than marathon distance (26 mi.). But you can also make your own DIY ultramarathon as a hiker.

  • [3:02] Are ultramarathons only for runners? No! Even in races, most ultramarathon runners walk at least part of the course. It’s also possible to walk or hike the entire ultramarathon — either in a race or on a trail you choose.

  • [4:32] Why bother hiking and/or running an ultramarathon? There are a number of good reasons, but one of the best is that it gives your mindset a huge tuneup! After you hike for 20 hours and cover all that distance and vert, you’ll be more confident for mountaineering and outdoor adventures.

  • [6:35] What gear do you need to hike an ultramarathon? The answer depends on your plans. If you’re doing a supported event like a race, you can usually carry less gear. But if your ultra is not supported and if it takes you into the backcountry, you’ll need most of the same gear you take hiking. Plus a ton of food.

  • [10:35] How fit do you need to be to hike an ultramarathon? There are no hard and fast rules, but it’s important to remember that your aerobic strength develops faster than the strength of your bones, muscles, and connective tissue. For this reason, I recommend hiking regularly for at least a year before attempting an ultramarathon.

  • [12:24] How do you train for an ultramarathon hike? The good news is that its very much like your mountaineering training and indeed will fit right in. The focus will be on endurance over intensity, but some speed work may help you feel more comfortable, especially at high altitude.

  • [13:20] What do you eat during an ultramarathon? I recommend taking lots of delicious “real” food rather than relying on packaged stuff. Hiking food portables are a hot topic right now, and there are several good cookbooks in the show notes that show you how to make your own bars and snacks. A real-food lunch like a pizza slice or sandwich adds weight but will be excellent for your morale.

  • [17:10] What’s it like to hike 26+ miles in one go? It’s a lot like life: flashes of high emotion, but mostly a lot of work just to keep moving forward. Things will probably go wrong, and you’ll figure them out. You’ll feel all the feelings. But there’s no better way to experience the resilience of your body and its capabilities.

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