Ultra Or Trail Runner

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You can run a marathon, you love the trails, and yet “ultra” still feels like a club you have to earn your way into. We get it, and we go straight at the question that trips up so many runners: do you have to race to be an ultrarunner, or can you simply train beyond 26.2 miles and claim the identity on your own terms? We share where we land, what the definition actually says, and why belonging in the ultra world has far more to do with curiosity and consistency than pace or bravado. 

We also pull back the curtain on the unglamorous parts of ultra training that make the difference on the day. Becky updates her UTMB prep, from managing Achilles and knee issues to navigating tapering tension and a run of poor sleep. We talk about “attention to detail” in a way that is practical, not preachy: following physio advice, staying on top of rehab and mobility, warming up properly, and building simple systems that stop small problems becoming race-ending ones. If you have ever told yourself you will do the strength work tomorrow, this will sound familiar. 

Then we get nerdy about the stuff that wins minutes and saves hours: checkpoint routines, cut-offs, grab-bag efficiency, kit flat lays, and fuelling cards that tell you what to eat and when. We share a few laughs too, including the medal debate and the kind of kit mistakes you only make once, unless you are us. Along the way we celebrate big moments in the sport, including inspiring midlife performances and UK ultra race results, and we answer listener questions about taking the leap from road marathons to a first 50k. 

If you are standing on the edge wondering whether you belong, press play and come and run with us. Subscribe, share the episode with a mate who is ultra-curious, and please leave a review so more trail runners can find the show.

Get In Touch

Got a story about a trail friendship, or a question for us? We'd love to hear it — email us at stillrunningstrong@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram and Facebook.

Still Running Strong is for general interest and entertainment only. We share our own personal experiences, not professional medical, nutritional, or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making changes to your training, diet, or health.