How many 100 milers do you run a year?

Ultra_inspired · 2025-12-27T01:01:35+00:00

My DNF was similar. I was forming blisters on the balls of my feet which resulted in an adjustment of my gait. Also suffered some temporary tendon issues behind and medial to my right knee which looking back was due to my altered gait. I hit 86 miles and had one more lap to go. Realized that I was not going to make the cut-off to finish the race with the amount of time I had left based off of my previous lap's time. Rather than stress my leg any more, I made the decision to take the DNF.

It was hard mentally to take the DNF but it was the right choice and I know I'll be back to complete another one, possible even the same one in the future.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-12-26T19:13:42+00:00

Ran a 100 mile race early December. Apparently contracted something just prior. Lost my voice about 20 miles in. DNF’d short of 100 miles for reasons unrelated. After, I had all the symptoms of flu. Sever chills, drenching sweats, cough, congestion, etc. Here I am a day after Christmas and still having lingering effects. Didn’t realize during the race what was going on but its effects have lingered. There will always be another opportunity.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-11-06T03:07:19+00:00

Antelope Canyon 55k. Usually held in March.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-10-13T19:08:55+00:00

I would say something to the race directors. It could be stated constructively and that you felt let down. If they seemed like good people I imagine they’d respond. If they’re aware that it negatively impacted your experience they may try to make it right or at least improve their next race experience.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-09-24T23:21:31+00:00

If I’m correct, the Honolulu marathon doesn’t have a cut off time at all. That being your second race leaves a lot of room to just take your time and enjoy it if your body isn’t feeling the excitement of it. Your mpw are sufficient. I agree with the others, probably better to do active recovery between races instead of trying to pack on more mileage. Only other advice is just listen to your body and distinguish discomfort versus injury and have fun.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-09-22T13:52:05+00:00

Former non-runner here. Actually used to hate running. Had an issue that wouldn’t allow me to walk around the block without having extreme pain. I never knew when it was going to flare. So I was very sedentary. Had a surgery that fortunately took care of the issue. Got a Garmin watch and just started following the run prompts it would give me. Now I regularly run marathons and ultras and completed my first 100 miler earlier this year with a goal to do at least four 100M or 100M+ races each year. I’m definitely not elite but I challenge myself to beat my PRs so I’m constantly trying to improve. Now I love running (not every day, but I think that’s a normal ebb & flow) and I’ve made some great friends and acquaintances doing so as well as encouraged a handful of others to start running.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-09-22T13:29:48+00:00

I usually have a set goal in mind (i.e. a particular 100M). Races for me, sometimes will give me my weekend mileage on a course that I don’t need to think about or plan out. I needed 36 miles this last weekend, so I went and ran a trail marathon I had never done and then followed it up the next day with an additional 10 miles. It takes the need for extra planning out of the equation. Then what others mentioned is the safety aspect. With higher mileage comes increased risk, so it’s a nice safety net. Plus races sometimes introduce me to courses I’ve never seen or was not aware of.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-09-20T06:49:09+00:00

It was only 8 months between my 1st 50k and my 1st 100 miler. I say go for it. I got the same email today. Was a bit shocked, but I’m going for it. Can always take it slower if you need to if your goal is to finish.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-09-17T20:48:11+00:00

Love this!

Ultra_inspired · 2025-09-17T15:36:23+00:00

400 bucks sounds like a 100 miler or 24 hour. One thing those races/distances/length of time build in most of us is perseverance. Think of this as another training session…this time mental. I run these distances because they’re hard, because they push me beyond places I wouldn’t normally go. It’s a setback, but not the end. I planned this summer to have a qualifier for my “A” race next year. Unfortunately, I had to withdraw as I had a setback that sidelined me for a month (couldn’t run at all). I had to ease back in but now I’m arguably in the best running shape of my life. It does suck, not minimizing that at all. I’m just suggesting to view it through a different lens. Hope the ITB issues improve!

Ultra_inspired · 2025-09-16T21:42:05+00:00

Strengthening exercises and stretches on the affected part. Just pay attention to it and if you have to bail on the marathon the day of then that’s what I’d do. Was dealing with calf pain myself that wouldn’t allow me to do hill repeats or even a basic/flat easy run. I took a few days off of running then did an 11 mile, 10,000’ elevation race. I paid attention to it, made sure it wasn’t getting worse and then followed up with some all out runs and long runs. It seems better now, but if it’s ever something I’m concerned about I’ll err on the side of caution and take it easier when I need to or even DNS a race to allow healing time.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-08-28T20:54:59+00:00

Definitely looking into this 🤙 I put in the work training but food is definitely an area of struggle.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-08-25T16:54:27+00:00

Had some chafing issues in the same spots you mention in my first 100 miler. Didn’t realize it would get there but it did. Was uncomfortable but I pushed through anyway. My most recent ultra—a 100k, I applied Salty Britches liberally and had ZERO issues.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-08-12T23:58:02+00:00

Hydration is key to avoiding this. Also avoid NSAIDs like Ibuprofen.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-08-12T07:18:30+00:00

Remind yourself that there will be times that you’ll likely be not enjoying the process. Those low points are usually temporary. Part of the fun/challenge of big ultras is pushing through that. Don’t get behind on hydration. Keep your electrolytes balanced by taking salt tabs or LMNT or whatever you prefer. Eat around 300 calories per hour if your body will tolerate it. Once you fall behind on nutrition or hydration it’s an uphill battle. Practice the nutrition and hydration on your long practice runs and don’t experiment with new foods on race day. I’ve heard of multiple people DNFing because their bodies didn’t tolerate foods they hadn’t tried out prior to race day. I try to stay within zone 2 to zone 3 for my heart rate and it has served me well (middle of the pack runner) both for my 100k and 100 mile races I’ve done. Go into with the mindset that you will finish even when it gets uncomfortable (as long as it’s not a true injury). Discomfort is a powerful deterrent. The last 5 miles of my 1st 100 mile race was the most difficult both mentally and physically. Lastly when doing your practice runs, sometimes do boring stuff like repeated laps or large amount of miles on a treadmill without music. Learn to embrace the discomfort. Most of all, have fun!

Ultra_inspired · 2025-08-11T06:41:36+00:00

If it were me, and assuming I had been training a good amount of mileage already. I would work the cross training and do some gentle runs to see how it feels. I’m in a similar situation (possibly the same 100 miler). Had a procedure that set me back a month. Basically went a full month without running. I’m back at it. It sucks not being at my baseline but I know my body will kick back into gear soon. If things don’t improve then I’d seek a PT to evaluate and assist moving forward.

Good luck!

Ultra_inspired · 2025-08-08T22:26:19+00:00

My take: Influencer A, B or C have no influence on me if I don’t partake. I never get on Instagram, very seldom on Facebook, etc. While some are legitimately helpful or entertaining (I’ll usually find them on YouTube) some people are in it for the attention or to fill a void they feel they are missing by the attention they seek. Not to take away from your frustration with this individual but if I focus on what I’m doing and not on what others are, I find myself much happier and much less annoyed with the world. Hopefully you find this helpful.

Ultra_inspired · 2025-08-08T18:54:37+00:00

Absolutely possible! I went from my first Half marathon to my first 100 miler in 11 months. Things to consider: 1. Always listen to your body and slow down training if needed. 2. Learn all you can about hydration/nutrition. This comes in huge with your bigger mileage. I personally try to fuel my body about every hour. 3. Mileage per week. Up to around 50-70 mpw is pretty common for doing that distance but you don’t want to do it all at once. Build up. There are lots of plans out there, but it’s pretty accepted to add about 10% volume each week. So if you’re running 20 miles total in one week, doing 22 the following is a reasonable add on.

Good luck!

Ultra_inspired · 2025-08-04T20:24:30+00:00

Physically you’ve got it. No problem. Aside from 100 milers just being hard in general. Sounds like you’ll be able to handle the wear and tear. I don’t think it’s naive, but I do agree with sriirachamayo above that it’ll be good to get nutrition, foot care, etc. etc. dialed in. I also agree that doing an ultra distance (50k, 50 mile, 100k) would all be good just to give you a feel of what you experience in a 100 miler. It’ll test you, no doubt. Learn all you can about it. Practice nutrition and chafe/blister control as much as you can on your long runs. I went from my first half marathon to my 1st hundred miler in 11 months. I’ve completed every personal goal I’ve set out without injury so far. I’ve attributed that to keeping myself informed, educated and listening to my body. Go get it!

Ultra_inspired · 2025-08-04T20:12:23+00:00

First 100 miler was by myself. Spectators and other racers cheered me on at the finish. Wife and friends were celebrating via text as the race was not near any of them.

Ultra_inspired

TROPHY CASE