Couch to 50k HOW TO PICK YOUR FIRST ULTRA

Summary

This conversation delves into the world of ultra marathons, exploring various race formats, the distinction between timed and distance races, and the unique challenge of backyard ultras. The speakers discuss the importance of choosing the right race for beginners, emphasizing the need for inspiration and realism in race selection. They also touch on the history of ultra running and the community aspect of these events, making it clear that there is a race for everyone, regardless of their experience level.

At The Yellow Post, we don’t just sell outdoor gear—we live it.

When we opened our brick-and-mortar store in Big Bear, our mission was simple: curate the best brands and gear we actually use on the trails, in training, and during race day. This guide isn’t filled with random recommendations or sponsored placements. Every product listed below helped me train for and finish my first ultramarathon: a 50K trail race that demanded reliable, high-performance gear.

These are the real-world-tested products that got me to the finish line.

My 50K Trail Running Gear Shoes Topo MTN Racer 4 → https://amzn.to/44UyCtL All Topo Shoes → https://amzn.to/4nWt7ne Hoka Mafate 4 → https://amzn.to/46MKGzM Hoka Mafate X → https://amzn.to/4o09qux

GPS Watch Suunto Vertical Solar → https://amzn.to/4mbyHjM Suunto Run → https://amzn.to/40CGMFY Coros Apex 2 Pro → https://amzn.to/459STf5

Socks Feetures → https://amzn.to/4ePiRJ8 Injinji Trail Midweight → https://amzn.to/468ZIzC

Hydration Pack Ultraspire Spry 3.0 → https://amzn.to/4kZ6Oue Soft Flask → https://amzn.to/4o6V9w7 Iso Pocket 3.0 → https://amzn.to/4nXBJde Ultraspire Store → https://amzn.to/3IPqIKE

Apparel / Hats Sprints Running Hats → https://amzn.to/4o6V0c3

Sunglasses Tifosi Swick → https://amzn.to/40xvN0y Tifosi Store → https://amzn.to/4m98Nx1 Method Seven Silverton → https://methodseven.com/products/silverton-trail26-matte-black-trail-running-sunglasses?sca_ref=9194148.u7konADiWDYLx2mp Method Seven Closer → https://methodseven.com/products/closer-trail26-trail-running-sunglasses?sca_ref=9194148.u7konADiWDYLx2mp Use code TYP10 for 10% off

Nutrition Tailwind Single Serve → https://amzn.to/44PRzPG Tailwind 3lb Bag → https://amzn.to/44LDq5T Tailwind Recovery → https://amzn.to/45j2WQ5 Untapped Waffle → https://amzn.to/45lwCMo Untapped Gel → https://amzn.to/4lHPzP7 Primus Fuel (not affiliate) → https://primusfuel.com/

Support The Yellow Post, a local mountain gear shop in Big Bear, CA, by shopping through these affiliate links. Thanks!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ultra Marathons

03:13 Exploring Different Ultra Marathon Formats

05:57 Understanding Timed vs. Distance Races

09:06 The Backyard Ultra: A Unique Challenge

11:53 Choosing Your First Ultra Marathon

14:46 Finding Inspiration and Realism in Race Selection

Takeaways

• Ultra marathons are defined as races longer than a marathon.
• The first standard distance for an ultra is 50k.
• There are various formats of ultra marathons including road, track, and trail.
• Timed races allow participants to run as far as they can within a set time.
• Backyard ultras involve running a loop every hour until only one runner remains.
• Choosing your first ultra should consider personal interests and logistics.
• It's important to find a race that inspires you.
• Be realistic about your abilities when selecting a race.