Couch to 50k: How to Finish Your First Ultra Marathon

About Couch to 50k: How to Finish Your First Ultra Marathon

Join us as we embark on an inspiring journey that starts from the comfort of your couch and ends with conquering your first 50k Ultramarathon. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Big Bear, California, this podcast is your beginner's guide to trail running and long-distance endurance. Join our dynamic duo: Matt, a seasoned ultrarunner with countless miles under his belt; the other, Blake, a determined newcomer taking on the challenge of his first ultra. Together, they delve into the world of trail running from a beginner's perspective. Find your Trail... with us!

Publisher

Elevated_SoCal

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Apr 2025

Latest episode

2 Jul 2025

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Jul 2025

   Couch to 50k DURATION: MONTH 5

   Speakers review the Couch to 50K program's fifth month, highlighting training strategies, injury management, and fueling techniques for increased mileage as runners prepare for their first ultra marathon.

2. 

   2 Jul 2025

   Couch to 50k: RECOVERY

   The hosts discuss recovery techniques for ultra marathon runners, including hot and cold therapy, napping, stretching, self-massage, and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of balancing training with adequate recovery.

3. 

   2 Jul 2025

   Couch to 50k FREQUENCY: MONTH 4

   Runners explore the critical role of consistent training frequency in preparing for an ultra marathon, highlighting confidence-building strategies and effective workout structures.

4. 

   2 Jul 2025

   Couch to 50k NUTRITION

   The hosts explore the critical role of nutrition in ultra marathon training, weighing keto, vegan, and balanced diets to optimize running performance and recovery.

5. 

   2 Jul 2025

   Couch to 50k STRENGTH: MONTH 3

   Speakers discuss ultra marathon training, highlighting the importance of mental and physical strength, sustainable approaches, and enjoying the process, which prepares runners for race day challenges.

6. 

   2 Jul 2025

   Couch to 50k GEAR

   Runners explore essential ultramarathon gear, highlighting personalized shoe selection, well-fitted hydration packs, and the critical role of practice for a successful race experience.

7. 

   28 May 2025

   Couch to 50k MOBILITY: MONTH 2

   Hosts Matt and Blake explore the pivotal role of discipline over motivation in ultra marathon training, highlighting realistic goal setting, mobility, purposeful running, and recovery for injury prevention.

8. 

   6 May 2025

   Couch to 50k FUELING

   Summary In this conversation, the speakers discuss various strategies for fueling during ultra marathons, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, hydration, and timing. They share personal experiences and insights on the transition from solid to liquid foods, the role of electrolytes, and the necessity of personalizing nutrition plans based on individual needs and race conditions. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of fueling strategies for endurance races, discussing various methods to maintain energy levels and manage gut health during long efforts. They explore the importance of mental state on performance, share personal anecdotes about fueling mistakes, and emphasize the need for practice and adaptation in race day nutrition. Chapters 00:00 The Humor of Ultra Racing 00:51 Fueling Strategies for Ultra Marathons 04:11 The Transition from Solid to Liquid Foods 07:02 Understanding Hunger and Caloric Needs 09:56 The Importance of Timing in Nutrition 12:54 Balancing Solid and Liquid Nutrition 16:03 The Role of Electrolytes and Salt 20:02 Personalizing Your Nutrition Plan 25:03 Fueling Strategies for Endurance Races 32:22 Rescue Fuels and Gut Health 39:11 The Impact of Mental State on Performance 44:02 Lessons Learned from Fueling Mistakes Takeaways Fueling strategies vary based on race length and intensity. Solid foods can be challenging to digest during high-intensity running. Liquid calories are often easier to consume during long races. Timing of nutrition intake is crucial for maintaining energy levels. It's important to listen to your body's hunger signals during a race. Electrolytes play a vital role in hydration and performance. Personalizing your nutrition plan can enhance race outcomes. Experimenting with different foods during training is essential. Balance between solid and liquid nutrition can prevent gut issues. Coca-Cola and similar drinks can be effective for quick energy boosts. You want to take a shot of pickle juice if they have it available. Ginger is great for nausea and can improve mood. Coke can serve as a rescue fuel during races. Practice your fueling strategy during training runs. Be open to abandoning your planned fueling strategy during the race. Sodium bicarbonate can cause digestive issues if not used correctly. Mental state can significantly impact gut health and performance. Avoid heavy meals the night before a race to feel lighter. Experiment with different foods to find what works for you. Always mimic race day conditions in training to prepare effectively. Keywords ultra marathon, fueling strategies, nutrition, hydration, electrolytes, solid foods, liquid calories, race preparation, endurance running, training tips, endurance racing, fueling strategies, gut health, mental state, rescue fuels, sodium bicarbonate, Ironman, race day preparation, nutrition, performance

9. 

   21 Apr 2025

   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. 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. The ultra running community is supportive and encourages participants to push their limits. There is a wide variety of ultra races available to suit different preferences. Keywords ultra marathon, race formats, backyard ultra, choosing races, running tips, ultra running history, race preparation, timed races, distance races, ultra marathon advice

10. 

    19 Apr 2025

    Couch to 50k ACTIVATE: MONTH 1

    Summary In this episode of the Couch to 50K podcast, the hosts discuss the journey of preparing for an ultra marathon, focusing on the importance of mindset, setting realistic goals, and the significance of consistency in training. They emphasize the need to get off the couch and start moving, while also highlighting the supportive nature of the running community. The conversation covers the importance of patience in training, accountability, and the mental challenges that come with committing to a fitness journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Couch to 50K 02:59 Mindset Shift: Getting Off the Couch 09:10 Setting Realistic Goals and Consistency 18:03 The Importance of Patience in Training 23:51 Accountability and Commitment to the Journey Takeaways Getting off the couch is the first step to fitness. A mindset shift is crucial for starting a fitness journey. Setting realistic goals helps maintain motivation. Consistency in training is more important than intensity at first. The running community is supportive and encouraging. Accountability can help keep you committed to your goals. Patience is key in the early stages of training. High frequency, low duration workouts are effective for beginners. Sharing your goals with others creates positive pressure. Enjoy the journey and have fun with your training. Keywords ultra marathon, Couch to 50K, fitness journey, mindset, training plan, consistency, accountability, running community, goal setting, endurance

11. 

    19 Apr 2025

    Couch to 50k DEMYSTIFYING TRAIL RUNNING

    Summary: This conversation explores the world of trail running and ultra marathons, demystifying the sport and highlighting its accessibility. The speakers discuss the mental and physical challenges of running long distances, the beauty of nature experienced during these runs, and the supportive community surrounding ultra running. They emphasize that anyone can participate in ultra marathons, regardless of their athletic background, and that the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Chapters 00:00 Demystifying Trail Running and Ultra Marathons 10:01 The Beauty of Nature and Mental Resilience 19:53 The Couch and the Call to Action 30:02 Community and the Evolution of Ultra Running Takeaways Trail running is different, not necessarily harder than road running. Mental resilience plays a crucial role in completing ultra marathons. Nature's beauty enhances the running experience significantly. You don't have to be an elite athlete to run an ultra marathon. Walking is a valid and often necessary part of ultra running. The community in ultra running is supportive and welcoming. Running can provide a sense of purpose and connection to nature. Slowing down can help you cover greater distances. The experience of running in beautiful places is rewarding. Ultra running is becoming more popular among younger athletes. Keywords trail running, ultra marathons, mental resilience, nature, community, fitness, endurance, running tips, couch to 50K, outdoor experiences

12. 

    18 Apr 2025

    Overview

    Here. We. Go!We couldn't be more excited to share this project with you. Here's an overview of what to expect. SummaryThis conversation explores the journey of preparing for an ultra marathon, focusing on the importance of setting goals, the training process, and the mental aspects of endurance running. The speakers discuss their personal motivations, the challenges faced during training, and the significance of consistency and mindset in achieving fitness goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Ultra Marathon Journey 10:21 Training and Preparation for the Ultra Marathon 19:51 Mindset and Motivation for Endurance Running Takeaways Setting a big, scary goal can drive motivation. Consistency in training is key to becoming a better runner. Physical activity enhances overall well-being and energy levels. Mental fortitude is crucial for endurance sports. Enjoying the process is as important as the outcome. Training for an ultra marathon requires a structured plan. Recovery time is essential after intense training. The environment can inspire and motivate running. It's important to find a balance between training intensity and enjoyment. Community support can enhance the running experience. Keywords ultra marathon, training, endurance sports, motivation, running, fitness, mental fortitude, Big Bear, outdoor sports, personal growth

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

3.7 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

76

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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