Ultra Running Coach Services

Our ultra running coaching services are designed to support every step of your endurance journey. We offer personalised training plans that fit your goals, fitness level, and schedule, along with expert guidance on pacing, strength, and recovery. Our services also include nutrition advice to fuel your runs effectively and mental strategies to stay strong through every mile. Whether you’re training for a 50k, a 100-miler, or any distance in between, our UESCA-certified ultra coach will help you push past limits and reach new heights in ultra running.

 

Ultra Coach Max's Five Pillars of Ultra Marathon Training

 

Unlock Your Ultra Potential with Expert Ultra Coaching

Training for an ultra marathon requires more than just long runs. A structured, holistic approach ensures you build endurance, prevent injuries, and maximise race-day performance. As an ultra coach, I use these five pillars to guide ultra runners towards their best results.

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Pillar 1: Nutrition & Hydration for Ultra Runners

Fuelling properly is key to sustaining energy and avoiding bonking during ultra events. Your nutrition and hydration strategy should adapt based on training load and race day demands.

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Training Nutrition Guidelines (general rule)

• Normal Days: 3-5g/kg carbs, 1.2-1.6g/kg protein, 20-35% fats, 2-3L water.

• High-Volume & Strength Days: 5-7g/kg carbs, 1.4-1.8g/kg protein, 3L+ water, post-workout 3:1 carb-to-protein ratio.

 

Race Day Fuelling Strategies

• 50K Races: 60-90g carbs/hour, 500-700mg sodium/hour, 500-750ml fluid/hour.

• 100K+ Races: 70-90g carbs/hour, small protein/fat intake, 500-1000ml hydration/hour, adjusting electrolytes for conditions.

A personalised fuelling plan ensures steady energy levels and optimal hydration.

 

Pillar 2: Sleep & Recovery – The Overlooked Key to Ultra Success

Recovery isn’t just about taking a day off—it’s a strategic part of training that enhances endurance and prevents injury.

 

Key Recovery Strategies:

• Sleep: 7-9 hours per night improves muscle repair and energy restoration.

• Active Recovery: Light jogging, swimming, and cycling boost circulation.

• Foam Rolling & Stretching: Essential for mobility and injury prevention.

• Massage & Contrast Therapy: Reduces muscle soreness and enhances recovery.

• Rest Days: At least one full rest day per week keeps you fresh for key workouts.

Ignoring recovery leads to burnout and injuries—our ultra coaching approach integrates structured recovery for peak performance.

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Pillar 3: Strength & Injury Prevention for Ultra Runners

Strength training is not optional for ultra runners—it’s essential for endurance, running economy, and injury resilience.

 

Why Strength Matters

• Builds muscular endurance to sustain long efforts.

• Improves running economy, reducing wasted energy.

• Strengthens joints, tendons, and ligaments, lowering injury risk.

 

Key Strength Areas for Ultra Runners

• Leg Strength: Single leg exercises, squats, lunges, step-ups for power and fatigue resistance.

• Single-Leg Stability: Bulgarian split squats and single-leg deadlifts enhance balance.

• Core Strength: Planks and anti-rotation exercises maintain posture on long runs.

• Foot & Ankle Stability: Calf raises and proprioception drills reduce overuse injuries.

A targeted strength programme tailored to ultra running prevents breakdowns late in races.

 

Pillar 4: Mental Toughness & Race Strategy

Ultra marathons test your mind as much as your body. Developing mental resilience and smart race strategies separates successful ultra runners from those who struggle.

 

Building Mental Toughness

• Embrace Discomfort: Train in tough conditions to build grit.

• Break It Down: Focus on small goals (aid station to aid station).

• Use Mantras: "One step at a time," "Strong and steady."

• Visualise Success: Mentally prepare for race-day challenges.

 

Race Strategy Essentials

• Pacing Plan: Start conservatively (RPE 4-5 early, 6-7 mid-race, 8+ at the end).

• Fuelling & Hydration: 60-90g carbs/hour, proper sodium intake, consistent hydration.

• Adaptability: Be flexible with your plan, knowing that highs and lows are part of ultra racing.

A strong mindset, backed by a structured race strategy, leads to breakthrough performances.

 

Pillar 5: Consistency – The Foundation of Ultra Running Success

Long-term success in ultra running isn’t built overnight. It comes from consistent, smart training.

 

Key Components of Consistency

• Structured Training Plan: Balances long runs, speed work, hills, and recovery.

• Prioritising Recovery: Rest days and smart deload weeks prevent overtraining.

• Sustainable Habits: Scheduling runs at the same time each day builds discipline.

Training consistency allows for gradual adaptation, ensuring you're race-ready without burnout.

 

Train Smarter with a Professional Ultra Coach

If you’re looking to optimise your ultra marathon training, avoid common pitfalls, and unlock your full potential, our ultra coaching programme will provide you with: ✅ Personalised training plans ✅ Dialled-in nutrition strategies ✅ Strength & mobility routines ✅ Mental toughness coaching ✅ Race day execution plans

📩 Get in touch today to start your journey towards ultra success!