Training for your first ultra feels like stepping into the unknown. You read plans, watch YouTube, scroll Strava, and still feel wildly underprepared as you approach race day. Looking back now, after multiple ultras, long nights, failed race plans and hard-earned lessons, there are a few things I’d absolutely do differently if I were starting over again.

This isn’t about regret. It’s about perspective.

I’d Stop Chasing Mileage and Start Chasing Consistency

When I trained for my first ultra, I thought more miles meant I would be more prepared. Longer long runs. Bigger mileage weeks. Constantly trying to “prove” I was ultra-worthy.

What I know now. Consistent weeks beat heroic big weeks. The body adapts better to steady load than occasional monster mileage followed by burnout.

I’d focus on:

• Showing up week after week
• Avoiding injury
• Building durability over ego

I’d Learn to Run Easy (Really Easy)

Early on, every run felt like it needed to mean something. Paces crept up. Recovery suffered. Ultras don’t reward speed, they reward restraint.

If I started again, I’d:

• Run easy days very, very easy
• Accept that slowing down, sometimes even a short walking break is training
• Quickly learn to enjoy being bored at low effort. Because boredom is part of the ultra skillset.

I’d Practise Fuelling Like It Actually Matters (Because It Does)

In my first ultra build, fuelling was generally an afterthought. “I’ll deal with it on race day.” Bad idea.

Now I know that nutrition is as trainable as legs. I’d practise:

• Eating when I don’t feel like it
• Fuelling through nausea
• Finding what works at hour 10, not just hour 2

Ultras aren’t lost on climbs. They’re lost in the stomach and failing to fuel correctly.

I’d Respect Recovery Instead of Treating It as Weakness

I used to see rest days as missed opportunities. I thought I had to be active and out running at every opportunity. Now I see them as essential training.

If I could rewind:

• I’d sleep more. And focus on quality
• I’d stop stacking fatigue just to feel tough
• I’d understand that fitness grows in recovery, not punishment

Longevity beats heroics.

I’d Prepare My Mind as Much as My Body

No one warned me how loud my own head would get. The doubts. The bargaining. The “why am I doing this?” moments.

Now I know mental prep matters:

• Breaking races into small chunks
• Having mantras ready
• Accepting that suffering isn’t failure, it’s part of the deal

Your mind finishes the ultra long before your legs.

Final Thoughts

Your first ultra doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to teach you something. If I trained for my first one again, I wouldn’t try to be tougher, I’d try to be smarter. And that’s what keeps you coming back for more.

Looking back, the real value of your first ultramarathon lies in what you learn along the way, not just about running, but about yourself. It’s not about hitting every split or nailing every nutrition strategy; it’s about adapting, listening to your body and mind, and growing with each step, each training session, each race, whether it’s a triumph or a stumble. The lessons from those long hours on the trails, like pacing yourself, managing discomfort, and embracing uncertainty, stick with you far beyond race day. You’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had, and weaknesses you’re ready to work on next time.

So, if you’re gearing up for your first ultra or reflecting on one you’ve finished, just remember: progress is more important than perfection. Every race is an opportunity to become a wiser, more resilient runner. The pursuit isn’t just about endurance, it’s about longevity, balance, and the steady drive to keep moving forward, no matter what the journey throws your way.