How to write a multi-stage ultra marathon training plan
Multi stage ultramarathons or stage races are totally different to regular non stop ultramarathons where you’ll typically complete them within a day. Whether it’s the famous Marathon des Sables, the iconic 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series, the UK's answer to the Marathon des Sables, Cape Wrath Ultra or something else that’s caught your eye. Because there’s always another race to add to the bucket list, right?
5 Bucket List Ultramarathons to Enter in 2024 — Read the Blog
It’s no surprise that there will be certain nuances with your training plan if you have a multi stage ultra marathon on your calendar. But like with any ultramarathon training plan, there is no magic blueprint and the general principles of training will still remain the same.
The biggest differences you’ll find when training for your first multi stage ultramarathon is getting comfortable carrying a heavy backpack and conditioning yourself for back to back days. And depending on which multi stage ultra marathon you choose, there might also be environmental considerations to add to the challenge such as preparing yourself for the heat and altitude.
Inside my Breaking 250 programme all of these principles are super specific to your event and it’s not something we start working on until 2-3 months out from your ultramarathon because I believe fitness is your primary weapon first and foremost. No amount of interventions are going to make up for a lack of fitness of other event-specific factors.
Today I want to invite you inside TrainingPeaks to take a look at the teams training plans to show you just how achievable a multi stage ultramarathon can be for you too no matter where you are right now. Ultimately, it’s about smart training and trusting the process.
I asked three of my athletes from the 2023 cohort of Breaking 250 about training for their first multi stage ultra marathon — Atacama Crossing (Chile). Here is what they said:
