As I write this, there are some people out there who have maybe several 50 milers, a handful of 50Ks, and perhaps a 100K under their belt who are eyeing that fall 100 miler. It’s a big question, and only you will be able to answer the question “am I ready?”

In general, if you are new to ultrarunning, it may be a good idea to knock out a few 50Ks, and an even better idea to run a few 50 milers. Don’t bite off more than you can chew! If you have a few 50 milers under your belt, all within the cut-off times allowed in those particular 50 races, they will prove beneficial in your physical ability to knock out a 100 miler, and more importantly, your mental ability to stay strong through those last few miles of the race.

All depending on your training, may I suggest to start out on a conservative 100 miler (Umstead 100, Rocky Raccoon 100). On the same token, there is no reason not to run some of the more challenging courses however (Wasatch Front 100, Hardrock 100). The only barrier to entry is that some of the tougher 100 milers require you to have some sort of qualification, whether it be completion of another 100 miler, or a certain time in other 50 milers similar in difficulty. Not many 100s have qualification standards that are impossible however; every ultrarunner interested in a 100 has to start somewhere!

Keys to bumping up the distance from a 50 mile race to a 100 mile race is the fact that you may be running all night, and you may be very tired in the later miles of the race. Hence, practice running at night in the dark. It will get you used to running with a headlamp, what it is like to run in the dark, and perhaps battle a little sleep deprivation. If you can get a few 3-4 hour runs at night under your belt, you will be sufficiently prepared. Running at night sleep deprived for the first time in your first 100 miler can be very overwhelming – practicing running in these conditions will help you build up a tolerance.

Training on terrain similar to the 100 miler of your choosing can also be beneficial. If you are planning on running Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Miler, I’d train on a lot of rocks if I were you. If you plan on signing up for the Mother Road 100 Miler, train on road. If you plan on running Hardrock 100 miler, try to train at altitude with lots of elevation gain and loss. You get the point? Of course, there are no laws saying you can’t train for Hardrock 100 in Florida (can you say Matt Mahoney?).

With the proper training and physical preparation, the other 90% of training is all mental. You can be in great shape, done all the proper training, and still not perform well as for whatever reason your just “aren’t there”. It’s similar to playing golf, you can be the #1 player in the world, but if you aren’t mentally sharp, your performance may suffer.

With that being said, you are truly ready when you decide you are ready. Just choose the one you want to do and start your training. Don’t be afraid of failure! Until you have run a 100, there’s no way
of being sure that you can finish. That’s no reason not to try. Don’t give into the demons in the last third of the race that will tell you to quit. It’s going to hurt… I mean, you’re running 100 miles! Your life is now, and you only live once. If you feel that you have sufficiently gotten your feet wet in the world of ultrarunning, throw your hat in the ring and give it a shot.

Just be careful, 100 milers are addictive!

Preparation for the actual race (pacer, cut offs, what foods to eat, expected finish time) is all in another post.