5k Jogger to Ultra Runner in 14 weeks

LOL the average beginner 5k runner is not going to complete 15 miles in the 4th week, and if you or anyone else tries to state otherwise, you will lose all credibility. Not like you had any to begin with from what I can tell by reading the posts. But anyone who says 15 miles, or even the 9 miles in the 3rd week, is easy (or even just doable for a beginner) is lying. Period.

Can I ask where you got this plan from op as I have googled but been unable to locate the original plan.

I'd like to see what else they say about this plan.

Thanks

It's not easy but it's achievable

Achievable is a very optimistic way of putting it. But you seem dead-set on doing it even after 3 pages of posts telling you otherwise. Keep us posted on your progress. Maybe start a blog.

You're all wrong.

Love it.

Yup, this is damn funny, I must say.

As someone who is finishing up week 10 of a 12 week 10k training program.....wow.

First, post by Carson is great. Second....running 5 times per week is a damn lot, especially for someone coming off of a C25K. Also, cross training mentioned doesn't include strength training.

For any new runners looking for a program, please look into other, more reasonable programs before deciding on something as intense as this. It's really not necessary.

This not a wise idea at all. It is a recipe for injury.

It's a GUARANTEE for injury! Yeah maybe you manage to *finish* a marathon (doubt you'd be able to make it without stopping to walk at one point) but not listed in OP's training program is the 8 months of physical therapy you're going to have to pay for to get your hips/knees/ankles/feet functional again.

I mean, C25k is 9 weeks. This program is 14 weeks. This means OP suggests that a non-runner can go from being unable to run a continuous mile to running a full marathon in half a year.

bump

You're all wrong.

Uh, no.
Now let me point on the inconsistencies and just plain misinformation in your post. Please accept this as constructive, because your comments here are going to lead someone down a path that will have them sidelined.

The title of this thread is "5k Jogger to Ultra Runner in 14 weeks" and you stated in that post that this "plan" was the next step up from the Couch to 5K plan.

If you've completed the C25K it's the next step up and will lead in 14 weeks to you being able to complete a trail marathon.

Then, later in the thread, you said this (with bold added by me for emphasis):

I've changed my profile picture to show myself and daughter completing the race in May the last time I followed a similar plan.

I aren't starting at a position of being relatively unfit. I run 25 miles a week and bike about 120 as my commute is a 24 mile round trip.

So, which is it? A plan for the novice runner just finishing the C25K program or for an experienced endurance athlete looking for a new challenge? Don't respond, I already know the answer.

There is no running coach in the world that would advocate this ramp up of mileage for someone just reaching the point where they can run for 30 minutes without stopping. It doesn't matter if you are talking about racing or just completing. It's too much mileage too soon. Period.

And now for this piece of "advice":

My advice is don't road run if you can avoid it, it's too high impact and is hard on your joints. Consultants rooms are full of ex road runners having knee and hip replacement surgery. Trail running gives you more of an all over workout as you need to keep your balance and the ground is softer on your body.

This is just utter hogwash (that's American for bullsh1t). Running injuries occur primarily for two reasons.

1. Running too fast too soon.
2. Running too far too soon.

Additionally, these running injuries are not structural in nature, which you imply (falsely) in the statement above. These running injuries are soft tissue injuries that can be fixed with rest, strengthening exercises and working on proper running form. There are been several studies that show that running actually improves overall joint health. Yes, there is a benefit to running on soft surfaces, but it's not to prevent you from needing to have a joint replaced. There is less impact on the soft tissues which will allow you to run more with less recovery time. It's not significant though, maybe a few more miles a week because of the softer surfaces.

So, to be clear here, this "plan" that you are advocating is not one for the beginning runner, and probably not one for the intermediate runner as it flies in the face of conventional training methods which have been developed over decades by qualified running coaches, many with PhDs in disciplines that qualify them as experts in the field, that are designed to maximize performance while maintaining the health and well-being of those that follow these programs.

I still wish the op good luck.

You're all wrong.

Uh, no.
Now let me point on the inconsistencies and just plain misinformation in your post. Please accept this as constructive, because your comments here are going to lead someone down a path that will have them sidelined.

The title of this thread is "5k Jogger to Ultra Runner in 14 weeks" and you stated in that post that this "plan" was the next step up from the Couch to 5K plan.

If you've completed the C25K it's the next step up and will lead in 14 weeks to you being able to complete a trail marathon.

Then, later in the thread, you said this (with bold added by me for emphasis):

I've changed my profile picture to show myself and daughter completing the race in May the last time I followed a similar plan.

I aren't starting at a position of being relatively unfit. I run 25 miles a week and bike about 120 as my commute is a 24 mile round trip.

So, which is it? A plan for the novice runner just finishing the C25K program or for an experienced endurance athlete looking for a new challenge? Don't respond, I already know the answer.

There is no running coach in the world that would advocate this ramp up of mileage for someone just reaching the point where they can run for 30 minutes without stopping. It doesn't matter if you are talking about racing or just completing. It's too much mileage too soon. Period.

And now for this piece of "advice":

My advice is don't road run if you can avoid it, it's too high impact and is hard on your joints. Consultants rooms are full of ex road runners having knee and hip replacement surgery. Trail running gives you more of an all over workout as you need to keep your balance and the ground is softer on your body.

This is just utter hogwash (that's American for bullsh1t). Running injuries occur primarily for two reasons.

1. Running too fast too soon.
2. Running too far too soon.

Additionally, these running injuries are not structural in nature, which you imply (falsely) in the statement above. These running injuries are soft tissue injuries that can be fixed with rest, strengthening exercises and working on proper running form. There are been several studies that show that running actually improves overall joint health. Yes, there is a benefit to running on soft surfaces, but it's not to prevent you from needing to have a joint replaced. There is less impact on the soft tissues which will allow you to run more with less recovery time. It's not significant though, maybe a few more miles a week because of the softer surfaces.

So, to be clear here, this "plan" that you are advocating is not one for the beginning runner, and probably not one for the intermediate runner as it flies in the face of conventional training methods which have been developed over decades by qualified running coaches, many with PhDs in disciplines that qualify them as experts in the field, that are designed to maximize performance while maintaining the health and well-being of those that follow these programs.

Gold.

Yeah, I'm almost done with the C210K program (after today's run, I'll have just week 14 to go next week). There is no way I'm ready for something like that even though I've completed the C25K PLUS all the way to 10K. I had a friend ask me to do a half in November, and I declined because I wouldn't be able to be ready by then (safely and injury free). I am looking for a 10K in October and then may do a couple more 5Ks before the year is over, but nothing more than 10K for sure.

Definitely not the plan for the average person who has recently completed the C25K program.

Why not try for a 25 minute 5K? That still requires you to run nearly the same mileage that you would to train for a Half Marathon.

I didn't catch this the first time. Really? How many weeks? I'm probably right at 30 minutes now.

Read Carson's post.

A trail marathon can in no way, shape or form be described as "the next step up" from C25K.

Yes, I understand some have done this successfully. Your odds of going down in flames, however, are much greater than your odds of success.

LOL C25K to trail marathon?


I've ran multiple sub 21 5ks... 2 soon to be 3 marathons, and I still shutter at the thought of a trail marathon.

I did a trail 25k once, harder than a marathon.

I'd actually enjoy seeing someone go from C25K to trail marathon.

You sadist

Why not try for a 25 minute 5K? That still requires you to run nearly the same mileage that you would to train for a Half Marathon.

I didn't catch this the first time. Really? How many weeks? I'm probably right at 30 minutes now.

Probably 6 months. Depends on what you current mileage is and how well your body can tolerate an increase in mileage. I saw dramatic improvements when I started to consistently hit 40 MPW.

Why not try for a 25 minute 5K? That still requires you to run nearly the same mileage that you would to train for a Half Marathon.

I didn't catch this the first time. Really? How many weeks? I'm probably right at 30 minutes now.

Probably 6 months. Depends on what you current mileage is and how well your body can tolerate an increase in mileage. I saw dramatic improvements when I started to consistently hit 40 MPW.

My 1/2 marathon training has me at maybe 17 miles now. 6 months would be pretty do-able for me. I do a fun run on Thanksgiving after the 1/2 at the end of October, but my next real planned race is a 6k in February.