Reddit reviews Hal Koerner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning: Training for an Ultramarathon, from 50K to 100 Miles and Beyond

Hal Korner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning has some shorter plans for 50k up to 100 miles. I used this book as the basis for my first 100-mile training. ( https://www.amazon.com/Koerners-Field-Guide-Ultrarunning-Ultramarathon/dp/1937715221)

Also, Krissy Moehl's Running Your First Ultra has some good, long-term plans. ( https://www.amazon.com/Running-Your-First-Ultra-Customizable/dp/1624141420/ref=pd_sbs_14_img_0/135-5115591-8160359?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1624141420&pd_rd_r=062b53c6-91ad-4cc2-a0c6-9225587ac7ea&pd_rd_w=jBSfT&pd_rd_wg=aenPJ&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=HAZJPT342BYJYTMBPYP9&psc=1&refRID=HAZJPT342BYJYTMBPYP9)

I highly suggest reading this book: http://www.amazon.com/Koerners-Field-Guide-Ultrarunning-Ultramarathon/dp/1937715221

It will provide you with way more information than I can. It even has training plans.

But, my advice to you is: just focus on finishing. It is your first ultra distance race, there is no need to go out super hard. Also: eat fruit, peanut butter, and other simple foods while training. These foods will be available at the aid stations during the race.

For my first 50-miler, I used Hal Koerner's plan that can be found in the back of his book--and also with a quick Google search.

Basically, his plan had me doing an hour of running each day (6-9miles) during the week. And, then the weekends were back-to-back long runs.

I usually run everything under 12miles at about a 7min/mile clip. On the weekends, I'd find my way to the trails and work on slowing down and just covering the mileage, but even then, my pace was no slower than 10min/mile.

Since I live in such a flat location, I told myself I would run faster each run to make up for the lack of elevation & altitude training. And, it worked. I got to the start line on race day and felt amazing. I finished that day and my legs still felt really great (I had other issues, but it was due to my poor eating). If you need a race recap, here's mine.

I would highly suggest Hal's plans, as I just used his to attempt my first 100-miler in September. I had to quit at mile-77 with a pretty badly sprained ankle, but my legs were feeling great. I really think his plans are quite good. I'm modifying his 100-mile plan right now to take another shot at 100-miles in December.

There are some plans in the following two books:

1. Relentless Forward Progress
   
   
2. Hal Koerner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning
   
   I personally didn't follow any plan but made sure for the training to be specific - on trails similar to what I expected in the race and with similar elevation gain per mile. I focused on back to back long runs on weekends, a lot of climbing, and less on the distance. I don't think I ever did more than may be 45-50 miles per week for any of my 50 milers or 100K races but made sure to hit close to 8,000-10,000 ft of gain per week on my peak weeks.

UK store links for those interested.

I started at 46, relatively fit but a complete non-runner. I ran a 70K ultra less than a year later and now I'm training for a 100K. Consistent training and injury avoidance are crucial. It helps that I don't care much about my speed, so I'm content to do most of my training at an easy pace. But I have no trouble keeping up with friends in the local trail running club.

Edit: Check out Hal Koerner's new book. I can also recommend Relentless Forward Progress for training advice and Running Through the Wall for inspiration.

I too agree with /u/DieRunning. I would only add you could always pick up Hal Korners book, Field Guide to Ultrarunning. He gives some quick tips along with two training plans.

http://www.amazon.com/Koerners-Field-Guide-Ultrarunning-Ultramarathon/dp/1937715221

I haven't read it, but I would check this one out: https://www.amazon.ca/Koerners-Field-Guide-Ultrarunning-Ultramarathon/dp/1937715221

I have read "Daniels' Running Formula" which is very very good: https://www.amazon.ca/Daniels-Running-Formula-3rd-Jack/dp/1450431836/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1469153523&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=Daniels+runnnig

I also recommend "Advanced Marathoning" which is a better all purpose "how to be a runner" book than Daniels, but a bit less scientific.

Both have training plans for beginners. And like people mentioned: getting good quickly is easy... it's not getting hurt that is tough!