Would you be capable of going beyond the marathon? Rory Coleman thinks so.

Any race with a course further than the traditional 26.2 mile marathon is classed as an ultramarathon. These races are rapidly gaining popularity and many runners, perhaps after completing a few marathons, are starting to ask themselves, 'Could I go further?'.

The simple answer is ‘Yes, anyone can run an ultramarathon’, although it does come with a set of conditions, including a strong desire to do so, which need to be considered before stepping out on that first journey through the 26.2 mile barrier. For the keen ultra wannabe there are some common misconceptions about what you need to have achieved before entering the world of ultras…

Article: Five Things an Ultra Runner Can't Do Without

Blog: Ultra Marathon Ambition

1. Slowly Does It

Firstly, a sub-three hour marathon is not a pre-requisite as ultra pace is a lot slower than a standard road marathon. For example, the pace necessary to complete the magical 100 mile mark in a 24hr track race, a distance which would be acknowledged by most as very good in terms of ultra running, is just over 14 minutes per mile. Yes, a good marathon PB helps but pace judgement and the ability to run economically are also vital tools for ultra running. Imagine driving your car as far as you can on a tank of fuel and you’ll get the idea.

2. Putting in the Hours

Something you will need is time, lots of it. Hours and hours of commitment are required to gradually extend your mileage covered in training and amply prepare yourself for your first ultra marathon experience to ensure it is one to remember. If you have already started upping weekly mileage and your long Sunday runs, you are well on your way.

3. The Body Changer

Body shape and size doesn’t seem to matter either as ultra runners come in all shapes and sizes. There is no question that a lean and bio-mechanically super-efficient body help no-end, but as you cover more and more miles in training, your body will adapt and develop these characteristics, and long slow runs can soon become longer slow runs.

4. Self Belief

One of the most important attributes of a good ultra runner is a belief and confidence that the race distance is achievable. The confidence needed for ultras comes from the training that has been undertaken - this delivers the wonderful ‘gift of belief’ that the finish line, no matter how far away, is achievable. When you have developed this confidence, you can choose your first ultramarathon distance.

5. Going Ultra

If you have already asked yourself the question, or if you are now considering running an ultra, go for it and take the plunge. There are hundreds of races out there offering you the chance to find out just where your limits of endurance lie. To find out whether ultra running is for you, a 50km is a good place to start as it is only five miles further than the standard marathon distance. Even if it’s only once it’s worth it and something everyone should do.

The real question might be, are ultras for me? Try one… You never know you might just enjoy it.

Rory Coleman is an accomplished ultra runner, personal trainer, and ultra race organiser. Visit his website to find out more: www.rorycoleman.co.uk