How Do I Pick the Right Race with AI?

Show Notes — The First-Timer’s Guide to UltramarathonsReady to go beyond 26.2 miles? In this episode, we explore what runners need to know when making the jump from marathoner to ultrarunner.Ultrarunning is more than simply running farther. We break down the major distances—from the 50K and 50 miles to the 100K and 100 miles—and discuss why a 50K can be an excellent starting point. We also look at 6-, 12-, and 24-hour timed events, which can offer beginners frequent access to aid and support.We explore how terrain and elevation can completely change a race. A flat 100-miler can be dramatically different from a technical mountain 50K, so we discuss climbing, descending, power hiking, technical trails, and ways runners without hills can prepare using stairs, incline treadmills, and strength work.We also cover aid stations, drop bags, crews, pacers, cutoffs, cupless racing, nighttime running, and backup lighting. Safety topics include rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, hyponatremia, dehydration, and the importance of not running through injuries.Finally, we discuss the mental side of ultrarunning—breaking a huge distance into manageable sections, focusing on the next aid station, using visualization, and learning to keep moving when things get difficult.Looking for your first ultra? Check out:UltraSignupRunning in the USAUltra Running MagazineFind a Race (UK)GB Ultra RunnerAhotu (Worldwide)Run Ultra (International)Ultra Race CalendarAustralian Ultra & Trail Runners Association (AURA)100% Pure New ZealandWhether you're considering your first 50K or dreaming about 100 miles, this episode will help you choose the right race, understand the challenges, and prepare for the adventure beyond 26.2.The marathon may have been the destination once. In ultrarunning, it's just the [email protected]://teamrunrun.com/coach/josh-sain-raleigh-running-coach/United States & North AmericaUltraSignup — One of the best-known platforms for U.S. trail and ultramarathon races. You can search by distance, location, and race type. Running in the USA — Large U.S. race directory with ultras as well as shorter distances.Ultra Running Magazine – Race Calendar — Excellent for finding U.S. and Canadian ultras, with filters for 50K, 50 miles, 100K, 100 miles, timed events, and more. Ultra Race USA — U.S.-focused ultramarathon directory that lets runners search by location, distance, date, and race type. United Kingdom & IrelandFind a Race – Ultra Marathons — Very useful UK ultramarathon calendar with 100+ ultras listed annually. Running Calendar UK – Ultramarathons — UK-focused race calendar with ultra-specific listings. GB Ultra Runner — Large UK ultra calendar covering England, Scotland and Wales. UK Ultra — Race organizer with a substantial selection of UK trail and ultramarathon events. Europe & WorldwideAhotu — Probably the best one to add for international runners. It covers endurance events in more than 198 countries and specifically allows filtering for ultramarathons and fixed-time races. Run Ultra — International ultra calendar with races across multiple countries and distances. Ultra Race Calendar — International database that can be filtered by country and distance, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe and the U.S. AustraliaAustralian Ultra & Trail Runners Association (AURA) — This is the one I'd definitely include for Australia. It maintains a calendar of AURA-approved ultra-running events across Australia. Ultra Race Calendar – Australia — Australia-specific ultra listings, including 50K, 100K and longer events. New ZealandUltra Race Calendar – New Zealand — New Zealand-specific ultramarathon listings. 100% Pure New Zealand – Trail Running Events — Official New Zealand tourism site featuring major trail and ultra events.