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16 Week Ultimate 50-Mile Ultra-Marathon Training Plan

Endurance Athlete Roadmap
January 26, 2026
12 min read
16 Week Ultimate 50-Mile Ultra-Marathon Training Plan

Taking on the Ultra Distance

50 miles is a significant step into ultrarunning. Success requires not just physical training, but mental preparation and mastery of nutrition and pacing.

Prerequisites

Before starting this plan, you should:

  • Have completed at least one marathon
  • Be comfortable running 35+ miles per week
  • Have experience with back-to-back long runs
  • Understand basic trail running (if applicable)
  • 16-Week Plan Structure

    Phase 1: Base Building (Weeks 1-4)

  • Weekly mileage: 35-45 miles
  • Long run: 16-20 miles
  • Focus: Aerobic development
  • Phase 2: Strength (Weeks 5-8)

  • Weekly mileage: 45-55 miles
  • Long run: 20-26 miles
  • Focus: Hills, back-to-backs
  • Phase 3: Specificity (Weeks 9-12)

  • Weekly mileage: 50-65 miles
  • Long run: 26-32 miles
  • Focus: Race simulation
  • Phase 4: Peak & Taper (Weeks 13-16)

  • Weekly mileage: Peak then taper
  • Focus: Sharpening, rest
  • Back-to-Back Long Runs

    The cornerstone of ultra training:

    *Example Weekend (Week 10):*

  • Saturday: 22 miles on trails
  • Sunday: 14 miles on roads
  • This teaches your body to run on tired legs—essential for ultra success.

    Nutrition Strategy

    During Training

  • Practice eating real food on long runs
  • Test different fuel sources
  • Train your gut to handle calories
  • Race Fueling

  • Aim for 200-300 calories per hour
  • Mix liquids and solids
  • Have backup options
  • Salt/electrolytes every hour
  • Mental Preparation

    Break It Down

    Don't think about 50 miles. Think about:

  • Aid station to aid station
  • Hour by hour
  • One step at a time
  • Mantras

    Develop personal phrases that help:

  • "Forward progress"
  • "Embrace the suck"
  • "This too shall pass"
  • Race Day Tips

  • Start slower than you think
  • Walk all uphills from the start
  • Keep calories coming in
  • Have crew/drop bags at key points
  • Expect low points—they will pass
  • You've Got This

    50 miles is a journey, not just a race. Trust your training, respect the distance, and enjoy the adventure.

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