As an ultra-running coach, one of the most important aspects of training I focus on with my athletes (and myself) is setting clear, actionable, and meaningful goals. Ultra running is not just about putting one foot in front of the other—it’s about training the mind as much as the body, and learning how to manage the inevitable setbacks that come.

Goal setting is the foundation upon which every runner builds their training plan, mental resilience, and race strategy. Whether you're aiming to complete your first 50K or looking to achieve a podium finish at a 100-miler, setting well-defined goals will guide your journey and keep you motivated when the going gets tough.

1. Start with the Big Picture: Why Are You Running?

Before diving into specific race times or distances, it’s essential to explore the "why" behind your running goals. What drives you to run ultra distances? Is it the challenge? The adventure? The physical/mental growth? Knowing your deeper motivation will serve as a compass, especially on the long days when your body is tired, and your mind is questioning whether it’s worth it. 

• What does success look like for you in running?

• What is the ultimate feeling or outcome you want from your training and races?

• How do you want running to fit into your life in the long term? 

This clarity will help set your short-term and long-term goals. It keeps your focus on the bigger picture, which is vital in a sport that often feels like a journey more than a destination.

2. Break Down Big Goals into Smaller Milestones

Ultra running is a massive challenge, especially when you look at a 100-mile race or a multi-day event. But every journey begins with a single step—and every ultra runner’s path is paved with smaller, incremental goals.

• Base Fitness

• Race Preparation

• Specific Training Goals

Each of these milestones serves as a checkpoint on our journey. When you are an athlete with us we will go into each of these areas in detail to pull the best training and performance out of you.

3. SMART Goals

• Specific: Clearly define your goal. Instead of saying "I want to run faster," aim for "I want to finish a 50K in under 6 hours."

• Measurable: Ensure you can track progress. A specific time, distance, or number of training hours provides clear indicators of success.

• Achievable: Set goals that challenge you but are within reach based on your current fitness level. Don’t aim for the moon just yet—success comes from building a solid foundation.

• Relevant: Align your goals with your ultimate ultra-running ambitions. If you’re training for a 100K, don’t focus too much on improving your sprint time.

• Time-Bound: Set deadlines. Whether it’s race day or the end of a specific training block, having a clear timeline keeps you accountable.

One of the first things I teach my athletes is that ultra running is a series of mini highs and lows. Learning you can manage them is critical to success.

The key to success is being adaptable. Don’t be afraid to reassess your goals if necessary. The beauty of our 1:1 coaching is that we make the program highly adaptable. Tell us on a Monday your week has been flipped upside down, and we can restructure your plan to keep you on track.
If you’re injured or feeling burnt out, it’s okay to adjust your expectations or take a step back to focus on recovery. Sometimes, dialing down intensity can be more beneficial than pushing through at all costs. On the other hand, if you feel you're progressing faster than anticipated, adjust your plan to ramp up your training and add more challenging goals.

4. Celebrate Milestones, Not Just Finishes

As ultra runners, we tend to focus on the big races—the 50Ks, 100-milers, or multi-day events. But progress is made every day, and every step toward a goal counts. Celebrate the small victories along the way: hitting a weekly mileage target, completing a tough training session, or finally conquering that uphill section you've been dreading.

Celebrate the mental growth too. If you’ve learned how to manage your nutrition more effectively during a long run or tackled a race with more confidence than before, those are wins worth noting.

Success in ultra running is not just about the final race result, but the journey you take to get there—and how you evolve as a runner along the way.

5. Accountability and Support

As a coach, my role is not just to provide a training plan but to offer consistent support and accountability throughout the process. Whether it’s a weekly check-in, a phone call to discuss race strategies, or simply being there when things get tough, having a coach or a supportive community is invaluable in achieving your ultra running goals. Having someone who understands the physical and emotional demands of ultra running helps keep you grounded, motivated, and on track. Find a community, whether it’s a local running group, online forums, or a coach who can provide that consistent guidance and feedback.

Conclusion: Keep Moving Forward, One Step at a Time

Setting goals in ultra running is more than just about crossing the finish line—it’s about growing as a person and a runner, overcoming challenges, and becoming more resilient in the process. It’s a long road, but it’s one filled with countless moments of growth, achievement, and personal transformation.

Whether you’re chasing a podium finish or simply aiming to complete your first ultra, remember that every goal is worth pursuing. And with the right mindset, planning, and support, you’ll not only reach your goals but exceed them.

Keep running, keep striving, and most importantly—keep setting goals. The journey is the reward.

Feel free to adapt these strategies and principles to your own training, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further guidance. Let’s keep the momentum going and crush our 2025 goals!

See you on the trails in 2025.