![From 5k to Ultra: My Personal Journey to Endurance Races](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4ff3a875d6895420186b58/1600371465227-ITQDRJN9IOTDBBFTMD7I/IMG_1863.jpg)
From 5k to Ultra: My Personal Journey to Endurance Races
Before 2018 I didn't even know trail running existed. What I did know was running on treadmills, tracks and roads -- all of which I loathed and didn't enjoy at all. I can recall running one color run in college and running up to 6 miles on the treadmill and that was the totality of my running expertise. When I started dating someone who trail ran I was mind blown that people willingly and happily ran up and down mountains for hours and hours at a time. Sometimes in questionable weather, sometimes without sleeping, sometimes with their bodies being pushed to the limit. My mind further imploded when I realized people ran trails for longer than 26.2 miles. Longer than 30 miles.
![I Want To Start Upping My Mileage...How Do I Get There?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4ff3a875d6895420186b58/1599082279610-Y4SX7TF7DXE6T2I09PKX/bloodsweatbeers.jpg)
I Want To Start Upping My Mileage...How Do I Get There?
Tips on how to build up running endurance while training for long distance running events and adventures.
![5 Things I Take On Every Trail Run](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4ff3a875d6895420186b58/1599081474570-ORUTKSJNK3G6GM8PQ7BZ/hoka.jpeg)
5 Things I Take On Every Trail Run
Frequent readers will know that Western Africa is one of my favorite parts of the world, so my expectations were already high when I secured a lift to Bamako.
![Building Up My Trail Running Endurance...How Do I Get There?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4ff3a875d6895420186b58/1599083126628-0E4BKBHPM3TQXBT1U8BX/supesrun.jpg)
Building Up My Trail Running Endurance...How Do I Get There?
Tips for building up endurance for longer distances, more elevation gain and planning for ultra running races.