Ultra Running After 40 - What 12 Years Taught Me
Motivation Theory Running
7,303 views
After 12+ years of ultra running and starting my journey in my 30s unable to run for even 5 minutes, my relationship with endurance and fitness completely shifted. In this video, we break down what running in your 40s and beyond actually looks like—from mental health and longevity to the core training mindset shifts you need to stay consistent for life.
Whether you are training for your first 5K, stepping into ultramarathons, or just looking to build a sustainable running habit without burnout or injury, here is what over a decade on the trails has taught me.
Timestamps / Chapters:
0:00 – Running for Mental Health & Brain Chemistry
1:10 – Starting from Scratch: 5 Minutes to 100 Miles
3:20 – Movement as Therapy & Moving Meditation
5:23 – Running in Your 40s, 50s & Beyond
5:58 – How to Maintain Motivation & Track Real Progress
8:33 – Dropping the Ego: Why the Run/Walk Method Works
11:45 – The 5 Biggest Reasons Runners Fail Their Goals
12:28 – Setting Realistic SMART Goals for Longevity
16:18 – What 12 Years of Ultra Running Really Taught Me
22:15 – Ultra Q&A: Fears, Lessons & Why Anyone Can Do This
📌Browse All Plans: https://motivationtheoryrunning.com/c...
BEGINNER PLANS:
→ Couch to 5K Plan: https://tinyurl.com/4j6d6zcz
→ Beginner 10K Plan: https://tinyurl.com/rzetrskp
→ Beginner Half Marathon Plan: https://tinyurl.com/26bmp7dn
→ Beginner Marathon Plan: https://tinyurl.com/5n6fkjfj
ULTRA MARATHON PLANS:
→ 50K Ultra Plan: https://tinyurl.com/4cfx8a43
→ 50-Mile Ultra Plan: https://tinyurl.com/22mxnze3
→ 100K Ultra Plan: https://tinyurl.com/39aukwmx
→ 100-Mile Ultra Plan: https://tinyurl.com/2aj29vbn
THANK YOU for being part of the Motivation Theory Running Community!
Your support means the world to me—whether you're watching, commenting, liking, or sharing these videos, you're helping this channel grow and reach more runners like you. Every interaction makes a difference, and I'm so grateful to have you on this journey.
By using the links below to shop for your running gear, you're directly supporting the creation of more motivational and informative videos. I earn a small commission on any purchases made through these links (at no extra cost to you!), which helps me keep making content for our amazing community. -----My Stores-----
📌 My Fuel Goods Store: https://fuelgoods.com/?ref=motivation...
🧠 My Running Reading list - https://amzn.to/46FC624
👕 My Running/Race Gear: https://amzn.to/41fM1fy
📝 My Race Nutrition items: https://amzn.to/4gIMRFU
📸 My Video Production Equipment: https://amzn.to/4hXiOvn
📌 My Amazon Store for Items I use: https://www.amazon.com/shop/motivatio...
🚀 My channel and Run Club Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/motivati...
🏆 Join this channel to get access to perks and 1 on 1 coaching:
@motivationtheoryrunning-------My Social Media Accounts------
Twitter: motivatetheory
Facebook: motivationtheory
Instagram: motivationtheoryjohn
Join us on STRAVA: Strava: strava
7 Comments
My experience lines up really well with what you've said here. For me, the most important thing is to enjoy it. Crazy, right? Seems so basic, but folks, especially young dudes who are in this because they want to suffer like Goggins, will look at me like I'm an idiot when I talk about that. Life is short, if you're not enjoying a thing you're doing, then either adjust your mindset so you do enjoy it, or do something else. Stop putting pressure on yourselves. It's a hobby, it's not your identity, it's not your life. There's more to it, of course, but if you don't have the ego-less love of it in your heart, you're gonna have a bad time. Thus endeth my sermon.
PS As the owner of 3 Yeti skateboard decks, I'm loving the scenery you're sharing with us. So many great memories!
Ultra Running After 40 - What 12 Years Taught Me
Motivation Theory Running
7,303 views
After 12+ years of ultra running and starting my journey in my 30s unable to run for even 5 minutes, my relationship with endurance and fitness completely shifted. In this video, we break down what running in your 40s and beyond actually looks like—from mental health and longevity to the core training mindset shifts you need to stay consistent for life.
Whether you are training for your first 5K, stepping into ultramarathons, or just looking to build a sustainable running habit without burnout or injury, here is what over a decade on the trails has taught me.
Timestamps / Chapters:
0:00 – Running for Mental Health & Brain Chemistry
1:10 – Starting from Scratch: 5 Minutes to 100 Miles
3:20 – Movement as Therapy & Moving Meditation
5:23 – Running in Your 40s, 50s & Beyond
5:58 – How to Maintain Motivation & Track Real Progress
8:33 – Dropping the Ego: Why the Run/Walk Method Works
11:45 – The 5 Biggest Reasons Runners Fail Their Goals
12:28 – Setting Realistic SMART Goals for Longevity
16:18 – What 12 Years of Ultra Running Really Taught Me
22:15 – Ultra Q&A: Fears, Lessons & Why Anyone Can Do This
📌Browse All Plans: https://motivationtheoryrunning.com/c...
BEGINNER PLANS:
→ Couch to 5K Plan: https://tinyurl.com/4j6d6zcz
→ Beginner 10K Plan: https://tinyurl.com/rzetrskp
→ Beginner Half Marathon Plan: https://tinyurl.com/26bmp7dn
→ Beginner Marathon Plan: https://tinyurl.com/5n6fkjfj
ULTRA MARATHON PLANS:
→ 50K Ultra Plan: https://tinyurl.com/4cfx8a43
→ 50-Mile Ultra Plan: https://tinyurl.com/22mxnze3
→ 100K Ultra Plan: https://tinyurl.com/39aukwmx
→ 100-Mile Ultra Plan: https://tinyurl.com/2aj29vbn
THANK YOU for being part of the Motivation Theory Running Community!
Your support means the world to me—whether you're watching, commenting, liking, or sharing these videos, you're helping this channel grow and reach more runners like you. Every interaction makes a difference, and I'm so grateful to have you on this journey.
By using the links below to shop for your running gear, you're directly supporting the creation of more motivational and informative videos. I earn a small commission on any purchases made through these links (at no extra cost to you!), which helps me keep making content for our amazing community. -----My Stores-----
📌 My Fuel Goods Store: https://fuelgoods.com/?ref=motivation...
🧠 My Running Reading list - https://amzn.to/46FC624
👕 My Running/Race Gear: https://amzn.to/41fM1fy
📝 My Race Nutrition items: https://amzn.to/4gIMRFU
📸 My Video Production Equipment: https://amzn.to/4hXiOvn
📌 My Amazon Store for Items I use: https://www.amazon.com/shop/motivatio...
🚀 My channel and Run Club Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/motivati...
🏆 Join this channel to get access to perks and 1 on 1 coaching:
@motivationtheoryrunning-------My Social Media Accounts------
Twitter: motivatetheory
Facebook: motivationtheory
Instagram: motivationtheoryjohn
Join us on STRAVA: Strava: strava