Imagine if you will, sitting at a table with the best ultrarunners in the country and picking their brains on what one must do to train for a 50 or 100-mile race. You‘d quickly discover that there is no “one size fits all” approach and each runner has his or her own way of accomplishing similar goals. Some runners log extremely high mileage, others go to the track while some ultrarunners use one race to get ready for the next. Trial and error seems to produce most of the successful programs at these lengthy distances.

Little has been done in the way of consistent, long-term research into ultramarathons. The best coaching minds have yet to dabble in the realm of ultrarunning. For instance, take a look at your typical bookstore shelf or basic Internet search and you’ll find a plethora of information on how to complete and compete in the marathon and shorter distance races. Simply put, these races have garnered the world’s attention. They are Olympic spectator sports that attract both money and prestige. Science has studied the marathon, dissected it entirely and coaches around the world have field-tested this knowledge. Marathon training fundamentals ring sound and, if followed, produce positive results.

Today we are witnessing, similar to the 1970’s running revolution, another radical change in what the average runner considers a challenge: the ultramarathon is becoming the new marathon. More and more runners are trying their hand at this rapidly growing sport. Races are selling out, specialized gear is readily available, notable ultrarunners are getting airtime and newsprint space, and large corporations are fronting large sums of money and product for ultra-type sponsorships. Though beneficial, these advances in the sport still leave us in a lurch. We lack one fundamental key to habitual success and that is a solid grasp of what is the best, most efficient way to train for distances beyond the marathon.

At McMillan Running, we have re-created marathon training success for ultrarunners. We use the science of endurance-based performance with the art of real-world coaching and combine it with more than fifteen years of ultrarunning field experience and accomplishments. In doing so we bring to you, the athlete, a personalized program that will enable you to succeed no matter the goal or distance.

Ultramarathon Coaching Program:

With my online coaching program, you and I work together to achieve your goals. I've completed more than 150 ultramarathons. I know what you'll face in your upcoming races and will be with you every day to help you with training, equipment, nutrition and race planning — all the little things that go into having a great ultra experience. Sign up below and we'll be off and running (literally).

Sign Up for the Coaching Program
Email Ian Torrence

About Ian Torrence:

Ian obtained his Bachelor’s of Science in Biology at Allegheny College (PA) where he ran competitively for the cross-country and track teams. Since graduating, his career path has offered a vast array of experiences: He worked for the National Park Service for 10 years as a vegetation specialist, he handled the sponsorships and promotions division for a quickly growing running shoe company, and served as a manager for a busy running specialty store. Ian also served as co-race director for the 2009 USA Track & Field National Trail Marathon Championships in Ashland, OR. Ian has written articles and stories for Running Times, Ultrarunning, and Marathon & Beyond.

In addition to running 17 trail and road marathons, Ian has more than 15 years of ultra experience under his belt. Since his ultra debut in 1994, Ian has, to date, finished 149 ultras, 22 of which were 100-mile races. In all, Ian has won 49 ultramarathons. Some of his wins include the Massanutten Mountain Trail 100 Mile Run twice and the Superior Trail 100 Mile Run. He’s a two-time, top-ten finisher at the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. He’s finished the JFK 50 Mile Run fifteen times, placing as high as second twice. He was part of a four-person team that won and set a course record at the Oxfam Hong Kong Trailwalker 100K in 2001. In 2002, he completed the Grand Slam of Ultramarathons by finishing Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, Vermont 100 Mile, Leadville Trail 100 Mile, and the Wasatch Front 100 Mile in a single summer.



Personal Records:

Marathon: 2:42:49 (road)
50 Kilometer: 3:20:29 (road), 3:21:57 (trail)
50 Mile: 6:09:27 (trail)
100 Kilometer: 7:35:07 (road), 8:49:53 (trail)
100 Mile: 16:38:08 (trail)