Your Tutor
Roger Burlinson is the founder of Sport Walk and has walked ultramarathons non-stop up to 100 miles in length. He has years of experience, completing both organised ultras and personal challenges and through Sport Walk has taught people how to walk more efficiently, so they can go longer more easily.
Roger devised the three step technique adaptation that turbo charges a normal walking style, making it more effective and energy efficient, ideal for taking on long distance challenges like ultramarathons and he shares this method within this course.
Roger is also experienced in devising fuelling and hydration strategies for ultramarathons and has a wealth of knowledge about training and conditioning.
More than this though, Roger is passionate about the opportunities Sport Walking brings and his solutions to some very common concerns about taking on an ultramarathon will reassure even the most nervous participant.
My First Ultra - Course Outline
My First Ultra is divided into six comprehensive sections covering every aspect of ultramarathon preparation for walkers and recreational runners. There's advice on adapting your walking style so that you can be as efficient as possible and save energy. There's guidance on what equipment, shoes and clothing to use and detailed information to help you with nutrition and hydration during the challenge.
In addition to this, there's detailed information to help you build a six month training plan, with three phases of training to ensure the whole process doesn't wear you down or get on top of you and there's insights into mental toughness and looking after your body and mind, so that you arrive at the start line fresh and raring to go.
Introduction
In this first section, we introduce you to the course and explain all the different types of ultramarathons you can choose from
Where to start
It's important to get the right start when preparing for an ultramarathon, so we set you up to succeed with tips on walking technique and more
Planning to succeed
Failing to plan is planning to fail, so in this section we give you all the tools you need to keep your training on the right track
Building your foundation
Build a strong foundation and it'll support everything you do, so we give you guidance on training, equipment and nutrition
Sharpening your focus
Getting into the main training block and understanding aspects like mental toughness, so that you can progress
Final preparation
Your training journey is nearly over but this last phase needs to be managed carefully, so you arrive at the start fresh
My First Ultra - Full Curriculum
- Section three introduction (1:16)
- Starting your plan (7:45)
- The importance of a time goal (5:30)
- Conducting a speed test (5:14)
- 5km tests - holding your pace for longer (5:20)
- Setting your time & pace goal (7:28)
- Why you need a process (4:22)
- Building your own process (5:44)
- Embed training into daily life (6:53)
- Section three summary & section four preview (1:19)
- Supporting materials: Outline Planning Sheet
- Section four introduction (1:12)
- Phase One training (2:55)
- Baseline training activity (5:50)
- Strength & core training (11:24)
- Essential maintenance - your body (6:23)
- Essential maintenance - your mind (5:54)
- Essential equipment - shoes & socks (7:27)
- Essential equipment - clothing & waterproofs (5:41)
- Essential equipment - backpack & equipment recap (5:06)
- Fuelling your challenge (15:02)
- Hydration essentials (14:16)
- Section four summary & section five preview (1:13)
What people are saying about Roger's tuition
"This man just taught me I've been walking wrong my whole life!"
"I tried your techniques yesterday & took two minutes off my mile pace!"
"Thanks for all your advice, I found it really helpful. I've done a couple of 17 mile walks & a 22.5 mile walk in training for an ultra & I found them surprisingly easy"
