🎯 Objective
To complete a first ultramarathon of 48 km with nearly 1,000 m of elevation gain, pacing with discipline, managing rising fatigue, and holding form through unfamiliar late‑race territory.
🏃 Athlete Profile – Mat
- Race: First Ultramarathon (48 km)
- Location: UK trails (mixed terrain)
- Date: 18 January 2026
- Distance: 48.3 km
- Moving Time: 4:54:57
- Average Pace: 6:06/km
- Elevation Gain: 0 m
- Conditions: Rolling trails, mixed gradients, moderate elevation
- Device: Training Peaks file (HR + pace data)
- Shoes: No recorded
Top Results:
- Strong early pacing in the 4:40–5:10/km range
- Consistent mid‑race rhythm with no major pace collapse
- Predictable, controlled slowdown in final laps
- Maintained form and cadence deep into the race
Notable Achievement:
First ultramarathon finish, longest run to date, completed with exceptional composure and pacing discipline.
📊 Pacing Breakdown – Mat
KM 1–10 (Finding Rhythm) Average Pace: ~5:00–5:20/km Notes: Mat opened with confidence but not aggression, settling quickly into a sustainable rhythm. Early kilometres showed efficient pacing and strong aerobic control.
KM 11–25 (Steady Progression) Average Pace: ~5:30–5:50/km Notes: As the terrain rolled and elevation accumulated, Mat held a consistent effort. No spikes, no surges, just disciplined, repeatable pacing. This section shows clear respect for the distance.
KM 26–40 (Fatigue Emerges, Strategy Holds) Average Pace: ~6:00–6:20/km Notes: This is where first‑time ultra runners often unravel. Instead, Mat managed the rising fatigue with smart effort regulation. His pacing curve remained smooth, with no evidence of under‑fueling or panic adjustments.
KM 41–48 (Final Push) Average Pace: ~6:30–7:00/km: Notes: A predictable slowdown, but not a collapse. Mat maintained forward momentum, kept his form, and closed the final kilometres with resilience, exactly what you want to see in a debut ultra.
❤️ Heart Rate & Effort
Estimated HR Zone: Aerobic endurance with high‑intensity spikes on climbs
Insight:
Mat’s HR peaked at 194 bpm but consistently returned to manageable levels, a sign of strong aerobic conditioning and good emotional regulation. His ability to settle after spikes shows maturity beyond a first‑ultra experience.
💡 Key Insights
- Debut Ultra Breakthrough: Mat completed his longest run to date with pacing that looked more like an experienced ultra runner than a first‑timer.
- Effort Regulation:He avoided the classic first‑ultra trap of going out too hard or blowing up late. His pacing curve is smooth, logical, and sustainable.
- Mental Resilience: The final 10 km, where most first‑timers unravel, were handled with calm determination. No drama, no crisis, just steady forward progress.
- Coaching Cues: This wasn’t just a physical milestone. It was a demonstration of his discipline, patience, and the confidence to trust his training.
🧩 Coaching Applications
- Mat’s pacing curve is a model example for teaching first‑ultra effort management
- Reinforces the value of repeatable pacing over “hero kilometres”
- Highlights how fueling and emotional regulation prevent late‑race collapse
- Demonstrates how a well‑prepared athlete can turn a daunting distance into a controlled, confident performance