How Martin Found His Stride in Ultrarunning
From Swimming Lanes to Mountain Trails:
“Great running isn’t built in one season—it’s built brick by brick.”
The Stat That Might Surprise You
Did you know only 0.05% of the global population has completed an ultramarathon?
Yet interest in long-distance running is growing fast. Millions of athletes sign up for marathons each year, and more are shifting toward personalized coaching and smarter training strategies to go the distance.
Why? Because runners are realizing that more volume doesn’t equal better results. It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things well.
That’s where Martin’s story comes in. His journey, from varsity swimmer in the Philippines to ultramarathon finisher in British Columbia, isn’t just about the miles. It’s about mastering balance, working with a coach, and evolving with intention.
If you’re a busy athlete juggling work, family, and passion projects, and you’re wondering how to chase big running goals without burning out, this story is your roadmap.
Meet Martin Valdes
Martin is 30, originally from the Philippines, and moved to Vancouver in 2012. He works in sales, runs a luxury watch business on the side, and somehow finds time to train seriously.
“I was a varsity swimmer when I was 11,” Martin says. Running didn’t become a central focus until he transitioned into triathlons in high school.
“I continued to race in triathlons on and off from 2011 to 2016,” he explains. “But I never really had a proper running coach since my swimming days. I didn’t have the structure to really develop as a runner.”
That changed when Martin began working with Philotimo Running Coach, where a personalized training plan reshaped his running.
Training Smarter, Not Harder
For Martin, the breakthrough came when he added structure—workouts he had never done before.
“What contributed to my half-marathon PR in Vegas were two things: a more organized training schedule that built mileage properly, and adding long run race pace workouts. I had never done that kind of workout in my life.”
Instead of logging random miles, Martin started incorporating race simulation long runs, a cornerstone of zone-based training. This method balances aerobic, threshold, and recovery zones for targeted growth.
“Those workouts were hard,” Martin admits, “but they helped me run strong and stay in control on race day.”
Learning to Fuel Like an Ultrarunner
Nutrition became another turning point. Like many runners, Martin used to wait until he felt depleted before fueling.
“I used to take a gel every hour to an hour and a half. For Vegas, I took one every 30 minutes to stay ahead of bonking.”
This small shift made a huge difference—and it highlights a truth we coach often: performance nutrition starts in training, not just on race day.
👉 For more strategies, check out our blog on Nutrition for Long-Distance Running.
Hills, Humility, and Hard Truths
When Martin moved from road to trail running, the reality check was immediate.
“It was pretty bad,” he laughs. “Those early trail runs, I’d be dying about 5 kilometers in. It was sad to see, but also really gratifying to see how far I’ve come since then.”
Instead of avoiding his weakness, Martin tackled it head-on with hill repeats, posterior chain strengthening, and race-course simulations.
This reflects our ultramarathon coaching philosophy: gradual adaptation, terrain specificity, and consistency over hero workouts.
From First Marathon to First Ultra
Martin’s first full marathon at the BMO Vancouver Marathon (May 2025) was more than a race—it was a proving ground.
“The BMO Marathon was my first full 42.2K. It was a big milestone for me, but also where I realized how real the marathon distance is. I strained my Achilles during the training build, and it threw me off.”
Instead of panicking, Martin trusted the process.
“Coach Etienne helped me refocus on recovery and take the pressure off. We adjusted the plan, delayed hard workouts, and did what I could until I was pain-free again.”
That flexibility paid off. Martin finished strong and prepared for his next step: the Squamish 50 ultramarathon.
Surprises in the Trail World
Martin assumed trail races would feel like long hikes with some running.
Reality? “There’s so much strategy. When to eat, how to climb, and managing descents. It’s not just ‘one foot in front of the other.’ Coach Etienne helped me see how much planning it takes to do it well.”
Trail running and ultramarathons are a mental game. With the right plan, Martin learned not just to finish but to race smart.
👉 For more, explore our blog on Trail Running Strategies.
Martin’s Go-To Gear
When asked for his favorite running shoe, Martin didn’t hesitate:
“Asics Novablast. It can do a bit of everything. Cushion for long runs, but still responsive for faster efforts.”
Gear matters—especially when training 50–100 km per week. If you’re unsure which shoe to choose, our coaching plans include gear guidance tailored to your needs.
Final Lesson: Patience Wins
If Martin’s journey leaves you with one takeaway, it’s this:
“Running is such a good metaphor for life. Most people want to be great right away. But really strong running ability takes years to build.”
At Philotimo Running Coach, this is our foundation: sustainable growth over seasons, not shortcuts over weeks.
Whether you’re aiming for your first marathon training plan or your first ultramarathon, progress comes through patience, structure, and adaptation.
Ready to Write Your Own Story?
Martin’s success wasn’t built on perfect training—it was built on consistency, recovery, and adaptation.
If you’re ready to transform your running journey with personalized coaching, explore how Philotimo Running Coach can help you:
👉 Start your personalized coaching plan today
Your strongest miles are still ahead.
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