
Running
Listen now
Listen in the appEpisode context
Listen here or keep browsing the show and related sport coverage from here.
Mike Wardian's ultra marathon training schedule is unlike anything you've heard.
Full-time job. Two kids. 4:45am starts. And at 52 years old, he recently won the World Marathon Challenge for the third time - breaking the world record for seven 50Ks on seven continents in seven days by almost four hours!
This week Kayla sits down with Mike to find out exactly how he does it. From early morning alarms to his positive mindset and focus on fun, this is a masterclass from a man who's stayed at the top of ultra marathon running for nearly 30 years.
Whether you're training for your first ultramarathon or trying to fit marathon training around a full-time job and family, Mike's approach to consistency, recovery, and longevity will change how you think about the sport.
In this episode:
🌍 The 7-7-7 challenge: What it takes to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days
💼 Training around a full-time job: His daily routine from 4:45am
🏃 The depletion mile: His unconventional recovery method after 100-milers
🧠 "Just be water": The mindset behind 30 years of consistent ultra racing
🎯 Longevity at 52: How Mike stays competitive, injury-free and motivated
For anyone who wants to run further, last longer, and never stop enjoying it.
🎙️ Share your thoughts on The Runna Podcast in our new audience survey here: https://runna.typeform.com/to/QaEpqhlk
🎧 New episodes every Friday with Olympians, World Record Holders, and inspiring voices from the running community.
🎁 Try Runna FREE for 2 weeks with code PODCAST26: https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=PODCAST26
And if you're just getting started, our New to Running and Return to Running plans are totally free 💛
📺 Watch the full episode → youtube.com/@therunnapodcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next listen
All from The Runna Podcast →
Next listen
Reggie Yates, BBC Filmmaker | "If You Can Lace Up Your Trainers, You're a Runner"
Listen guide
"How to Train for Ultra Marathons with a Full-Time Job | Mike Wardian" is an episode of The Runna Podcast. Runtime 35 min. Published June 19, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.