When you think of the toughest sports, boxing or MMA probably come to mind. But the truth? Ultra marathon running might just take the crown as the most physically demanding sport in the world. OnlyFans is proud to sponsor one of the elite ultra runners, Sabrina Stanley. We sat down with this bona fide superstar to dive deep into what it takes to run ultra marathons — and to hear her tips for anyone looking to push their limits. Read on to discover how Sabrina Stanley wants to change your mind about running.
What exactly is ultra running?
Ultra running specifically means anything over a marathon.
The most classic distance that’s a step up from a marathon is the 50K, which is 32 miles. Then there are a couple of other classic distances: the 50-Miler, the 100K (which is 62 miles), and the 100-Miler.
After that, you can just keep going forever. But to keep it short and simple, it’s anything over 26.2 miles.
Did you always want a career in ultra running?
Oh no.
As much as I loved running, I was a very middle-of-the-pack road marathoner. Then I was working at a restaurant and, fueled by my competitive nature, I kept climbing the ranks.
So I did that, and after being there just shy of a year, I realized I missed the mountains and running. I had kind of flirted with ultra running before, but was pretty mediocre.
I said, “I’m gonna quit this job, move back to Colorado, and put 100% of my eggs in this basket. If it doesn’t work out, cool, but at least I’ll go to bed knowing I gave it my all.”
So I moved back to Colorado, started working at a small running store, and it just took off from there.
I had a few really good races, attracted a sponsor, and then everything just kept ballooning to the next level.
What are some of the benefits you get from ultra running?
It just teaches you how to be hyper-independent and a problem solver. I love puzzles—I love activating my brain.
So whether it’s reading, jigsaw puzzles, listening to podcasts, or whatever it is, I love thinking and being engaged in that route.
And so I think that’s why I went from marathon running to ultra running, because it opens up a plethora of different doors that you don’t have to deal with in marathon running.
Why do you think so many people hate running?
I could be wrong, but I would assume that when people have a bad association, it’s because they were forced to do it as a kid.
Or they get injured a lot.
Or, just like, there’s something negative happening there that they’re pushing back against.
And so I think a lot of people also get caught up on their pace, and they feel slow. Or they feel like they don’t belong out there for whatever reason because they’re not as athletic as they should be.
How would you encourage a non-runner to start?
Honestly? Just put on a podcast, music, or whatever makes you really happy. If you have a dog, take them with you.
I love to bring snacks, so if it’s winter, I’ll legit have cocoa in my running pack, or seasonal flavored stuff—candy canes or treats—whatever’s going to incentivize it a little more.
So it’s not a chore, it’s something you look forward to.
So, what’s on your running playlist?
I just feel like I’m gonna get judged big time for this… but I really like Never Met a Motherf**** Quite Like Me by Kid Rock, and then Seize the Power (YONAKA), it’s a really incredible song.
I don’t know, whatever trending Sabrina Carpenter or Taylor Swift song. I really like Little Simz. Venom is one of my favorites of hers. Jukebox Heroes is always a good go-to.
Just like, whatever makes you excited and want to run fast.
What’s the best way for a newbie to prepare for a marathon?
Wherever you’re at, build up your weekly mileage by 10% each week. Then build your long run by 10% each week. Every fourth week, cut all your mileage by 50% to give yourself a week of recovery and let your body heal.
Then, over the next three weeks, build back up. Let’s say you’re doing a 15-minute mile, which is totally fine! On your other days, just see if you can do 15 minutes in the morning and at night, and continue to grow that.
Next week, see if you can run for a full half hour, and the following week maybe 45 minutes. So, slowly build while giving yourself enough time. If you’ve never run a half marathon and want to go from couch to half marathon, I’d say give yourself 12 to 16 weeks to build up and don’t rush anything, because that’s where injuries happen.
It’s just a slow, gradual increase in mileage and time on feet. It’s about not signing up for a race next weekend if you’re not ready for it mentally or physically. I mean, people do that, and it’s possible, but it won’t give you the results you’re capable of.
How do you stay motivated?
In the middle of a race, I trick myself into believing that every advancement just worked out that way in the universe and it wasn’t real and I didn’t deserve it.
And I wonder, “How am I in the world championships right now? I’m 20 miles in and the world is about to see me fall on my face, literally and figuratively.” But around the 50k mark, I feel like, “Oh, okay, now I’m in my groove, warmed up, and everything’s fine.”
Self-doubt is normal. You just have to be your biggest hype person out there.
If ultra didn’t exist, what sport would you do instead?
I’d love to be like Ronda Rousey. I love her so much.
Anything you want to say to your fans?
I have felt so welcomed into the OnlyFans community. I’ve received so many messages from people truly showing how stoked they are that I’m part of the community.
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