How to Plan Your 2025 Ultra-Endurance Racing Season

Mapping out your 2025 racing season can feel like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether this is your first year racing or your twentieth, intentional planning can make the difference between a season of growth and joy versus one laced with stress and burnout. This post will help you understand how to plan your 2025 racing season with practical and applicable tips.

It’s safe to say most of us want to put together a race calendar that aligns with our values, supports our mental and physical well-being, and pushes us to grow as an athlete (and human in general). Here are some of my suggestions as a sport psychologist on how to approach your season while keeping your family, health, and happiness front and center. 

Why Does Planning Matter? 

Endurance races, in general, require a lot more than physical preparation—they often require intensive time, financial commitment, and emotional investment. If you’re like most athletes, you’re typically juggling family, work responsibilities, and the occasional “racecation.” And if you’re like most athletes, you’ve likely had to learn the hard way (maybe more than once). The ultimate goal? To create a season that excites you without sacrificing your health, relationships, or wallet. 

Step 1: Know Your “Why” 

Start with some self-reflection. Ask yourself, Why do I race? Are you chasing personal growth, connection, adventure, joy, or a mix of all the above? Understanding your deeper “why” will help you choose races that align with your values and set a foundation for a meaningful season. 

Write this down. Your “why” will serve as your compass when juggling tough decisions later in the year. 

Step 2: Use the “Scary, Joyful, New” Framework 

When selecting races, choose at least one event in each of these categories to bring balance and energy into your season:

• Scary (but exciting): Pick a race that stretches you out of your comfort zone. Maybe it’s tackling a technical ultra with challenging elevation gains or traveling to a destination race in a foreign country. Make sure it’s a challenge you’re ready (and able) to prepare for. 
• Joyful: Select an event that simply fills your cup—whether it’s your favorite local race or an event with a community that feels like home. This event should remind you why you love endurance sports. 
• New: Choose a distance, discipline, or format you’ve never tried before. It could be your first 100-miler, an adventure race, or even a winter triathlon (Yes–they exist!). Lean into the excitement of experimenting—you’ll grow as an athlete even if the experience challenges you. 

Balancing these three types of events will keep your season exciting, purposeful, and grounded. 

Step 3: Master the Art of Scheduling 

Plan for Recovery

Racing season isn’t just about the races—it’s also about what happens in between. Adequate recovery time allows your body and mind to heal, making you stronger for the next event. Consider spacing your races with enough time to decompress, recover, and ramp up safely. For ultras, most athletes need at least 6–8 weeks to fully recover, but consult with your coach or a trusted healthcare professional to understand what this means for you.

Avoid Overcommitting

More isn’t better. (Trust me–I’ve tried). Resist the temptation to sign up for every race you hear about. Select a manageable number of events (typically 2–4 ultra-endurance races or “A races” per year) and prioritize quality over quantity. 

Consult Your Inner Circle

If you’re working with a coach, loop them in early. Discuss how each race fits into your training plan and long-term goals. Similarly, involve close family members, friends, or loved ones in your planning process—they’ll appreciate the opportunity to weigh in before tickets are booked. 

Step 4: Align Racing with Your Life 

Racecation-Planning Pro Tips 

Turning a race into a “racecation” can simultaneously serve as a cool opportunity and a logistical headache. Here’s how to make it work for both you and your loved ones:

• Choose Destinations Wisely: Shoot for locations that offer activities or attractions for your family or travel buddies. If your crew will be waiting around pre- and post-race, make sure they’ll have something fun to do. 
• Communicate Early: Be clear with your family about your race day needs. Also make sure you’re hearing and addressing their expectations for the trip. 
• Set Expectations: Acknowledge that a “racecation” isn’t a full vacation—it’s a blend of both race prep and family time. Commit to rebalancing the scale with a non-race trip later in the year if you’re able to. 

Check Finances 

Ultra-endurance events can get pricey fast—travel, race fees, accommodations, gear upgrades, and nutrition add up. Build a budget that works for you. If you’re a member of an underrepresented community (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQ+), look for ways to save, such as applying for grants from non-profits in your sport. A few organizations and teams worth looking into are linked below. Remember, great racing doesn’t have to break the bank!

• Distance to Empty
• Half Acre Cycling
• Melanin Base Miles
• Bonesaw Cycling Collective
• All BIkes Welcome
• All Bodies on Bikes
• Spid Werkz
• Midsouth Gravel’s Get Here Grant
• Homestretch Foundation
• Grassroots Gravel
• Foco Fondo
• The Huzzah Hub
• Breck Epic
• Downieville Classic

Step 5: Protect Your Mental and Physical Health 

Staying healthy and motivated requires intentional effort. Here are some other important reminders to keep you in our community for the long-term: 

Set Realistic Goals 

Be intentional with goal-setting. Create a mix of performance, growth, and personal goals that focus not just on race results, but on your improvement as an athlete and a human being. 

Stay Flexible 

Life happens—injuries, family emergencies, or burnout may force you to adjust your plans. Accept these changes with a flexible, growth-oriented mindset in order to reduce frustration. It’s never fun, but it’s a part of the process, and it will help you stay resilient. 

Learn to Say No 

FOMO is real, but saying “yes” to every opportunity isn’t sustainable. Learn to say no to extra races, last-minute adventures, or anything that will overstretch your resources (or your loved ones). 

Watch for Burnout 

Signs of burnout include chronic fatigue, lack of motivation, irritability, or feeling disconnected from your love of the sport. If and when these signs arise, it might be time to scale back so you can refocus on rest and joy. 

Step 6: Build Community 

Endurance sports are technically individual, but community makes them richer. (And for real, the longer the distance, the less individual these sports become). Find races with a welcoming, inclusive vibe and connect with other athletes who share your goals or values. 

Reach out for support when needed—whether it’s through an in-person running group, an online forum, or a sport psychologist. Strengthening these connections can enrich your experience and boost your mental health. 

Plan, Prioritize, Enjoy

Your 2025 racing season has potential to be your most fulfilling yet, filled with new challenges, memories, and growth. With the right strategies in place, you’ll not only take on your endurance goals but can also balance your racing aspirations with family, budget, and overall well-being. 

At the end of the day, remind yourself that it’s not just about crossing finish lines. It’s about the stories, lessons, and memories you create along the way. Take a breath, map it out, trust in the process, and remind yourself to focus on the bigger picture when needed. 

Want to attend an upcoming workshop where I talk you through this process? I’ll be doing a live workshop on this as a part of the upcoming Skadi Athlete Summit. This talk will be a part of the All Access Pass with a bunch of other workshops and resources, so make sure you upgrade so you can join us for this one!