I’ve been a member of the Ultra Ladies FB Group for a while. I always post my runs and my races in the group. I had a DNF on a race I trained very hard for. I was with another coach but it was not working because I was overtrained and overwhelmed. Nancy stepped in, and started from scratch. She listened to what I wanted to do, and understood that LIFE happens, and adjusted the training accordingly and still getting the workouts in. She knows her business, cares, meets you where you’re at, and makes it happen. She puts in the work as a coach and you have to put in the work as the athlete. I highly recommend her as a Coach but most as a nice person. Thanks Coach Nancy!!
ILA ALLEN -- 2024
"Get Up, Get Out, GET SOME!!"
When I first came to run with Coach Nancy Shura Dervin and a trail group called the Ultra Ladies I was not a new runner. I had even done a few marathons. But there was a world of difference for me in Marathon running and what I came to on trail running. From Nancy I learned about time on my feet. Long hours running. And I learned about how to deal with heat. I learned about salt and how much to take and when to take it. I learned about trail and running nutrition and when to eat and what to eat. I learned that you can go down on the side of the trail in a world of hurt because of heat and salt and not drinking enough and under the care of Coach Nancy you can actually, eventually, get back up and finish the run. I learned about comraderie and friendship being part of a team. I still look back on this phase of my life as some of the most wonderful years I have had.
SAUNDRA WHITEHEAD -- 2024
I just learned about your "retirement" from RD-ing so I wanted to reach out and say "thank you". Bulldog 50k was my first trail or ultra run of any sort and I'll always remember you for how matter-of-fact and funny you were putting nervous runners at ease while also making sure to warn us about that wicked-hot course. I remember you telling me to sit with an ice pack on my neck at the AS after the second climb up Bulldog. I was convinced I was fine but you knew better! I can still taste the roughly 5 slices of watermelon I devoured after that 6hr ordeal. Every ultra I run has at least one per where I draw upon my Bulldog foundation for strength and perseverance and that will continue for as long as I can still schlep to a finish line. This never would have started without your amazing dedication to enticing us to get out and try something "new" and "hard", to push beyond what we thought we could do. This turned me from a frustrated, often injured road running dabbler into someone willing to try and change things up and dream bigger. Thank you Nancy for changing my life!
RACHEL RAGONA -- 2024
Hennepin 100 - First Female (2023) Kettle Moraine 100 - First Female (2021)
Kodiak 100 by UTMB - First Female (2017) Angeles Crest 100 - First Female (2017)
Kodiak 100 by UTMB - First Female (2015) Santa Barbara 100 - First Female (2015)
Thank you so much for your training schedules. I live in Sonoma county and I have used your plans for various distances. Oh how I wish you and your crew were up in this area. I wish you the best. You make a difference in the lives of many runners; young and old.
CHER GUASCO -- 2022
Nancy, I followed your training plan for the 50-miler, and I successfully completed my first one... on my first attempt! I felt strong and prepared. I even got out for a tiny shake-out run two days after the event. I had a wonderful time. It was such a transformative experience. Thank you for providing a realistic plan, especially for folks who work 50+ hours per week. With Gratitude,
HOLLY S. -- 2022
I can't believe how much my life has changed since meeting Coach Nancy! You have guided me over the years from my first 50k, 100k and 100-mile runs! Your patience with me when I fell off the training really helped me stay on track. Most of all I appreciate the care you took to keep my former "injuries" at bay. Thank you Nancy!!
BEV W. - 2021
I've been training hard, refining my technique based on past experiences, and I got to see first hand the fruits of my labor. I proved to myself that I could be self-reliant and that I could work through challenges without alot of handholding. I ran alone, with only my own thoughts for company, no pacers, no on-site coach. I overcame low spots with positive thoughts, visualizing, and of course food, always more food. I drained and taped up blisters on my own 60+ miles in. I had fun through it all. I was exactly where I wanted to be. Thank you Nancy for helping me find my confidence and for being my ultrarunning rock. To all the ULs, particularly the newer ladies, trust the training, trust yourself, look for lessons, and never stop improving.
IVY CASTILLO -- 2022
First 100-Mile finish
Thanks to Nancy, Blister Fairy at Javelina Jundred, my super-sized major blisters were expertly taken care of and I finished my 100k race! Thank you, Blister Fairy! I would not have been able to finish this race without your help!
KEN YOUNG -- 2021
Thank you for all of the support the last few months. You have really helped me get into a groove as far as consistent training and realizing that I can do hard things. Because of these difficult times. I don't think I could have established my running again without your support; it has made a tremendous impact on my life and the way I look at things. Even though my work as a teacher is especially hard right now I know that if I get my run in my day is going to be great.
ROXANNE HONAKER -- 2020
Hello, I wanted to thank you for your awesome training plans!! Although the site says Ultra Ladies I decided to use your training plan for my first 100 miler. Let me tell you that It was a great plan which lead to me completing my first 100 miler in 23:11:14. I came in 114 out of 718. I was super happy with my results thanks to your program. Thank you again!
SREVEN RESTREPO - 2019
I wrote an email to Coach Nancy asking about training. Her answer to me was a concise list of questions that delved into my history and current state of training and ability. Coach Nancy developed my personal training plan that slowly added miles over time but with enough recovery periods to let my body adapt to the new rigors it was under. Most important, Coach Nancy made it clear this was a living document: I was to watch my resting heart rate for any spikes indicating overtraining/under-recovery and report to her. Coach weekly checked on my efforts and made adjustments to the schedule as needed in a quick, positive manner - always encouraging me to keep at it. She knows when you need an ear to listen, or a drill Sargent to get you moving. Jump to race day where I showed up feeling ready. The race was a 24 hour run around a 2.43 mile trail. Nancy was there and gave encouragement and advice: (make your bandanna into a U shape around your neck and put ice in to cool down). When other racers were adjusting down their goals for the race, I moved up my goals and kept going, all due to the training that Coach Nancy gave me. Not only did I finish my goal of 100K but I stretched that to 65 miles (my age this upcoming birthday). Next year on to 100 miles under the coaching of Nancy Shura-Dervin.
Coach Barry Morrell
Certified USATF, RRCA, USCA Running Coach
Training Chair LA LEGGERS
Coach, South Bay Runner's Club and LA Running Club
I just want to let you know I used your 50-mile plan to run the American River 50. I wrote to you last year when I first started the plan. This was my first 50-miler and I completed it in 12:39 and felt great the whole time. I actually ran a bit too conservatively as I felt I could have kept running. I wanted to thank you for putting this training plan on the web. I highly recommend it to anyone planning on running their first 50. My friend and I followed your plan and we were injury free. Planning on another 50-miler soon! By the way, I'm 74 and my friend is 58. It was her first 50 t00. She finished about 19-minutes ahead of me.
SHIRLEY FEE -- 2015
“My successful finish in the 36th Badwater Ultramarathon would not be possible without the help and assistance of my Support Crew and Pacers led by my Ultra Coach Nancy Shura-Dervin, a Badwater Ultramarathon Finisher, who patiently bandaged my feet on the night prior to the start of the event. The bandage made by Nancy on my feet prevented me from having any blisters during the run which had been the culprit of numerous DNFs of runners in this race”, Ben said. Filipinos based in the Los Angeles area have also served as members of the Support Crew/Pacers of Ben.
BEN GAETOS -- BADWATER 2013
I love your site! Thanks so much for taking the time to put these resources out there for folks like me! I am an avid runner. I have completed numerous marathons, but just this year have become interested in trail running and Ultras. I did my first 50K in Bandera, Texas, in January. It was pretty tough! I didn't expect to make it past mile 10 or so, but to my amazement, trails didn't hurt my back and knees near like road running had. WOW! I was hooked! I am running a 60K in June at night. I am a little skeptical about the darkness, but I am excited for the challenge of doing something new. Thanks for your help. Have a TERRIFIC Thursday!
RHIANNON BOYD, RN
NOT READY TO GO BACK TO MARATHONS!
by Lisa Jones
Hey there. Thank you so much for such a great training program. I used it to complete my first 50 miler and had a lot of fun. I ran the Rock'n Auburn October 15 and am still not ready to go back to marathons so signed up for the Avalon Benefit 50m January 12. My question for you is whether I still need to log in the miles 2 weeks on and one off or can I modify that since I now have the base fitness.
GOING TO USE YOUR TIPS FOR GETTING FASTER!
by Elise Robocker
Thanks for this Nancy, I am one who uses the UltraLadies schedules for all my training -- with personal tweaks of course : )) I'm going to use your tip for getting a little faster -- I've always baulked at repeats, will dedicate a day a week to the tempo run!
LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!
by Rachel I. Niehoff
Hi there -- I just wanted to drop a note to thank you for the great 50K training plan. I am now in week 9 of it (for my first 50K!) and am loving every minute of it. If only I were on the other coast (we live in DC), I would try to join your group! Thank you!
BREAKING EVERYTHING DOWN!
by Balmore N. Flores
Nancy thank you for those great words of advice and encouragement this past weekend. I will taken them with me to every race so that in every 100 mile race that I finish and, or every victory, you will be there as a key figure of my success. And the oral dehydration stuff too, it sure brought me back to life. Currently, I'm studying the next race course, planning my training, and my nutrition. Basically, breaking everything down.
THANKS FOR HELPING US GET THERE!
by Angela Brock
Thank you Ultra Ladies. My girl friends and I used your 50k plan for 10 weeks after our January marathon. We did all the training runs and ran Tehama Wildflowers, our 1st 50k. Thanks for helping us get there!
BUDDING ULTRA LADY!
by Renee Lowe
I'm a budding ultra lady in north Georgia. I began running at age 36, for the first time in my life February of last year and am running my first 50K this October (Rock Creek Stump Jump). I really appreciate your posting this plan. I know you are not in my area and are likely a very busy person...so again I really do appreciate your help. It has been almost impossible to find other ladies...much less trainers in my area that deal with ultra distances. Mostly I just get asked if I'm "high", or goggled at as a freak when I ask or look for fellow runners. Not that I mind.....because not matter what, I know that it is what I most want to do! Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!
YOUR TRAINING GUIDE WAS VERY HELPFUL!
by Alan Barry
Thought I would share this with you.I used your guide as well incorporating hill training for an event in Canada, 148 km Ultra run with 5430 meters of elevation change, was able to complete this in 25 hours 32 minutes ans 32 seconds, which only 30% of the solo competitors completed. Your training guide was very helpful.
COMPLETED FIRST MARATHON!
by Karina Ruiz
Thank you very much for the advice and training plan. Complete my first marathon and very satisfied.
I CAN CALL MYSELF AN ULTRA LADY NOW!
by Helen McKenzie
I did the 50K and it was a blast. I followed your schedule somewhat .. I was doing a bit more mileage than it suggested... But followed the pattern and was really happy to end up placing first female! I think my main advantage was the heat as it was super hot but I don't mind running in that.. Any how, was awesome for my first one. I will definitely do another one :) I guess I can call myself an ULTRA LADY now..LOL
FIRST 100 MILE FINISH!
by Will Conrad
Just a quick note of thanks for the 100 mile training plan. It helped me to a 100k finish in January and to my first 100 mile finish at the Umstead 100 (26:30:07). Going to use it next year with a little more hill and cross training to achieve a sub-24 hour finish.
I HAD A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!
by Susanne Willis
I just completed my first 50 mile run at the Umstead Ultra in Raleigh, NC this past Saturday following your 50 mile plan. I stuck to the long runs on Saturday. I had a wonderful experience! I was not doing this first 50 miler for time, but "just to finish", my time was 11:28. I am thrilled. Thank you so much!
NOW I CAN JUST ENJOY RUNNING!
by Margaret Marks
Thank you so much for all your info for training for 50k. It has been so helpful. I am terrified that I have done too little training for my 56k but seeing your program has given me some hope. I am a bit under trained but now have some reasonable simple schedule to work from. All other info would include fartlekking, hill work and times which would completely baffle me. Now I can just enjoy running again and know roughly what distance to aim for everyday. Many thanks!
I AM FEELING GREAT!
by Allison Gunn
Nancy, I wanted to let you know that I did my first 50k last weekend on The Steep Ravine Trail race. I did it in 7hrs and 9min which is better than I expected since my training got put on hold because of an ankle turn over. I just wanted to let you know that I did it and I am feeling great!!!! Thanks for all your help!
THANKS FOR A GREAT PROGRAM!
by Jo Oakes
Just wanted to say that my running buddy Michelle Hayes and myself followed your 100 mile training program for South Downs Way 100 in June last year, our first, and finished not only 3 hrs quicker than we were expecting but didn't feel too wretched and recovered quickly. Thank you for such a great program, we shall be recommending it to many!
ILA ALLEN -- 2024
"Get Up, Get Out, GET SOME!!"
When I first came to run with Coach Nancy Shura Dervin and a trail group called the Ultra Ladies I was not a new runner. I had even done a few marathons. But there was a world of difference for me in Marathon running and what I came to on trail running. From Nancy I learned about time on my feet. Long hours running. And I learned about how to deal with heat. I learned about salt and how much to take and when to take it. I learned about trail and running nutrition and when to eat and what to eat. I learned that you can go down on the side of the trail in a world of hurt because of heat and salt and not drinking enough and under the care of Coach Nancy you can actually, eventually, get back up and finish the run. I learned about comraderie and friendship being part of a team. I still look back on this phase of my life as some of the most wonderful years I have had.
SAUNDRA WHITEHEAD -- 2024
I just learned about your "retirement" from RD-ing so I wanted to reach out and say "thank you". Bulldog 50k was my first trail or ultra run of any sort and I'll always remember you for how matter-of-fact and funny you were putting nervous runners at ease while also making sure to warn us about that wicked-hot course. I remember you telling me to sit with an ice pack on my neck at the AS after the second climb up Bulldog. I was convinced I was fine but you knew better! I can still taste the roughly 5 slices of watermelon I devoured after that 6hr ordeal. Every ultra I run has at least one per where I draw upon my Bulldog foundation for strength and perseverance and that will continue for as long as I can still schlep to a finish line. This never would have started without your amazing dedication to enticing us to get out and try something "new" and "hard", to push beyond what we thought we could do. This turned me from a frustrated, often injured road running dabbler into someone willing to try and change things up and dream bigger. Thank you Nancy for changing my life!
RACHEL RAGONA -- 2024
Hennepin 100 - First Female (2023) Kettle Moraine 100 - First Female (2021)
Kodiak 100 by UTMB - First Female (2017) Angeles Crest 100 - First Female (2017)
Kodiak 100 by UTMB - First Female (2015) Santa Barbara 100 - First Female (2015)
Thank you so much for your training schedules. I live in Sonoma county and I have used your plans for various distances. Oh how I wish you and your crew were up in this area. I wish you the best. You make a difference in the lives of many runners; young and old.
CHER GUASCO -- 2022
Nancy, I followed your training plan for the 50-miler, and I successfully completed my first one... on my first attempt! I felt strong and prepared. I even got out for a tiny shake-out run two days after the event. I had a wonderful time. It was such a transformative experience. Thank you for providing a realistic plan, especially for folks who work 50+ hours per week. With Gratitude,
HOLLY S. -- 2022
I can't believe how much my life has changed since meeting Coach Nancy! You have guided me over the years from my first 50k, 100k and 100-mile runs! Your patience with me when I fell off the training really helped me stay on track. Most of all I appreciate the care you took to keep my former "injuries" at bay. Thank you Nancy!!
BEV W. - 2021
I've been training hard, refining my technique based on past experiences, and I got to see first hand the fruits of my labor. I proved to myself that I could be self-reliant and that I could work through challenges without alot of handholding. I ran alone, with only my own thoughts for company, no pacers, no on-site coach. I overcame low spots with positive thoughts, visualizing, and of course food, always more food. I drained and taped up blisters on my own 60+ miles in. I had fun through it all. I was exactly where I wanted to be. Thank you Nancy for helping me find my confidence and for being my ultrarunning rock. To all the ULs, particularly the newer ladies, trust the training, trust yourself, look for lessons, and never stop improving.
IVY CASTILLO -- 2022
First 100-Mile finish
Thanks to Nancy, Blister Fairy at Javelina Jundred, my super-sized major blisters were expertly taken care of and I finished my 100k race! Thank you, Blister Fairy! I would not have been able to finish this race without your help!
KEN YOUNG -- 2021
Thank you for all of the support the last few months. You have really helped me get into a groove as far as consistent training and realizing that I can do hard things. Because of these difficult times. I don't think I could have established my running again without your support; it has made a tremendous impact on my life and the way I look at things. Even though my work as a teacher is especially hard right now I know that if I get my run in my day is going to be great.
ROXANNE HONAKER -- 2020
Hello, I wanted to thank you for your awesome training plans!! Although the site says Ultra Ladies I decided to use your training plan for my first 100 miler. Let me tell you that It was a great plan which lead to me completing my first 100 miler in 23:11:14. I came in 114 out of 718. I was super happy with my results thanks to your program. Thank you again!
SREVEN RESTREPO - 2019
I wrote an email to Coach Nancy asking about training. Her answer to me was a concise list of questions that delved into my history and current state of training and ability. Coach Nancy developed my personal training plan that slowly added miles over time but with enough recovery periods to let my body adapt to the new rigors it was under. Most important, Coach Nancy made it clear this was a living document: I was to watch my resting heart rate for any spikes indicating overtraining/under-recovery and report to her. Coach weekly checked on my efforts and made adjustments to the schedule as needed in a quick, positive manner - always encouraging me to keep at it. She knows when you need an ear to listen, or a drill Sargent to get you moving. Jump to race day where I showed up feeling ready. The race was a 24 hour run around a 2.43 mile trail. Nancy was there and gave encouragement and advice: (make your bandanna into a U shape around your neck and put ice in to cool down). When other racers were adjusting down their goals for the race, I moved up my goals and kept going, all due to the training that Coach Nancy gave me. Not only did I finish my goal of 100K but I stretched that to 65 miles (my age this upcoming birthday). Next year on to 100 miles under the coaching of Nancy Shura-Dervin.
Coach Barry Morrell
Certified USATF, RRCA, USCA Running Coach
Training Chair LA LEGGERS
Coach, South Bay Runner's Club and LA Running Club
I just want to let you know I used your 50-mile plan to run the American River 50. I wrote to you last year when I first started the plan. This was my first 50-miler and I completed it in 12:39 and felt great the whole time. I actually ran a bit too conservatively as I felt I could have kept running. I wanted to thank you for putting this training plan on the web. I highly recommend it to anyone planning on running their first 50. My friend and I followed your plan and we were injury free. Planning on another 50-miler soon! By the way, I'm 74 and my friend is 58. It was her first 50 t00. She finished about 19-minutes ahead of me.
SHIRLEY FEE -- 2015
“My successful finish in the 36th Badwater Ultramarathon would not be possible without the help and assistance of my Support Crew and Pacers led by my Ultra Coach Nancy Shura-Dervin, a Badwater Ultramarathon Finisher, who patiently bandaged my feet on the night prior to the start of the event. The bandage made by Nancy on my feet prevented me from having any blisters during the run which had been the culprit of numerous DNFs of runners in this race”, Ben said. Filipinos based in the Los Angeles area have also served as members of the Support Crew/Pacers of Ben.
BEN GAETOS -- BADWATER 2013
I love your site! Thanks so much for taking the time to put these resources out there for folks like me! I am an avid runner. I have completed numerous marathons, but just this year have become interested in trail running and Ultras. I did my first 50K in Bandera, Texas, in January. It was pretty tough! I didn't expect to make it past mile 10 or so, but to my amazement, trails didn't hurt my back and knees near like road running had. WOW! I was hooked! I am running a 60K in June at night. I am a little skeptical about the darkness, but I am excited for the challenge of doing something new. Thanks for your help. Have a TERRIFIC Thursday!
RHIANNON BOYD, RN
NOT READY TO GO BACK TO MARATHONS!
by Lisa Jones
Hey there. Thank you so much for such a great training program. I used it to complete my first 50 miler and had a lot of fun. I ran the Rock'n Auburn October 15 and am still not ready to go back to marathons so signed up for the Avalon Benefit 50m January 12. My question for you is whether I still need to log in the miles 2 weeks on and one off or can I modify that since I now have the base fitness.
GOING TO USE YOUR TIPS FOR GETTING FASTER!
by Elise Robocker
Thanks for this Nancy, I am one who uses the UltraLadies schedules for all my training -- with personal tweaks of course : )) I'm going to use your tip for getting a little faster -- I've always baulked at repeats, will dedicate a day a week to the tempo run!
LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!
by Rachel I. Niehoff
Hi there -- I just wanted to drop a note to thank you for the great 50K training plan. I am now in week 9 of it (for my first 50K!) and am loving every minute of it. If only I were on the other coast (we live in DC), I would try to join your group! Thank you!
BREAKING EVERYTHING DOWN!
by Balmore N. Flores
Nancy thank you for those great words of advice and encouragement this past weekend. I will taken them with me to every race so that in every 100 mile race that I finish and, or every victory, you will be there as a key figure of my success. And the oral dehydration stuff too, it sure brought me back to life. Currently, I'm studying the next race course, planning my training, and my nutrition. Basically, breaking everything down.
THANKS FOR HELPING US GET THERE!
by Angela Brock
Thank you Ultra Ladies. My girl friends and I used your 50k plan for 10 weeks after our January marathon. We did all the training runs and ran Tehama Wildflowers, our 1st 50k. Thanks for helping us get there!
BUDDING ULTRA LADY!
by Renee Lowe
I'm a budding ultra lady in north Georgia. I began running at age 36, for the first time in my life February of last year and am running my first 50K this October (Rock Creek Stump Jump). I really appreciate your posting this plan. I know you are not in my area and are likely a very busy person...so again I really do appreciate your help. It has been almost impossible to find other ladies...much less trainers in my area that deal with ultra distances. Mostly I just get asked if I'm "high", or goggled at as a freak when I ask or look for fellow runners. Not that I mind.....because not matter what, I know that it is what I most want to do! Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!
YOUR TRAINING GUIDE WAS VERY HELPFUL!
by Alan Barry
Thought I would share this with you.I used your guide as well incorporating hill training for an event in Canada, 148 km Ultra run with 5430 meters of elevation change, was able to complete this in 25 hours 32 minutes ans 32 seconds, which only 30% of the solo competitors completed. Your training guide was very helpful.
COMPLETED FIRST MARATHON!
by Karina Ruiz
Thank you very much for the advice and training plan. Complete my first marathon and very satisfied.
I CAN CALL MYSELF AN ULTRA LADY NOW!
by Helen McKenzie
I did the 50K and it was a blast. I followed your schedule somewhat .. I was doing a bit more mileage than it suggested... But followed the pattern and was really happy to end up placing first female! I think my main advantage was the heat as it was super hot but I don't mind running in that.. Any how, was awesome for my first one. I will definitely do another one :) I guess I can call myself an ULTRA LADY now..LOL
FIRST 100 MILE FINISH!
by Will Conrad
Just a quick note of thanks for the 100 mile training plan. It helped me to a 100k finish in January and to my first 100 mile finish at the Umstead 100 (26:30:07). Going to use it next year with a little more hill and cross training to achieve a sub-24 hour finish.
I HAD A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!
by Susanne Willis
I just completed my first 50 mile run at the Umstead Ultra in Raleigh, NC this past Saturday following your 50 mile plan. I stuck to the long runs on Saturday. I had a wonderful experience! I was not doing this first 50 miler for time, but "just to finish", my time was 11:28. I am thrilled. Thank you so much!
NOW I CAN JUST ENJOY RUNNING!
by Margaret Marks
Thank you so much for all your info for training for 50k. It has been so helpful. I am terrified that I have done too little training for my 56k but seeing your program has given me some hope. I am a bit under trained but now have some reasonable simple schedule to work from. All other info would include fartlekking, hill work and times which would completely baffle me. Now I can just enjoy running again and know roughly what distance to aim for everyday. Many thanks!
I AM FEELING GREAT!
by Allison Gunn
Nancy, I wanted to let you know that I did my first 50k last weekend on The Steep Ravine Trail race. I did it in 7hrs and 9min which is better than I expected since my training got put on hold because of an ankle turn over. I just wanted to let you know that I did it and I am feeling great!!!! Thanks for all your help!
THANKS FOR A GREAT PROGRAM!
by Jo Oakes
Just wanted to say that my running buddy Michelle Hayes and myself followed your 100 mile training program for South Downs Way 100 in June last year, our first, and finished not only 3 hrs quicker than we were expecting but didn't feel too wretched and recovered quickly. Thank you for such a great program, we shall be recommending it to many!