Ultra Marathon Training Masterclass | 3X World Marathon Challenge Winner, Mike Wardian

Mike Wardian's ultra marathon training schedule is unlike anything you've heard.

Full-time job. Two kids. 4:45am starts.

And even 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 his 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 the sport for nearly 30 years.

In this episode, you'll hear:
🌍 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

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⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Mike Wardian breaks the World Marathon Challenge world record by 3 hours 43 minutes
1:19 – From lacrosse to ultramarathon world record holder: Mike Wardian's story
5:45 – The moment Mike Wardian started running (and why it was a friend's mum)
6:27 – From marathons to ultramarathons: three races in four weeks
10:21 – Winning the World Marathon Challenge three times
14:22 – 7 continents, 7 marathons, 7 days: the full World Marathon Challenge breakdown
18:36 – Ultra marathon training with a full-time job: Mike Wardian's 4:45am routine
20:11 – The depletion mile: ultramarathon recovery after a 100-miler
22:21 – Running longevity at 52: how Mike stays injury-free and competitive
25:23 – "Just be water": ultra running mindset and race day focus
28:47 – Inside the World Marathon Challenge: what the start line really feels like
30:41 – Pacific Crest Trail 2026: running 2,670 miles this summer
33:10 – Mike Wardian's dream ultra race: DC to Times Square