how did you train for your first ultra run?

Okay, ultra runners, I'm sure you get this question a lot (possibly the most common question?), but tell us about your first ultra race/run (distances beyond marathon). And what you did to prepare for it. Or maybe a better or follow-up question, if you DNF'd your first one, how did you train for your first *completed* 50 or 100 miler. Either way...

Feel free to expound on your strategies, ie, what worked for you regarding walking vs running, food, training distance or time, etc.

My first ultra was a 50 Miler I did off marathon training. I did alright, ran very conservatively early on and finished strong.

You make it sound so easy! Do you think most people could do 50 miles off marathon training? (I'm assuming you meant road marathon training) Surely it would depend on how difficult or hilly the 50 miler was ...

It wasn't hard. It was an easy course (Sunmart near Houston) and I was just looking to finish. I think most people could do it if they are doing serious marathon training. Here five years later I've got a considerably higher standard so I train specifically for the race I want to do.