Ultras aren’t easy. But with good information, they’re manageable and totally rewarding when you complete one. And I am talking about just completing it, not racing it. There’s a big difference, and I would recommend anyone attempting their first to work on being smart and getting through it while having a good experience before attempting to get out and really see how fast you can blaze a trail.
Here’s some advice I’ve received since then that could help a few of you working toward that first ultra or any long race this year.
Training
You cant train for a 3km run when you have to run 50km race. Obvious, right? What I mean is that if you’re trying to do your first ultra, don’t just go do it. Put that goal as the focus of your training for 6-12 months and make sure you’ve worked out all the kinks—nutrition, gear, long runs, hill climbing, etc. Training towards an Ultra is allot and it means long hours spent on trianing runs. Get them done, find a friend and traing together, its easier when someone is just as accountable as you. Follow a plan. There are some great training plans available for Ultras. Follow it and do the distance.
Food
What can keep you from getting through an Ultra, however, is your nutrition and/or lack of a good nutrition plan. Your long runs and workouts are the perfect opportunity to try out different foods, gels, and electrolytes to see what works and what doesn’t. Before your race, have a solid plan outlined and follow it during the race. There is normally lots of food availble on well organise Ultra Marathons. Make sure when you run that you eat some of it.
Back-to-Backs
A key element to a good ultra training plan is a back-to-back long run about every week. Weekend long runs are there for a reason. Normally look at a 2 hour run on a Saturday and then a 2 hour run Sunday depending on when your Ultra is. Closer to the Ultra then try a 32km and next day 21km.
