![]() Running ultra marathons can be a rewarding feeling. Ultra races are rarely canceled due to inclement weather. Being out on a course that long leaves you at greater risk for exposure to elements. You will also want to have layers of clothing on you or in a drop bag when racing an ultra distance. You will want a hydration pack or handheld water bottle, as many trail ultra races are now cup less to help preserve the trails. Instead of your typical racing flat or road shoe, the trail shoes have multi-directional lugs on the bottom to help get traction in the dirt, mud, snow, and any type of trail terrain. The type of terrain and gear used when running ultras is also a big change from marathons. ![]() Getting in calories is a must to keep you going strong. Instead of just water or sports drink with an occasional energy gel, the ultra aid stations are stocked with many food items from candies, to hamburgers, potatoes, and soups. 300 calories at a 30 hour time cutoff means you will need to consume close to 9,000 calories to keep your body going! The aid stations will look a little different than typical marathon aid stations to accommodate these needs. You will need between 200-300 calories per hour when running an ultra distance. You just need to successfully complete that time on your feet.Īnother big change from marathon to ultra marathon distances are nutritional needs. It does not matter how many miles you go in that 6 hour run time. For example, for a long run weeks before a 50 miler, you will need a 6 hour training run. When working on a training plan, it is best to run for time and not focus so much on distance. Managing your time and taking care of your feet can make all the difference. A 100 mile ultra marathon has cut off time of 30 hours. A marathon cut off time on a course is usually 6 hours. The biggest difference and challenge is time on your feet. There are a few things to consider when moving from marathon to ultra distances. Ultra races are largely done on trail, but some are done on road as well. Ultra distances come in many different distances and terrains. By definition, an ultra marathon is any distance greater than the 26.2 mile marathon distance. The more time you spend sitting or standing still means you are losing the forward momentum to keep going.Crossing the finish line of a marathon often leaves distance runners to question, “What’s next?” Many distance runners consider ultra marathon distances after successfully completing the marathon. Keep Moving ForwardĪ body in motion, stays in motion, right? Resist the urge to linger at aid stations too long. When a negative thought pops up, replace it with a positive one. Having positive mantras on repeat, even when you are feeling good, will keep you mentally in the race. The physical side of running is tough, but the mental side is what's going to get you across the finish line. Repeat Your Positive Mantras Throughout the Race-Even When You Are Feeling Good You'll probably feel better in a few miles. Assess the situation (usually it's an eating or nutrition issue), and take care of it. Don't feel like the race is over as soon as you start to feel poorly. The good thing about the distance in an ultra is that it's long enough to feel good again after feeling bad. You Will Cycle Through Feeling Good and Not-So-Good Multiple Times There are so many factors that go into your race day pace, like elevation, trail conditions, weather, and terrain that it's best to go by the effort you are putting out rather than what your GPS watch says. Keep up with your nutrition plan for the duration. The last thing you need is to bonk a few miles from the finish line. ![]() Eat early, eat often and don't stop eating/drinking in the later miles because you think you are almost done. Don't be tempted to change things up when you hear some other runners talking about their nutrition plan. Finding what works for you prior to race day will help eliminate any surprises. Stick With Your Hydration/Nutrition Planĭuring your training, practice your hydration/nutrition plan. Decide prior to the race if you will be using your own nutrition or hitting up the fuel provided. Most races also list what will be available for nutrition and hydration at each station. Knowing how far apart the aid stations are from each other will help you plan if you need to use a hydration vest, a handheld bottle or strictly rely on course aid.
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