Ultramarathon advice

[Big Bad Baz]

it's nearly all in the mind , big bad baz, the training is the hard bit, u HAVE to run no matter what the weather or commitments, means less beer (shame) but u cant do both, well i can't. The 'race ' is great cos like fell races, peolple help each other, share food , water etc. I carried a blokes rucksack cos he was jiggered for a while. I guess it's more , will i finish, not what time. I'll never win a fell race but i love the whole ultra and only if off road, i'd never do a track 24 hr that would be too hard.

24 hrs on a track? I think id lose the will to live.

Ive read several stories as i said before about this and the impression i get is that there is something almost spiritual (eek...i dive for cover..and i promise you im not religious..) about running these sort of distances.

I would wonder how many people have only done 1 ultra?

I say this because thay seem to be quite addictive? Wether it is the camaraderie or possibly how much you learn about yourself when trotting through the early hours?

I found them quite compelling and inspiring accounts.

[JohnK]

Thanks AT i have already given up the beer in preparation for the WHW my diet is changing and yes i do train regardless of the weather, in fact i hope to put in a 30 miler tomorrow, probably all low level as opposed to my favored choice of the tops of the lakeland fells, as i figure the mileage my suffer if there is wet snow or ice on the tops, and at the moment i think mileage is paramount.

The WHW will not be my first Ultra but it will be the first that i run with a target time in mind and that i will have trained specifically for, i.e i want to get it right.

The mental aspect of ultra running is also in my training program as i believe that if i am convinced that my training is right then come 0100 hrs at Milngavie my focus will be 100% and it should stay that way as long as i know that everything from shoes, nutrition,hydration etc etc has all been tried and tested.

Sorry if i ramble on a bit but i would like to provoke input from anybody that feels they can add something.

Incidentally if the WHW goes to plan i have penciled in a BGR in august depending on recovery etc.

Thanks for the comments to date, keep them coming.

[Big Bad Baz]

Best of luck John.

Come on-there are plenty of you out there who can give him some good advice?

[johnnybike]

When does a long race end and an ultra start?

[JohnK]

When does a long race end and an ultra start?

Anything above 26.2 miles i believe.

[johnnybike]

Well I must have been an Ultrarunner at some time whooooo whooooo
I am thinking of doing the Bullock Smithy in Sept again so at 56 miles that will definititely count.

[Denzil]

I've long held the opinion that doing the longer stuff is more fun than the shorter races. Finishing the events is where the satisfaction comes in. After all, if you are like me you will never be able to do a sub 38 10k, but can you push yourself to keep going to do 30, 40, 50, 60 miles. The answer is YES. It is all mental when it comes to middle of the night and you're cold and wet and tired. But when the sun rises and you hear the first birds, the feeling of exhilaration is amazing.
Start slow, walk the ups, jog the downs and flats, eat and drink plenty. Dont stay too long at the CP's. And when you feel its hurting, think of your loved ones and smile.
Good luck to you.

[runningfool]

Thanks AT i have already given up the beer in preparation for the WHW

Going a bit dangerously overboard there surely?

Tim

[JohnK]

Going a bit dangerously overboard there surely?

Tim

Nope don`t think so i wan`t to hit my goal on this, i will do a bit of catching up as soon as i hit Fort Bill

Thanks for the tips Denzil probably meet you at the bullock Smithy.

[Denzil]

Thanks for the tips Denzil probably meet you at the bullock Smithy.

Bullock Smithy is on the agenda as part of the Montrail Series. If you get chance go and do the Wuthering Hike too. It would be good prep ! Its also organised by our illustrious moderator/administrator, Brett !!