What does no one tell you about running an ultra marathon? What are the less obvious items you can take or do, to help you manage and enjoy the experience - and finish? This blog was written after talking to people that have actually entered and finished an ultra marathon. Some of the tips are not for the faint of heart. We want to answer the questions you might be too scared to ask, especially if you’re female.
What is An Ultramarathon?
First things first. What exactly is an ultra marathon?
An ultra marathon is any race longer than a marathon, which is 42km (26 miles). The most common distances are 50k and 100k, and 50 miles and 100 miles. There are also 24 hour ultramarathons, where the distance is unlimited, and multi-day ultras, which take place over several days.
So, if you enter an ultramarathon, where will you be running?
Ultramarathons can take place in the city, but often they take place off-road, in the countryside, over mountains, or even in the desert.
Because of the length of time you are moving, the distance you cover, and the difficult terrain you will negotiate, ultramarathons are the ultimate test of mental and physical endurance.
Now, let’s get down to it.
Tip #1: Prepare Well in Advance.
You will need a stringent training plan to prepare you for long distance running. Also, consider talking to someone with experience of ultramarathon running to find out exactly what’s involved in terms of:
Navigation. How good do you need to be at reading a map? What technology can help you? Garmin or Apple watch, which is best….?
The Race: Which ultramarathon should you choose? Discuss the practicalities: how far in advance should you get there, how well is the route marked out, how hilly is it, etc?
Tip #2: Don’t Miss Any Instructions.
For some events, the race organisers will send you a kit list, and will CHECK you have everything before you are allowed to start the race. This is for your own safety. Most of the items on the kit list will be obvious; for example, drinking water, snacks, waterproofs, sun cream, and head torch. You might also need to follow specific instructions, such as collecting a tracker and attaching it to your kit. Take care to check you have everything you are asked to bring, and you know what you need to do - and send an email to the race organisers if you're not sure.
Tip #3: Look After Your Feet.
Trim your toe nails the night before the race. Cut them as short as possible, but be careful not to cut them too short or the tips of your toes will feel raw and become sore when they rub against your trainers. Invest in good socks to protect you from blisters. Also, if you think you will need them, you can get trail running gaiters to stop rocks and debris from getting into your shoes.
Tip #4: Carry Spare Socks.
Don’t forget at least one pair of spare socks; take more if the conditions are likely to be wet. You can pack your spare socks inside out. When you stop to change them, you can roll them on, which may be easier than tugging them on aching feet with tired arms.
Tip #5: Carry a Small Bottle of Talcum Powder.
When you stop at an aid station to change your socks, sprinkle the talc liberally on your feet to absorb moisture, freshen up your feet, and prevent chafing and blisters.
Tip #6: Pack an Anti-Chafing Product.
Talking of chafing, it’s not just toes and feet that rub and become sore. Anywhere that is subject to friction can become chafed. That includes inner thighs, inner arms, and any area where skin touches skin, or clothing or running gear rubs against skin. Carry an anti-chafing stick or Vaseline in your backpack to target raw areas fast.
Tip #7: Don’t Be Scared To Wild Wee - And Poo.
Consider that you might need to answer the call of nature. Although there may be portaloos at the aid stations, they might be unusable or occupied. Or, you might need to relieve yourself between aid stations.
You should always clean up after yourself; leave nothing behind. So if you’re caught short, you need to either bury it or pick it up in a bag and carry it with you until you can dispose of it in the next bin.
Consider purchasing a mini trowel, pocket trowel, or backpacking trowel to carry in your kit in case you need to dig a hole. And, carry dog waste bags or scented nappy bags in your backpack, as well as a length of toilet tissue.
Weeing isn’t too much a problem; ladies, you’ll get the hang of it.
Tip #8: Ladies, Be Prepared.
On the topic of weeing, if you have a weak bladder, you might want to wear a pantyliner and take spares, or wear the absorbent pants you can buy.
You can get absorbent pants for leaks, and you can get special period pants for the time of the month. In this Women’s Health article, women who used period pants said they don’t budge when exercising, and provide a close fit under gym leggings. Period knickers are reported to be soft, snug, comfortable, stretchy, breathable, moisture wicking, and provide full coverage and protection from leaks.
Tip #9: Carry First Aid Essentials.
Consider that painkillers like Ibuprofen will help to target any pain you want to keep at bay as you near the end of your race. And diarrhoea relief tablets could make the difference between you having to quit, or finishing your race with dignity.
Tip #10: Get Your Ultra Marathon Running Kit Organised.
Dry bags are small waterproof bags that you can use to keep things separate inside your backpack. When you want to locate an item fast, it will be easier to find what you want, and there’s less stuff bobbing about loose in your rucksack.
If you want to run an ultra, get in touch with us. You can join us for a longer run as part of your training plan and talk to us about our plans for our next long distance race. We’d love for you to join us!
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