Running an ultra is about managing a long day’s journey, not a fast race.
Adapting Your Mindset for Ultra Running
Unlike a marathon where speed often dominates, an ultra marathon is about patience and problem-solving over many hours. You’ll spend a lot of time on your feet, including walking uphill sections, taking in real food, and addressing issues like blisters or fatigue along the way. Success comes from steady progress and managing small challenges rather than pushing hard from the start.
Think of the ultra as a long adventure where completing the course is the main goal, rather than chasing a personal best pace. This mindset helps you stay calm and respond flexibly to whatever the day brings.
Prioritizing Time on Feet Over Distance
In ultra training, accumulating hours on your feet matters more than just covering long distances in one run. Breaking up your long efforts into back-to-back sessions, such as a 4-hour run or hike on Saturday followed by a 3-hour session on Sunday, builds the endurance and resilience your body needs for long hours of continuous movement.
Since most ultras involve a combination of running and fast hiking, it’s important to include hiking in your training with the gear you’ll use on race day. This prepares your legs, tendons, and cardiovascular system for the varied pace and terrain you’ll encounter.
Fine-Tuning Nutrition for Sustained Energy
Eating consistently during an ultra is key to maintaining energy and avoiding bonking. Aim to consume 200–300 calories every hour, focusing on whole foods that are easy to digest. Items like rice cakes, boiled potatoes, bananas, and nut butter are common choices that provide steady fuel without upsetting your stomach.
Practice your nutrition strategy in training so you know what works for you. Staying on top of fueling prevents energy crashes and helps with recovery during the race.
Gear Essentials: Test Everything Early
Equipment selection can make or break your ultra experience. Take time during your long training efforts to test all mandatory and optional gear thoroughly. This includes your hydration pack or vest, trail shoes, clothing layers, and any navigation tools.
Always carry a reliable head torch, even if your race finishes in daylight hours. Unexpected delays or emergencies can leave you navigating in the dark.
Other gear tips:
- Bring blister prevention supplies like tape and spare socks.
- Use gear pockets or pouches that are easy to access while moving.
- Have backup options for nutrition and hydration in case your first choice runs out or causes issues.
Summary
Stepping up from a marathon to an ultra demands changes in mindset, training focus, nutrition, and gear. Concentrate on spending time on your feet with back-to-back long sessions including hiking. Fuel with real, easy-to-digest foods regularly. Test all your equipment well ahead of race day.
By embracing the ultra as a long, steady journey where problem-solving matters more than speed, you’ll set yourself up for not just finishing, but enjoying your first ultra experience.
Racendo supports your race journey with tools to organize every detail, helping keep your focus on running calmly and prepared.