Ultra Marathon Advice

Odysseus

Hi All,


I am training for a ultra marathon at the end of June. Its 100k in total, so far my longest run has been 50k, 60k at the end of next week. I am finding hard to get resources on the web for this type of running. Plenty of advice on marathons but nothing beyond this. Does anyone here know of any resources or have any advice please? Cheers.

justsomebloke

sorry i have no advise as such, but if you are having problems with pure ultra marathon you may want to look up ironman tri training. Although the run section is only a basic marathon it will give you basics tips of traing for ultra long events but more importantanly it will give you tips on what nutrients and when you should be taking on board and when which would be a major part in something that long. Good luck anyway

Gillo

Try reading the marathon tips 4 times that should cover the distance!!!

On a more serious note, the main tip I remember hearing was that alot of people try to train their bodies to run on less water, this won't work you need to keep hydrated.

good luck with it man, alwaqys wanted to try something like that.

Odysseus

Cheers thanks to both of you for your replies, I'll check out the ironman stuff. It not that I'm having any specific problems, and I am happy with the way the training is going. Its just that I'm making it up as I go along through a process of trail and error! Thanks again

StaggerLee

Found this - http://www.google.com/Top/Sports/Running/Trail_Running/Ultramarathon/

Are running in an event?

thetrickykid

Have you tried the Runners World Uk website? You're bound to find someone in the Forums there that can help you out.

Transform

www.runnersworld.com

Better than uk version and use the free smart coach feature where it creates a program based on distance and time you want to run

What are you drinking during the runs and eating after?

Odysseus

Hi thanks for the web addresses I'll check them out. To answer Staggerlee's question, its an organised run the lapland ultramarathon. I've got sixteen hours to finish in, last years winner done it in under nine hours! I'm hoping to finish somewhere between fourteen and sixteen hours. Cheers.

StaggerLee

When is the run? What kind of training have you been doing for it? you're talking 9.5 minute miles for a hundred miles? Jumpin Jaysis. Or is it Kilometers... even so :eek:

Have you ran any marathons?

Odysseus

Hi Staggerlee. The run is on the 30 June/1 July in lapland, Its 24 hour sunlight there at that time, so the race starts at 22.00. So far my normal week is two 12k runs and 30 to 40 long run. Each month I up it ten k for one run, last month was 50k so its 60k this month. So by the race I'll be up to 80k. During these runs I run for 50 min walk ten, and repeat that. That means that I has slowed down my 20k pace to two hours, then I rest for 30 mins, and go again. Done some marathons. If your interested search for Lapland ultramarathon. Sorry don't have web address on this computer. Cheers.

Enduro

There are two regularly shceduled Ultras in Ireland that you could use for warmup and race practice. You've just missed the Connemara Ultra. The Wicklow 50km trail race is on this saturday. Have a look at www.imra.ie for details. You can enter on the day. It starts at Johnny Foxes at 10:00. It would be very good for you to practice running ultra distances in a competitive situation.

I'm an ultrarunner (I've done 2 100Kms, amongst other things). Your training schedule sounds pretty good to me. There isn't very much info on training for ultras on the web compared to other distances. There are one or two good sites, but I don't have the links to hand. Long Slow Distance is what Ultra training usually involves.

By far the most important aspect to ultrarunning, imho, is to be able to pace yourself at a slow enough speed to complete the distance right from the very start. Going slightly too fast early in a race will usually result in a DNF. (thats why its good to practice restraining yourself to your optimal pace in a race)

Odysseus

Hi cheers for that Enduro, Its a pity that I can't make the 50k on Saturday, but at least I'm aware of those races now. I did'nt know of any ultras in Ireland.

Thanks for the advice, I felt that things were going ok, but when you have not resources to fall back it can lead to a sense of uncertainity. I'm doing the Belfast marathon at the end of the month as part of my training, so at least I've go that to work on.

To answer Transfom's question re food and drink, when running I just drink loads of water, filling up my bottle during my rest breaks. I have tried those power bar gels and one called carbo gel by Lucozade, but I found a mars bar and some glucose tabs during my ten mins walking pace to be better. If I'm dehydrated after a run I talk some dioralyte to some that out.

Cheers for the help.