Ultra Discussion Thread

Thanks everyone. I'm over the moon with that unexpected result. Some race! Race report has been started, but I lot of typing to be done...

I did sleep.... 4 x 1 hours from the 2nd to the fifth aid station. That worked extremely well for me.

Just to correct, I think the current world record is 85. They're still nearly there. They have now broken the European record which was 82. They've completed 83 and are currently out on 84. Both are running solidly consistent lap times on paper. Looking good for the WR

Following up by reposting something I wrote earlier on FB...

So Keith Russell gets the "assist" at 89 yards/laps, and Merjin is the new world record holder with an incredible 90. The great man himself, Laz, posted some very wise words today which reflected exactly what I was thinking about this result, but with much more eloquence and detail (Laz is a great writer).

The upshot is that Most of the great Backyard winning performances have been from athletes who have previously been the assist. They were stretched to their limit and possibly learned more from reaching their limits than the winner would have.

Keith now has the Irish record, and the second-best ever in the world. But he is also even as we speak arming himself with the learnings of how to become even better. I'm confident he'll be an even more awesome athlete in his future races.

It was so exciting following it all. Considering most sports try to orient themselves to an audience with limited attention spans, it's amazing how a multi-day race pulls in such a widespread passionate following. It's great to see.

Massive congratulations to all the athletes who took part, but in particular to Merjin and Keith for smashing through the previous world record and setting a new standard for everyone else to aspire to.

At this stage, as an old-timer, it's great to see Irish ultrarunning growing and going from strength to strength. In the last year we have seen the 100km, 24 hour, Mizzen to Malin, and Backyard records all broken. And plenty of events are still to come this year!

😁You're a baaaaad man!

Jaysus, imagine if he did though... a gel every 20 minutes. The dental bill would be astronomical!

I have a question regarding Listening to Music during a Ultra, I have done a few 50-60km without music. I also know some events dont allow it.

But planning on going further and considering listening to music to help get though the tough times and training.

What Players / Headphones do people use?

I don't have a suggestion for head phones as I don't use them.

But I think getting through the tough parts without using an aid, such as music, will make things more simple. Can mean you'll also avoid the stress of forgetting your music at a race or your battery running out etc.

One less thing to worry about.

@ThebitterLemon

Doctor says I'm not supposed to listen to them

For that kinda distance it seems like a no brainer to have your phone with you in which case the source or music could be Spotify via mobile phone and Bluetooth. In terms of earphones, aftershockz aeropex are brilliant. Can't fault them. Link to the phone via Bluetooth.

Congrats @Enduro at Wisconsin 🙌

Question for y'all - was recce'ing the Kerry Way Ultra last weekend, lots of wet running. I find I get sores between my toes (at base between them) when running in wet socks for a long time. I presume a bit of vaseline in advance next time will prevent that?

That's great, appreciate the tips. Never occurred to me to try that before!

The gel being off is unlikely - they mostly consist of sugars, which does not go off, and the rest is just in traces which is unlikely to cause issues.

My own stomach doesn't like gels, it gets upset if I take more than 2 or 3, which is why I learned not to rely on gels at all and take different stuff if needed. I'd guess you had a similar reaction. Try out different nutrition options and see what works for you. The stomach is much more sensitive during an ultra than it would be for a marathon and it's always good to have a wide variety of options rather than rely on one single source.

If it happens during the race, forget about motilium or stuff like that, taking medicine is more likely to have a negative effect on your system during a run than a positive one. Drinking water may well have helped, and sometimes it's just a matter of putting your head down and get on with things until you feel better again - everyone feels sh*t during a long race at some point, and it's the way how you deal with the lows that will define your race.

Well done on doing a 90k training run, btw. I'm impressed.

But water will never do what a gel is supposed to do. Maybe try out some alternative drinks/chews/gel brands and see what you like. I don’t like them either, but necessary evil (for most of us, I think enduro is made of different stuff).

I’ve never gone beyond 50k, but I think at ultra pace you have more options than in the shorter races. Ate fruit cake once on a LR. Went down a treat!

Probably a bit early, but has anyone used or have thoughts on the Connemara Ultra training plan http://www.connemarathon.com/18-weeks/ultra.pdf ? I'll be coming off the back of DCM and will also be running Donedea in February. Just wondering how people got on with it.

Nice, appreciate that @Enduro from the master 🙌