You’ve cracked the marathon distance and everything in between, or so it feels until you discover the craze of ultra running.
Perhaps you’re sitting thinking, “What is an ultramarathon?” Well, the clue’s in the name! Anything over the classic 42.2km, or 26.2 miles, is classed as an ultramarathon.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of running far. Looking at the different formats, pacing and fuelling strategies, we’re hoping to help you get ready for this next big challenge. After all, it’s the preparation that will see you go further than ever before, so let’s look at how to prepare for an ultramarathon.
Different Forms of Ultra-Running
If your first question is “How far is an ultramarathon?”, this is where you’ll realise how much variety is on offer in the sport. There are plenty of distances and races across the world which you’ve likely never heard of before.
1. Distance-specific
The classic race style! Whether it’s a 50km, 100km, or 100-mile-plus run, this is a non-stop run until you make the distance. There’s the same start and finish for all participants.
2. Last Man Standing
1 lap, every hour, on the hour – until only 1 runner remains. Every runner must complete a full lap before the bell rings to start the next. Anyone who doesn’t do so is classed as a DNF and their race is over. The ultimate test of strategy, physical and mental endurance. How long can you keep going?
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Fuelling During Each
1. Nonstop
The marathon, plus a bit more. So yes – Super Gels and Chews are the obvious choices. But once the distance heads past 50km, it’s likely you’re going to need other food to keep you going. Most runners on longer distances tend to wear a hydration vest for carrying ease.
Because the intensity is usually lower than shorter running events, it means eating solid food is actually alot easier to take on board and digest. You may grab an Anytime Bar to eat whilst power walking up a hill, or you might even have a small sandwich at a feed station.
Saving the sports nutrition product to the later stages of an ultra event is often a popular way to tackle these longer distances, and look after the stomach!
2. Time-specific & Last Man Standing
Once the option of even just 5 minutes’ rest gets added into a race, fuelling and planning become a whole different ball game. And not just that! Time for sleep, even just time off your feet, can be the difference between a DNF and the last man standing.
As the hours roll into the night and into new days, it’s not just sport nutrition products you’ll be needing. From rice to potatoes to plain white pasta – we’ve seen it all at ultras! The longer you’re moving for, the higher the chance of your taste buds actually change, or seem to anyway. A mixture of savoury and sweet is necessary; trust us! Think Duo Bars for a high carb but easy to digest option, and have a few Mini Anytime Bars close by for morale boosts. Our main bit of advice is try anything and everything during training; find out what works well for you. Variety will be your ultimate ally come race day, and having a plan will take a lot of stress away.
Don’t Forget Hydration
Even if it’s midnight, cold and damp, hydration is non-negotiable for any run, especially late on in an ultra.
Did you know as little as 2% dehydration can negatively affect your performance, and concentration too?
With Hydro Tabs, you’re making sure to continue replenishing your electrolytes. Consuming fluids with electrolytes in actually helps your body uptake the fluid better than just water alone. It can also helps keep cramps at bay.
We’d recommend taking onboard 500ml of fluid per hour. Sipping little and often is key, and don’t wait for thirst to kick in as thats a sign that dehydration has already kicked in.
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Products We Wouldn’t Run An Ultra Without
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