20/10/2014
Things no one tells you before you run an ultra-marathon
1. Ultra-marathons are easier and better for you than marathons
OK, you might not agree when you're looking at the things you used to call feet after your first 100-miler. But a 30-mile ultra-marathon on undulating, soft terrain at a gentle pace won't batter your body – especially joints – in the same repetitive way as 26.2 miles on flat, brutal tarmac (the surface that's harshest on your body).
Also, varied terrain gives your body more of an all-over workout, recruiting and strengthening more muscles. And there's the mental side. Numerous studies show how incredibly good for us nature is and exercising in natural surroundings feeds into our biophilia effect – our innate desire to be connected to nature and its ability to lift us psychologically.
You're likely to feel better after your first ultra-marathon than you did after your first marathon. In fact, I promise you will.
2. They're just eating contests really
Ultra-marathons are “eating and drinking contests with a little exercise and scenery thrown in", says Christopher McDougall in the Fever Pitch of running, Born To Run. As you'll be exercising for six hours or so, your body will need plenty of fuel, which simply means you can stuff your cakehole all day long.
Events try to outdo each other with lavishness of the aid station buffets. Expect cakes, flapjacks, crisps, sweets, soup, pasta, pizza, stews, curry, pork pies, rice puddings, fruit, ham sandwiches, pancakes (hungry yet?), more cakes, teas, coffees – even, sometimes, beer.
3. You can run really slowly
In ultra-marathons the tortoise beats the hare. The key to covering 40 miles without collapsing in a heap is taking your time. As no one in your office knows what a good time is for a 40-miler, clock-watching and PBs are largely forgotten. Though people race hard at the front, most just relax, enjoy the views, socialise, and eat a lot of cake. It's amazing what your body can do given half a chance.
4. Walking is basically encouraged
Here's the secret: most ultra-marathon runners walk a lot. Uphills tend to be walked to preserve leg muscles. Plus it can all get a bit tiring, so after six hours of running, a walking break is not only understandable but advisable. As you'll be up in the hills somewhere, there's no crowd to mock you for taking a breather.
5. You can even use trekking poles
It's a bit controversial and some races don't allow them, but poles can help your posture and muscle preservation. Every race also has a mandatory kit list, usually including a map, compass, phone, first aid, spare clothes, food and drink, so while you may feel a bit like you're back in Boy Scouts, it's heaven for kit collectors.
6. You don't need to train all that hard
For shorter races you can get by on running 30-35 miles a week, with two or three weeks nearer 45-50 miles. Most ultra runners train much as they would for a marathon, but make the long run a little longer, or run some back-to-backs (a longer run, followed by another the next day).
7. It's mental
Some say completing an ultra-marathon is 50 per cent in the mind, others say it's as much as 90 per cent. Either way, it's much more about your levels of determination than about the size of your muscles.
8. You'll probably cry though
Over several events, you'll probably experience chafing (Vass those nips! And maybe your bathing suit area), tummy trouble, hallucinations and lose a few toe nails (badges of honour). It's not uncommon for ultra runners to cry – although not because of the pain they're in. Going without sleep can run emotions raw; couple this with the euphoria of completing a challenge you didn't know you were capable of, and it's easy to trigger the waterworks.
The finish line of an ultra can look like the Brazilian football team crashing out of the World Cup.
9. You'll make lots of friends
Being on the ultra circuit can be a bit like travelling the world solo. You're out there all alone, having a brilliant time, but it's a shame not to share the best bits with someone. And while it may seem like a solitary pursuit, long distance running actually makes you feel very social. You have to concentrate on the terrain underfoot so much that you spent more time in the moment than usual, which has the effect of making you happier and more talkative.
Making new friends is inevitable and you'll be swapping life stories before you know it. Just try to befriend runners with good navigation skills.
10. Just don't mention the Marathon des Sables
Ultra runners are a massively welcoming bunch. But if there's one thing most of them can be snobby about it's the incredibly expensive, more-famous-than-it-deserves-to-be, not all that demanding comparatively, Marathon des Sables. There are many, many, many more spectacular, impressive, interesting and demanding events around. It's like asking a skilled mountaineer if they've ever climbed Everest (most don't even want to).
