Ultramarathons

Training for my first ultra-marathon has been a transformative journey, full of valuable lessons and unexpected joys. From embracing early bedtimes to prioritizing recovery baths, I've learned to balance a demanding schedule with the physical and mental demands of ultra training. If you're considering this incredible challenge, prepare for an adventure that will test and reward you in ways you never imagined. 

You will be tired a lot of the time.

• Training for an ultra puts your body through a lot. Coupled with a demanding job, a 9pm bedtime became non-negotiable for me to be able to perform well.
• Recovery baths with Epsom salts on weekends have been essential, along with yoga sessions after my long runs so I can still (just about) touch my toes.

You will need to change your diet - protein is your friend.

• Following a 90% vegetarian diet, I struggled to get enough protein. Protein shakes have helped me feel fuller for longer and aid recovery. The best (or least bad tasting) ones I've found are from Form and Huel Black Vanilla flavor.
• While I love baked goods, I didn’t want to rely on them post-runs. Greek yogurt with berries and some peanut butter became a handy go-to snack.

You can’t do it all. And that’s OK.

• You’ll miss social events, have to go easy on the booze, and prioritize early bedtimes over watching the latest Netflix craze since you'll need to squeeze in long runs before work.
• I stripped down my daily life to work, exercise, and rest/chill time. After long runs, weekends left me exhausted, so I only arranged a few low-key social events. It’s not forever, and my friends have been really supportive of my goals.
• As your training progresses, your body adapts and it does get easier.

It pays to make your runs more enjoyable:

• Listen to podcasts you love.
• Go on runs with friends, your partner, or a family member.
• End your long weekend runs somewhere great. Gails Dulwich has been a staple and has taken an embarrassing amount of my paycheck every month.
• Make sure you mix it up!

You don’t need to stick rigidly to the training plan.

• Strength training twice a week has been a key component of my regimen.
• I also use a Peloton bike for cross-training.
• In my opinion, my dedication to strength training was one of the key reasons I was OK on race day and I’ve been able to stay injury-free.

Your body will change.

• Your feet, for starters, will suffer (I’ve lost three toenails and counting). I look at them fondly as battle scars (and thankfully, I have a very good local pedicure spot!).
• My legs and core have never been stronger!

Gear I found really helpful:

• A range of trainers, including cushioned ones and good trail shoes.
• A running vest is KEY. I highly recommend the Salomon vest for its options to carry fluids in a camel pack as well as bottles, plus lots of pockets for snacks.
• Good running socks - your feet go through a lot. Treat them well.
• Epsom salts - as mentioned, they became part of my post-long run ritual every weekend.
• Snacks you enjoy and can eat while running - I refused to ‘endure’ taking on that many calories with things I didn’t enjoy eating. This should be something you look forward to on your runs so find fuel that you like to eat!! 
• Running sunglasses - they might be a placebo, but they make me feel like I look the part.

On race day…

(FYI, I did Race to the Kings - a 50km coastal loop and could not recommend it more to anyone trying out an ultra for the first time.)

The saying is so true: If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.

Remember to enjoy the experience! 

• Ultras have much less of a time pressure compared to road races I’ve done previously, and for good reason. You are already superhuman for tackling a distance of this magnitude—you don’t need to prove anything else.

Enjoy your surroundings!

• Most ultras are set in epic scenery, and there were several times we just stopped to take in the view, snap a pic, and then crack on!

The community will carry you.

• I absolutely loved how friendly everyone was. People were chatting with one another, the volunteers were incredibly supportive, and while the route wasn’t packed with crowds, the pockets of people cheering us on felt much more personal and truly spurred me on.

For anyone who I’ve convinced to sign up for an ultra, GOOD LUCK!! It’s such an incredible experience and something you will look back on in later years with immense pride.

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Believe it or not, running and training for an ultramarathon can be fun if you do it properly.  For runners that are used to speed work and PBs, it’ll be time for some mental adjustment: ultra running is all about being slow and steady and conquering the infamous wall - multiple times.  Follow these 7 tips and you’ll find yourself loving the freedom you get from long-distance running.

Find your next Ultra Marathon

1. Time > Distance

Instead of planning your training around distances, plan it around time.  Preparing for an ultramarathon is all about getting used to spending many hours on your feet.  Scratch out the 25k run from your Sunday schedule, and put in a 3-hour session instead. You can hike or walk part of it if you need to, but make sure you keep moving for the full time.

2. Cross train

Spending so many hours on your legs each week will increase your risk of injury. Reduce this risk by adding some cross-training sessions into your calendar. This can be a morning swim or a bike ride - anything that keeps your heart rate going without pounding your legs. It’ll strengthen other muscles and allow your running muscles to recover while maintaining your cardio training.  One yoga session per week will also work wonders.

3. Train on trails

Most ultramarathons are not on flat ground, so make sure you train accordingly.  Running on trails will use muscles in your legs you didn’t even know existed, and you’ll find yourself with aches on the sides of your calves and your inner thighs. If you don’t live near trails, spend one of your training sessions each week in the gym doing some targeted leg exercises or climbing on the stair machine.  

4. Rest & Recover

Increasing your mileage will take its toll on your body, so make sure you’re adjusting your sleep schedule and nutritional intake accordingly. Sleep is critical for injury prevention and muscle recovery, so rather than cutting your sleep time by two hours to get a running session in before work, make sure you are going to bed two hours earlier. Within 40 minutes of the end of your long runs, eat or drink some protein to aid with muscle recovery. 

5. Become friends with the wall

Running for 6+ hours at a time means hitting the infamous wall will be inevitable. In fact, you’ll probably hit it multiple times. Become friends with it. It’s very important during an ultra run that you stay positive - it’s impossible to go that long without feeling tired and ready to stop, but knowing that it will get better (which it always does) can be a very powerful motivator.  Once you’re through the dark patch, life will feel great again. Anton Krupicka, Leadville 100 winner and all-round epic ultramarathon runner, says: “If you're NOT having fun that doesn't mean that you're failing. You're just building character.”

6. Water and food and water and food

During long runs, it’s critical to keep eating and drinking. It doesn’t matter what you eat; everybody’s body reacts differently - find a food that doesn’t make you feel sick when you’re running. For some people, that is gels, and, for others, it’s a full-on BLT sandwich. Slow-release carbs and salty foods to replenish salt lost in sweat will be especially useful. 

7. Slow is king

Start as slow as possible, and then go even slower. You’ll have plenty of time to speed up 50km into the run if you’re feeling good. Remember that you’re in it for the long-haul, so lace up, take it easy and enjoy the ride. Finding a running companion can transform your enjoyment of a long run.

If you're new to trail running, but you're wanting some beginner training tips before giving it a try, we've got Simon James, the founder of Run the Wild, to answer all the key questions. Simon is an experienced trail runner, having completed some of the world's most prestigious multi-day ultra marathon events, including the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc and the Marathon des Sables. Beyond Run the Wild, he also organises charity projects in the UK and Tanzania. 

Discover Trail Running Events

Why do trail running?

Trail running is probably one of the most liberating sports out there. The total freedom of stepping off the pavement and onto countryside footpaths is an experience that everyone should try at least once. I grew up running trails as a child. Living in the remote areas of South Wales with no public transport or even street lights in our village, running on trails was part of my everyday life, just a quick way to catch up with my friends at the beach or getting home in time for dinner.

Roads and pavements in towns are getting busier as more people live and work in urban areas, particularly London. This, combined with the increased popularity of running and cycling to and from work as well as at lunch times, makes for busy pavements. If you are tired of running the same old route or losing your mojo to pound the streets, perhaps it’s time to have a look at trail running to escape the crowds and get back to the true freedom running provides.

Where to try trail running?

The route options are limitless and all within just a few hours from London; from the wild areas around London, like the Chilterns and South Downs to the Alps in France. The key thing is to have an adventure and really enjoy your running.  Don’t forget that over 80% of the UK is considered to be ‘rural’, so you may be surprised at how near you are to finding some trails. Even if it requires some effort to get there, it is certainly worth your time.

Is trail running good for you?

There are many health benefits to trail running: improved plyometrics (speed-strength) and proprioception (sense of body position), stronger core, and less impact on joints. It’s also a very easy way of burning calories whilst having fun! But preparation for trail running is just as important as heading off on the roads or track. Building up core strength as well as overall strength conditioning is key to remaining injury free and getting the most out of your runs.

Getting into trail running is easier than you may think and a countryside path, or trail around a city park is a good place to start. These changeable surfaces can build up strength and refine your technique, avoiding the more repetitive actions of road running.

Trail running can also be a stimulating, 3-dimensional experience. Watching out for the different surfaces, steep ups and downs, the scenery, the peace and quiet, all add to an experience that is both mentally and physically challenging.

What are the challenges of trail running?

Within the world of trail running, it’s not always about speed or distance -sometimes the terrain itself or height gained is challenge enough. But it really does offer something for everyone, whether you’ve never even walked a footpath or you are aspiring to run a mountainous 100 miler.

Having been fortunate enough to race as well as take on some personal challenges in many of the mountainous areas of the globe, or indeed climbing I find that many of the highlights of my life have been found right there. There are many races, from club cross-country runs, fell runs, ultra runs and everything in between. Each of them provide their own challenges, but are equally rewarding in their own way. 

Nutrition: What to eat on a trail run

Eating right is such a big focus in society whether you are involved in sport or not. Nutrition is a key element in remaining strong and focused for the trail ahead as well as helping your body recover post run. Hydration and salt replenishment is particularly key on longer runs.

If you want to get more out of your run then take some healthy snacks, such as flapjacks, nuts, and salty snacks such as crisps and salted peanuts for the route. These will help you keep focused as well as maximise the quality of your run.

Flapjacks and trail mix (a mix between sweet and savoury snacks) include complex and simple carbs, fats, and protein, which are great for providing and storing energy as well as repairing muscles. You can make these at home to suit your own needs, save money, and avoid using excessive packaging. If you can't make your own, then consider buying local and fresh where possible.

After your run, the current school of thought recommends refuelling within 20 minutes, which can often speed up recovery by a few days!

What extra kit is needed for trail running?

Key bits of kit for running trails in the UK are: trail shoes, waterproof jacket, lightweight running pack or vest (to pop in some food and water) and a head torch for dark evenings!

Some of the well-worn footpaths in the English countryside can be run simply with road trainers but as soon as the terrain becomes wet or rough, then trail shoes are definitely worth investing in, even arguably essential. There are many options, each with their own advantages.

Kit for trail running has become a very large market as endeavours become more challenging and those at the sharp end seek out more challenging environments. The wealth of experience at Run the Wild can help give you some guidance on what to buy from navigational tools to head torches.

How do you prepare for a trail run?

By stepping off the asphalt and onto the trails you will need to prepare a bit more for the run ahead. What’s the weather going to be like? When will it get dark? How technical is the route and how long will you be out for? Consequently, preparation is key.

You will need to learn new skills, like navigation, and also spend a little bit of time doing your homework on what the route ahead will entail. Then you'll need to decide the amount of food to pack and weather to bring a warm layer and head torch. But this is one of the many reasons which make trail running much more exciting than road running, as it’s by its very nature an adventure!

Trail running is running in its truest and most natural sense, the adventure and the outdoors bring together so many aspects that make this sport so rewarding and it’s much easier to get involved than you may have at first thought. So, take a step on the wild side, you might like it!

What is Run the Wild?

There are plenty of trail running events across the UK and indeed the world. But there is another option too, why not head to the trails without racing? Run the Wild is the UK and Europe’s premier running holiday company. Set apart from races, it’s purely about running adventures. It takes a less pressured approach, helping people to rediscover the spirit of adventure within in a team, running wild places and along the way learning about trail running techniques and the environment. (“Exploring places… not running races.”) 

Find a Run the Wild Adventure